From the late 1990s, BMW has been producing coupe versions of its Z series roadsters, namely the Z3 Coupe and the first generation of the Z4, both of which adopted a "love or loathe it but you cannot ignore it" kind of styling.
By replacing the soft-top with a retractable hardtop on the second-generation Z4 roadster, many assumed that the move would mean the end of the coupe model.
Today, however, BMW presented a new study for a Z4 Coupe designed by famed Italian studio Zagato in advance of its world premiere at the upcoming Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Italy.
The Italian firm's vision of a Z4 Coupe embodies traditional Zagato styling traits such as the double bubble roof and the classic Kamm Tail. But there is more to the Zagato Coupe as virtually every panel of the Z4 roadster has been redesigned.
Among other highlights that stand out are the countless small matt Zagato “z” letters that make up the double kidney grille, an elongated bonnet with air scoops and more muscular rear fenders.
“For me, the BMW Zagato Coupé holds a very special magic. It exudes a certain spontaneity which, when combined with the type of unconventional solutions typical of Zagato, lend the car a very individual elegance,” says Zagato chief designer Norihiko Harada.
The interior was more or less left in stock form aside from model-specific trim and colors.
So is the Zagato Coupe a pure concept or does BMW have a production model in mind? Well, hard to say because BMW avoided using either term in its official press statement.
For starters, BMW does not use the word 'concept' simply referring to the car as the Zagato Coupé. Furthermore, BMW and Zagato state that this is not a static study but a fully functional model that is registered for road use and meets all the legal requirements worldwide. The car has even been driven at high speeds during testing on the BMW test track.
"Zagato has always provided its customers with ready-to-drive cars which can be sent into action on the road or race track without further ado – and the BMW Zagato Coupé fits the same template," says Dr Andrea Zagato.
He continues: "It is relatively easy to build a design study which is not intended for use on the road. Not having to meet any stipulations governing crash safety or pedestrian protection opens up a host of new avenues in terms of design. The challenge lies in injecting the emotional appeal of a concept car into a road-legal machine. And we think we have succeeded in doing just that with the BMW Zagato Coupé."
Taking everything in consideration, and until BMW clarifies its intentions, we could say that the Bavarian company could be looking for feedback before it makes any decision on the production of the Zagato Coupe. That said, what do you think: should BMW build the Zagato Coupe? Tell what you think in the comments section below.
31 Comments:
Not bad, but Zagato means Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Lancia. BMW... not so much.
Finally, a nice looking beemer. Forget concept study, just build the darn thing.
It looks good. Yes, should be built.
it looks nicer and angrier than all those new and ugly BMWs.
Oh finally tasty BMW. The germans (1st audi now bmw) finally understood that they must hire italians to make their cars look hot.
That looks really good, hey we need another Z hatchback, build it!
Not very impressed with the back or that cut side window but I do like the rest of it. Built? Only with a few tweaks and it could be the next BMW Z4, the sporty one they've been promising lately.
We may be looking at the 2014 Hyundai Genesis
The only part of it that's BMW is the kidney grille and headlights. And arguably that's the worst looking section / part that doesn't belong on this particular car. Why doesn't Zagato just build their own car?
At least now we know where Chrysler stole their current Viper design from.
yes, yes, yes, absolutely yes!!! I want one, I need one!!!
YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES!
This concept looks good. Could this be overt signs of an M powered Coupe? I hope so. Although I'm not a fan of the rear treatment at all (please update) - and I'm just noticing the z's in the front grille - I say, build it!!
I'd happily drive one.
you totally forgot aston martin. they have a long heritage together.
What concept? This looks like just the new generation Z4.
Far too messy and looks like half BMW half Renault or Alfa at the back, not a good overall look.
not to mention Spyker as well........Zagato is a coach building company it doesnt "mean" any brand or whatever thats supposed to mean...
Exotic, but NO!
Change that grille and it's a Jaguar with Alfa elements....a good thing
The transom light panel needs work or has to go. We want to see some visual structural integrity in that area, and a full sweep of plastic and light doesn't reassure us. Connect, integrate that area with the perceived body envelope and paint it, and we have integrity, and with that, the visual continuity that reassures us and solidifies the design in our minds.
The sharply peaked sheer line in the fender development integrates nicely with the softer, liquid nacelle development, through, the connective headlight elements.
I like the stance and purposeful attitude expressed by all the longitudinal elements that coalesce in the aggressive, feline, elliptic facade..nicely fashioned. Design works cohesively on all tangents and areas of visual perspective....Kudos
Beautiful... this would be a gorgeous successor to the Z4. I love the Zagato Aston Martin.
Dumbass
yes
It's a bit odd, but it should be built (well, that's my opinion!)
The current Z4 is already gorgeous and a wonderful car, just put this interior in and it will be perfect
Hell yeah. Build it!
absolutely stunning car.
absolutely stunning car.
Most definitely, it should be built. Beautiful!!
stunning! the first BMW z-series I'd really want to own.
I kinda like it, but can't help feeling it looks way to cartoon-ish to wear a BMW badge.
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