I found it the 2003 Z3

[Roadster2]

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!

[Roadster2]

here is the back and i am telling u this is not photo chopped

[328isRob]

IMHO the lights are nasty... they are square and everything else on the car is round. The front renders flare too much, and I HATE the rear psudo-alteza lights... but with time I'm sure my opinions will change... either way it's still a chicks car. Unless you get the //M = MAN verson.

[3.5litermoose]

i think the car looks sweet, except for those nasty looking tail lights. It seems that this bangle caracter has a way to screw over the rear of all the new BMW cars, like on the new 7 series and 5 series. But with the M3 engine in it, that thing will move! do you know what kind of weight this thing is?

[Vertigo]

The front headlights look well... goofy. I wouold like to see a more aggressive face on the car. However I like the idea of more interior room. It just might make my list of candidates for my next vehicle.

[jinushaun]

I like it, i just wish they'd release a more realistic photo. The angle is just too perfect. I need to see it shot from plain angles, then I can make a better judgement.

Never having been a fan of altezza style light ever, I don't like the rear lights that much, but the shape is right--so is the rear.

The shape of the whole car looks like it remained intact. From the x coupe concepts, I thought it was gonna get butchered.

As with all future Chris Bangle creations, I'm concerned about the grill. He's changing it and basically the whole front section. This z3, however, has a nice grill even though it's kinda too small to really tell.

[Banzai]

I'm surprised!!! It doesn't look too bad...well, maybe the front could be a little more aggressive. And I suppose the shape might grow on me. But someone please hit that Bangle character on the head for making such a bloated looking car. It looks like a pussy-cat next to a Porsche Boxster.

But I wouldn't mind spending 30K on it though. Chuck out the navigation system and do without the leather trim and ladies and gents, you've got yourself a bargain.

Don't forget, people do tend to overlook the styling of a car IF!!! it's performance is outstanding, like a Mitsubishi Evo. The previous Z3 was great to drive and I couldn't believe how good the engine sounded and the handling of corners.

[Da Hawxxx]

I really doubt these are official pics of the new Z3, why are they still driving with camouflage around the ring?

[TriStateGuy]

Theres alot of resemblence to the new 7 series up front. Overall not too bad.

[MattyG]

The front just looks wrong somehow and the tailights are horrible. Otherwise fine.

[crayzayjay]

the front lights and grille are simply wrong.. the rear Lexus IS-style lights are an improvement on those of the E46 compact, not too bad.. i like the sound of the new chassis, and am eager to find out more about the M version... the 341bhp engine mated with a smaller, lighter car than the M3 sounds like it would make a hell of a car, a much keener driver's car. looks-wise i dont like it so much now, but im sure it will grow on me, just like i didnt like the E46 when it first came out, and thats now grown on me a lot, especially the Coupé. although the new rear lights on the 4door are monstrous, IMHO, it makes it look like a jap car, which is the last thing you want on a Bee Em.
back to the new Z3, i'll just have to wait til i see it in the flesh to make up my mind.. when's it coming out in europe?

cheers
jay

[Club E31]

These are OLD Photoshopped photos
Do u really think Bangle will do a nice car after that ugly 7 ??

[crayzayjay]

i saw a pic of the new z3 somewhere (cant remember) and it looks different to the one posted in this thread. much nicer, better integration of headlights and grille. it'll still take a while to get used to though..

cheers,
jay

[Cbass]

I have a drawing in my april issue of Road & Track, of the new Z5. The Z5 is the replacement for the Z3 and M roadster. It will either be powered by the 330 I6, or by a new 2.2L 4 cyl, making 240 hp. Target weight is about 2200 lbs, even though it is larger an roomier than the Z3.

The bottom air inlet is very similar to the picture I have, except the fog lamps aren't integrated, they have a 2" piece of body seperating them.

The headlights are also notched on the bottom, with the outside 2/3rds being flat on the bottom, and the inside 1/3rd being round, sort of like a 996.

Also, the grill curves up more on my pic.

Other than that, they are just about I dentical, except my pic is of a coupe.

[TriStateGuy]

I have that issue, I think you mean the Z5 is a replacement for the Z coupes, not the roadsters.


But even with a 4 cly, 240 hp is more than enough to push 2200 lbs. Lets see how much that Z5 will run though.