04 Aug 06 11:20
Rumours have been spreading for a while about a new top-end BMW, designed to rival the Mercedes-Benz SL and now BMW's new chairman, Norbert Reithofer, is said to be keen to bring this model to production.
Engineering studies are reported to have been underway for some time now, and the potential profitability of such a car is under discussion.
The 'Z6' has been inspired by the California Spyder concept car designed by BMW's DesignWorks studio and seen at the Los Angeles Auto Show last year.
Like the Z8, it will be built around an aluminium spaceframe structure, but it will incorporate many components shared with the 5- and 6-Series. It's also likely to share powertrains - including the M5/M6's 500bhp 5.0-litre V10. Initial plans for the Z6 involve a folding hard-top roof.
