BMW Wants Z2 All-wheel Drive Roadster

You would think the hardcore rear-wheel drive carmakers like BMW would have no trouble making a RWD sportscar really attractive, but it seems that this isn’t really the case. It looks like the Bavarians have a compact model on the way and it will reportedly put its power down using all four corners.

According to CAR Magazine, the entry-level roadster will take on the likes of the Miata and its main selling point will be the price tag. We don’t really agree with the idea, as AWD cars always handle differently from RWD ones, and the Mazda is already one of the best handling cars on the market today. However, we do agree that BMW has a problem when it comes to making affordable roadsters and it always has.

BMW’s Chairman is reportedly on board with the idea of using the architecture of the next-generation MINI for the car and the project seems like a good idea, given the fact that the Group will save money if they use the same architecture.

The main problem we foresee is that cars like this should be designed with the heart, not on a budget. While dreaming up a new body for an existing SUV platform, or adding a boot to a four-door might work, sportscars need to be light and purposeful and can’t really be budget-minded.

It’s still too early to say for sure, but the Z2 will likely use BMW’s new 2.0-liter turbocharged engines or the 1.6-liter from the new 1-Series. Diesel powertrains are also part of the plan, but it’s all speculation until we can figure out where the chassis will be sourced from. What is a certainty is that the Z2 will end up hitting the market as a roadster first and a coupe later.