BMW Shows Shocking New 2002 Z3!
by Alex Michalas  In a rather unexpected move, BMW has released the first
official pictures of the next generation Z3
that will be unveiled next year.
The pictures come to confirm those who said that the X-Coupe that was shown in the 2001 Detroit Motorshow was to share basic design ideas with the new Z3. Gone are the retro styling cues of the current Z3. New BMW styling chief, Chris Bangle, is a dedicated
fan of what he likes to call "flame surfacing" and the impact on the new car is apparent, especially in the back end.  We consider the end result as successful. The new car looks like something refreshingly new but still keeps enough
design connections that make you understand this can only be a Z3.
The fact that under the new car lies the excellent chassis of the current 3-series is great
news to anybody who has driven a current Z3 model. A model that is compromised by its rather dated underpinnings that date back to the 1986 3-series and are common with those of the, unsuccessful, previous 3-series
Compact model. The new chassis should lead the Z3 to become the great driver's car it should have always been. The engine range will start from the 2.0lt 150hp 6-cylinder unit and go up to the 3.2 lt 340
hp unit powering the current generation of the M3 and Z3 M.
Combine the above with the added practicality that BMW officials are promising (larger interior, more practical hood, larger luggage space) and the revamped interior and you have a car that looks set to
grab the roadster throne as soon as it hits the road. As BMW aims to move the car a bit more upmarket and place it in direct comparison with Merc's SLK and Honda's S2000, the competition in that segment of the market is set to reach new highs! The controversy about the new Z3'styling has already kicked off at the FantasyCars.com MessageBoard. Click here and join in! Read also: All-new Mercedes SLK in 2004! |
