Following numerous debates, leaked info, or renderings based on spy photos, the almighty 2018 BMW i8 Roadster has been finally revealed to the world in the first official videos which highlight its exclusive exterior, exciting driving and performance capabilities.

The model is also highlighted standing side-by-side its i8 Coupe variant, both models looking exceptionally well and appealing.

From a visual standpoint, the new i8 Coupe is everything a BMW enthusiast would ever want – a more evolutionary design, state-of-the-art technology, improved mile range and so on; and the i8 Convertible follows the same aesthetic rules.

As we can depict from the videos below, the 2018 BMW i8 Roadster features a soft top roof which is electronically stowed in its compartment in just 16 seconds. We are also dealing here with a fabric roof featuring a 3D printed mechanism that increases the car`s cargo space.

Inside, the i8 Roadster`s interior offers generous space as well, complemented with Tera World Copper with E-Copper upholstery, carbon fiber trim and sport steering wheel. All these are in perfect balance with the car`s exterior choice of E-Copper or Donnington Grey colours.

As mentioned before in previous posts, just like the new i8 Coupe, the i8 Roadster too comes with an increased range of around 18 miles.

The hybrid`s drivetrain involves a three-cylinder turbocharged engine plus an electric motor, which delivers a total of 369 horsepower. It also manages an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds, meaning a 0.2 second difference compared with the i8 Coupe. The new battery also allows for an average consumption of 70 eMPG.

And since words are useless at this point, we invite you to watch the impressive videos revealing the new 2018 BMW i8 Coupe and i8 Roadster in all their plenitude! Do you find any particular differences between the two of them? Please comment!

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post Official Videos: 2018 BMW i8 Roadster – Exterior & Driving Detailed appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

The BMW i8 is by far one of the most futuristic looking car models that exist today. Its design lines seem to have been brought out straight from a science fiction movie. At this year’s LA Auto Show BMW showed a variant of the i8 that will soon reach production, the BMW i8 Roadster.

Just like the original i8, the i8 Roadster is a futuristic looking vehicle. The design has been kept pretty much the same. The only visible difference is that the BW i8 Roadster, as the name suggests, lost its roof in favor of a mobile soft-top. The BMW i8 Roadster seems sportier on account of it losing its hardtop. The retractable roof is capable of fully deploying in a mere 16 seconds. It can also be activated without fully stopping the car.

The interior has also been adapted to fit the new personality of the car. Just like in the case of the original BMW i8, it keeps the futuristic look, which in turn gives the car a cohesive look and feel. The newly added badges complete the car’s new look. The BMW i8 Roadster seems like a fun car to drive. With the roadster, BMW has also attempted to attract a different buyer segment than previously. The car looks and feels sporty while also being eco-friendly.

The engine of the BMW i8 Roadster has been kept virtually the same. It outputs 228HP and is the result of a hybrid type system that uses both a small petrol engine and an electric motor to give this car all the power it needs. It does 0 to 100km/h in about 4 seconds. The folks over at BMW claim that there is no change in performance for the Roadster in comparison with the original BMW i8. Given the fact that the engine hasn’t changed and neither has the overall structure of the body, the performance of the car should be the same as in the case of the original BMW i8.

No matter how you look at it, the BMW i8 Roadster is a welcomed addition to the BMW family. While it retains the original spirit of the BMW i8, the Roadster adds quite a lot of fun factor. Combined with the already defining eco-friendly aspect, the BMW i8 Roadster seems like one of the most complete road experiences you can get out there.

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post BMW i8 Roadster Presented at LA Auto Show appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

The official replacement of the Z4, the upcoming Z5 Roadster was recently caught on spy photos with its top down while performing new snowy tests alongside its coupe sibling from Toyota, the future Supra.

Both models are expected to be officially unveiled later on this year – the future Supra would be launched in September, at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show – as for the new Z5, we will still have to wait for the company`s confirmation.

As we can depict from the spy photos below, the all-new 2018 BMW Z5 – even if the name hasn`t been yet confirmed – will come with a fabric roof, as opposed to the Z4`s hardtop. This would be the first difference between the two of them.

Another one would be the much sleeker yet aggressive design, highlighted by the new headlights and tailligts. However we are not sure if these would be the final shapes, as the car`s body style is fully camouflaged, with extra panels masking the front and rear end, adding as well black rivets which cover the panels.

As for the interior, even if we do not have any official spy photos, chances are that the dashboard would be also updated. This one was also covered with a black clothing, which indicates some major changes as well.

