BMW Convertible Concept Likely Previews Z4 Successor

BMW and Toyota fans alike have waited eagerly for any updates on the forthcoming Z5/Supra sports car developed jointly by the two automakers. We’ve only seen the sports car in camouflaged, test-mule form as it underwent testing on the Nürburgring, but that might be about to change.

Thanks to a teaser from BMW, we’re getting our first glance at an open-air concept that likely previews the German-Japanese roadster ahead of its debut at this year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Additionally, the striking Concept 8 Series BMW showed in May at the 2017 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este will be making its first appearance on North American soil at Pebble Beach.

Don’t get too worked up – regardless of what it looks like, it’s still a concept. Still, this might be our first peek at what the two automakers have been working on for a few years now, and serves as a solid preview of what we can expect to see. Purists hoping for a back-to-basics, stripped-down, simplified sports car will likely be disappointed, considering reports have emerged predicting a hybrid powertrain and an automatic transmission as the only drivetrain option.

As much as we’d like to believe this is the successor to the Z4, there’s a chance it isn’t. It could also be an 8 Series convertible concept. An i8 drop-top has been in development for a while, though this car’s proportions seem to hint at a front-engine layout. Look for more information closer to the car’s debut in August.

Source: BMW

 

The post BMW Convertible Concept Likely Previews Z4 Successor appeared first on Motor Trend.

from Motor Trend http://ift.tt/2vcrL02