Perhaps the most interesting news of this Germanic trio, it seems BMW is working on a replacement for the funky-looking M3 Coupe.
Even more interesting, however, is the name change that is rumoured to occur. You can forget getting mixed up with the M3 from the 3-series and M3 Couple from the Z-series, as BMW insiders are calling the new model the Z5.
BMW Z5
From the “clothes off” shot you can see that the Z5 has a slight resemblance to the 2003 Dodge Viper SRT-10. Is it a coincidence that BMW’s new head of design is Chris Bangle, an American?
The new look is a similar in profile (side-on) to the upcoming BMW Z4, yet the front-end of the Z5 is quite different, going for a less ‘bulgy’ and more angular look.
The two-door coupe is currently in the testing phase, as you can tell from the black disguises used on photos 2 and 3. No word on a release date as yet, but surprisingly, word is it will emerge sooner rather than later.
The 500Nm model will be a lark
Sharing components of the upcoming Z4, the Z5 is also likely to borrow many elements from the X Coupé concept, such as tail lights.
Furthermore, the next generation coupe is expected to be one of these ultra-light performance cars, somewhat similar to a Lotus Elise, for instance. As such, we can expect seminal handling and feedback from this rear-wheel driver.
Sure, it won’t come close to the Elise’s mind-boggling 710kg mass, but in using aluminium, and even kevlar for areas such as the door panels, boot and bonnet, the new Beemer is expected to weigh in at around 1000kg.
Ultra-light, the Z5 should handle like a dream
While you may be wondering why this is such a big deal, considering your average Honda Civic weighs only a few kilos more, how many Civic’s boast a power output of 164kW? Well, admittedly the Civic Type R does come close…
The 164kW figure will arrive courtesy of a 3.0-litre BMW mill, an inline six-cylinder to be exact. More interesting, however, is the speculation that the BMW M5’s engine will be transplanted into the Z5’s spacious engine bay.
This would make for a seriously fast rear-wheel drive coupe, as this 5.0-litre V8 engine is highly tuned for a rather tasty 298kW @ 6600rpm. Likewise, 500Nm of torque is quite a bit of twist, and you can bet there’ll be a fair amount of Formula One technology in there as well.