As for the car`s powertrain, as rumored and stated before, the 2018 BMW Z5 is said to pack a six-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, with an optional xDrive all-wheel layout. There is also a rumor concerning the arrival of a top of the line hybrid version. The future Toyota Surpa would receive the same powertrain configuration. Stay tuned for more future details on the model!

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post Open Top BMW Z5 Spied in New Snowy Test appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

The official successor of the hot BMW Z4, the future Z5 Roadster has been seen spotted in new tests at the Arctic Circle, the model now coming with less camouflage around the body, which clearly indicates that it is closer and closer to the final production version.

BMW German carmaker is busy testing out different prototypes that will surface starting the end of 2017 with the famous “duo”, the all-new Z5 Roadster and the upcoming Toyota Supra Coupe, both hitting the production line in Graz, Austria.

As we can depict from the spy photographs, the test mule is slowly but surely taking its final shape, the model looking more advanced in terms of aerodynamics, yet still coming with an overall design which resembles the former Z4.

Speaking about new styling details however, the future BMW Z5 Roadster will be more appealing, adopting a more imposing attitude. The car`s main highlights refer to the new black rivets which for the moment remain hidden, adding the quarter panels and the doors, all coming with some slight changes as well. The rear end is also hiding modified taillights yet adds a third brake light on the now smaller trunck lid. Chances are that other changes might occur on the way as well.

As far as the interior goes, even if we do not have any official images, the cabin is definitely going to be tweaked with the same high-tech gizmos, just like other “new kids from the block”, meaning the latest technology, up-to-date infotainment system and sporty features that would separate it from the rest of the new BMW models.

Concerning news of a hardcore M version, the rumor mill hasn’t still confirmed such planning, but even so, both the Z5 Roadster and the new Toyota Supra will be extremely appreciated in terms of performance. Speaking about performance, we will be back with the latest information concerning the engine range that will fit underneath the Roadster.

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post 2018 BMW Z5 – New Spy Photos Emerge, It`s Closer to Production Line appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

There’s little doubt that the BMW – Zagato deal is one of the few collaborations BMW got to recently that isn’t all about the dreary figures and business.

The stunningly designed coupe just looks right and most of us would kill to have one in their drive. Those who aren’t on this camp have just one moan about it.

It’s a coupe and it’s pretty much a one off so there’s none of that open car thrill about it. Well, those voices are now to be silenced.

That’s because the Bavarians came to some sort of important event in the United States last weekend happening at Pebble Beach with a special car.

Having been named the BMW Zagato Roadster, there’s not too much room for surprises. The chosen title would’ve done the same thing, probably.

Either way, the car makes no excuses about what it is. The most important bit of the equation is the fact that the roof can now be folded away.

Actually, we’re not sure about that since we’ve yet to see it in action or with the roof up at all. Do people really care?

If the coupe is the sort of car that made people become hitmen just to have a chance at owning one, the roadster is going to push people into the territory of political assassination.

Sure, some critical world leaders may die and world peace could be compromised but at least you have a shot at a BMW Zagato Roadster to drive when it all falls to pieces.

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Marcus M.

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The post BMW Zagato drops its top at Pebble Beach appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

We we’re recently promised a considerably sportier generation of the BMW Z4 and the Bavarians will keep that promise.

In the meantime, if you don’t mind, I’d stick with the current generation at any time. I may be getting old and a fan of the slightly grown up GT idea but I promise you, it’s an amazing car.

Further more, it should get a little cheaper on the second hand market as we grab a second look at these images containing something almost unexpected.

It seems that before the 2015 scheduled sporty makeover, BMW will be giving the Z4 a small nip tuck. You know how it is in your old age

You start looking into the Botox treatments, maybe a little bit of lipo, just in case you aren’t ready for a hair transplant.

With the BMW Z4 roadster, the Bavarians are thinking a little bit less ambitious. The spyshots indicate there’s simply a matter of make up.

A little mascara goes on the headlights, the cheeks get a little extra red as the fender indicators are covered and round at the back a new haircut.

New engines? Not likely, new interior? Even less of a chance, what we do expect the newly facelifted Z4 is a price tag raising.

After all, added LED lights don’t come cheap do they? Nor does a brand new BMW, especially one that’s a little more exclusive.

Who knows, maybe in all the competitiveness of the current luxury segment situation BMW might actually refrain from any extra charges.

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post BMW readies a facelift for Z4 roadster appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

It seems BMW wants to once again mess around with the Z roadster and make a few significant changes to it before the next generation comes out.

The followup version of the BMW Z4 is expected to come in sometime in 2015. That means its already in development.

