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Mysterious BMW Test Mule Spotted: Is It the New Z3?

 In a rather interesting turn of events, our spy photographers just caught up with a brand new BMW mule testing in Germany. At first, it may look like a regular M235i Coupe but take a closer look and you’ll start noticing a couple of interesting details.
BMW Z3 mule 24 photos
Photo: SB Medien
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The first thing that strikes you is the carbon fiber bonnet and roof. The standard M235i doesn’t get this kind of stuff, not even as an optional feature as BMW was careful enough to keep its weight right where it should be in order not to step on the toes of its bigger brothers in terms of performance.
 
The upcoming M2 will also be deprived of such things because of the same reasons so what are we looking at here?
 
Looking at the wheelbase we’re willing to bet this is either a test mule for the new Z3 or the upcoming Z5 and the balance hangs lower towards the first option. That’s because the Z5 will likely be a little longer or at least on par with the Z4 in order to offer the performance we’re expecting from it. Furthermore, as the Z5 is supposed to offer a 2+2 configuration and this is way too small for such plans.
 
Judging by the raked windshield it’s definitely a roadster and the differential noticeable on the rear axle says that this is RWD so Z1 is out of the question. It’s still a mystery what the BMW-Toyota joint venture will eventually bring to the table but our guess is that this is the first time we’re seeing a prototype of what the engineers were hard at work on.
 
The context
 
These spyshots come exactly at the right time. Just this weekend we were reporting that BMW will be reintroducing the Z1 and Z3 models and bring a new Z5 to the table.
 
On top of that, the Bavarian company is planning to bring their first fuel-cell powered vehicle to the Detroit Auto Show next month, showing us the first results of their work with Toyota so the timing is also spot on.
 
The F87 M2 is going to have a similar wheelbase as the M235i but with a wider track up front and in the back so that’s definitely out of the question. The Recaro seats inside sure do make us wonder but the lack of room inside makes us instantly think of a roadster.
 
There’s also a different intercooler noticeable up front so the engine under the bonnet is definitely not the N55 plant or one of its upgraded version. Most likely, this is a new B58 mill that is rumored to make up to 400 HP out of 3,000 cm3. Unfortunately there’s no extra fuel cap on the entire body so we can’t tell if this is also a plug-in hybrid but keep your fingers crossed.
 
At the moment, our best guess is the Z3 and the carbon fiber bits are there to make sure the weight is near to what the engineers are hoping to get on the final product. Either way, we can’t wait to see in a different shape and finally get a clue of exactly what we’re looking at.
 
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