BMW Z9

BMW Z9

BMW Z9, which will probably feature two seats and a mid-engine layout. In terms of engine options, BMW already has the V10 from the M5, which would easily provide more than 500hp, or even consider two specs with a V8 version taken from the current M3, which still produces over 400hp. The Z9 is also expected to use BMW’s own dual clutch transmission technology, which can shift gears in 100 milliseconds.

Not to be outdone, Mercedes is also considering a similar project with the P8, in collaboration with its AMG tuning house. But with the SLR already in its stable, Mercedes may simply be looking for a mid-engined alternative to the Mercedes-McLaren SLR. There are rumours that the P8 could have gullwing style doors similar to the 300SL, and that the engine would be the 6.2L V12 from the CL63. The P8 is expected to cost around €150,000.

Audi, BMW, and Mercedes will all use lightweight aluminum and space frame construction, and with the choice of engines that these manufacturers have there is no doubt that these cars will be devastatingly quick – after all, an M5 engine used to propel a four-door luxury sedan would be like a sledgehammer in a lightweight two-seater sports car. We can’t wait.

Though the body panels on this prototype probably have some small German village wondering what happened to all of its trash cans, there is much we can deduce about the successor to the limited production Z8 (below right), thought by many to be one of the most beautiful cars in BMW’s illustrious history.

For starters, obviously, this is a two-seat convertible. But rumor is that a folding hardtop will be an option, and we have on relatively good authority that the Z9 will be offered as a curvy coupe, too (the better to go after the Ferrari 599GTB with, we surmise). We imagine both cars will share the B-pillarless windows—which include the trademark “Hoffmeister Kink” in the C-pillar area. It appears that the vehicle is a bit less than 180 inches in length, while weight estimates put it in the same league as the Chevrolet Corvette.

The long nose further suggests that, like the Z8, the engine will be front-mid-mounted, with rear-wheel drive. The portholes on the side indicate that it will be yet another vehicle to feature trendy fender vents, although at least BMW can claim to have been doing them ever since the legendary late-50s 507 roadster (the car which itself provided the inspiration for the Z8 and thus the Z9).

As for what’s lurking beneath what’s certain to be a more lovingly sculpted hood than the one we see here, we estimate that base Euro-market models could get the 335i’s turbocharged, 300-hp 3.0-liter inline-six, while U.S. models would get the upcoming M3’s V-8 delivering over 400 horsepower to start, with the M5/M6’s splendid 5.0-liter 500-hp V-10 and possibly a 6.3-liter V-12 with more than 600 horsepower available as upgrades. BMW’s SMG is certain to be offered, but whether BMW will give us a traditional manual transmission is unclear at this point.