That in turn opens up discussion on a whole new load of ideas about the BMW roadster, just like this one, coming in through the grapevine.

Everybody acknowledges that the current generation of the BMW Z4, the E89 as it’s called, has been softened down.

It’s still a great sports car but now it seems to be a whole lot better at the motorway cruise, the city traffic practicality and the whole idea about something called refinement.

With the next one however, BMW is interested in making it sportier, or “more dynamic” as it were. Not really a bad thing at first sight.

When you speak of the details you can’t help but think BMW will once again make it ride incredibly hard, something the first version of the Z4 was known for.

As far as the good news are concerned, BMW’s 2015 Z4 will be getting some interesting changes. They’re talking about the feel and size being changed around.

Talk right now has the hood getting shorter, the engine being moved a little further back towards the center of the car.

With the driving feel and pleasantly quick turn in, a mid-engined sensation could make the Z4 driver. Trouble is, that could also make it less of a BMW.

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post BMW Z4’s next generation to be sportier? appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

BMW’s Z8 has been out of the picture for so long most of us forgot about it. It may have had something to do with how “not that good” it was, but still, it’s faded away.

The Germans at Senner Tuning seem to still have a fresh memory of the top of the line BMW roadster of a decade ago and they’ve decided it could be updated.

Which is exactly what they’ve done with their latest project, a tune-up for a previously modern roadster that wanted to be old-school.

Senner Tuning’s new kit starts off properly with a new set of wheels. We’re talking 19 inch Schwert SC1 alloys that wrap around new Racing Gold varnished brake calipers.

The better stopping power, along with some extra grip will also help the BMW Z8 go faster since it’s now wearing Continental Sport Contact 5P “shoes”.

No stiletto’s here but proper running gear with sizes 255/40R19 up front and 285/35R19 at the back.

And then we get closer to the action, Senner Tuning fitted the Z8 roadster with a coilover kit, new front strut bar and adjustable rebound rate.

Cherry on top time; the 5.0 liter V8 engine we originally saw in the E39 M5 isn’t swapped out but improved upon. Thanks to a sports air filter, a custom exhaust system and an ECU remap, the output is now 450 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque.

Pretty nifty, especially when you consider the whole package is available for as little as €14.900 in Europe (roughly 24.500 USD).

If you’re thinking about it, stop, a second hand Z8 won’t be yours for less than 100.000 dollars if it’s to be in running order.

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post BMW Z8 gets Senner Tuning update appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

BMW concepts always incite the mind, BMW renders almost do better. To this respect the latest render to come from Russian designer Krasnov Igor.

This time, Igor unleashed his creativity on our favorite manufacturer’s coupe, more importantly a very extravagant BMW supercar. While you might not see a way for extravagance to fit BMW’s design, this might work.

It’s pretty damn gorgeous but I’ll keep that opinion of mine to myself as much as possible and try to see a pretty open minded look on it. I will admit to the lines that are a result of bold design such as a Russian mentality would come up aren’t what most people would like to see on their Bavarian creation but that being said it does borrow some of the asymmetry from the BMW X Coupe.

Other influences come from the BMW Gina Concept and as a real base can be found from the BMW 328. The car in itself is a roadster that would find a weird use in BMW’s lineup.

This wouldn’t be a competitor for nothing other than the Bentley Arnage convertible as opposed to the Continental GT because of the massive bulk it inspires.

Then again I could be wrong and this render should never leave the digital world.

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post Russian render of a BMW Sports Coupe appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

Hamann has always been a tuning company that took lary versions of BMW cars, particularly M division and gave them more.  Of everything.

Well, they’ve recently announced that their next target is the Z4M (E89) and what they have in stock for this car is nothing short of spectacular.

First things first, no tuning job is ever really there until there’s a new set that consists of a front bumper (in this here beast it features integrated LEDs), side skirts, a spoiler, and rear apron. Boring right? Well, not really, it makes the handsome Z4M look like it’s no longer sporty, more like menacing.

If however you find this is not enough, how about a very special set of wheels, 20-inch forged Edition Race Matte Black. Now you’re talking, you’re E89 Z4 is unlike any other at the lights.

However, there’s also a bit of go to match the show, Hamann have fitted a new exhaust system and did some electronic fettling with the ECU. The end result is that the engine now produces 360 horsepower, it has a peak torque of 398 lb/ft and with this sort of power needs to be shown off. So no restrictor it is, the car now has a top speed of 177 mph.

There’s a bit of retouching done to the interior, but do you really care?

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post Hamann BMW Z4M Roadster appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.