The BMW Z8, chassis code E52, nearly definitely wants no introduction for those who’re aware of historic BMW fashions. That includes an S62 V8 engine and slick six-speed guide transmission lifted straight out of the legendary E39 M5, it’s arguably one of the crucial spectacular autos to ever put on the roundel. Ironic, after all, because it isn’t even carrying an M badge! However the automobile’s origin story is, decidedly, a lot humbler than the automobile’s countless accolades would have you ever start. Or, for that matter, the quantity it wears Let’s put it this manner: the Z8 we all know in the present day actually earned that eight in its title.
Codename E507
At its most core, the Z8 is the religious successor to the enduring BMW 507. At its inception — someday in Could 1993 — Chris Bangle was the Head of Design at BMW, and had simply tasked Henrik Fisker to attract up one thing of an homage to the automobile. Fisker set to work, however he wasn’t the one one engaged on a range-topping premium convertible. In actual fact, on the identical time, BMW was planning the subsequent technology of the BMW 5 Collection. And, not less than early-on, the lineup included “venture E51,” a roadster model aimed squarely at stealing the Mercedes SL purchaser away from the three-pointed star. Happily for us, the model Fisker got here up with was remarkably near what the manufacturing mannequin ended up trying like. And, after all, a 5er with the roof chopped off was no match for the achingly fairly Z8. Thus, E507 — how the Z8 was recognized — turned the E52.
Whereas the Z8 might, to some, look misplaced (er, time) due to its retro look, it actually isn’t. Retro was already changing into fairly in vogue. Across the identical time Fisker received began on the Z8, Porsche debuted the Porsche Boxster. Whereas that mannequin wouldn’t debut for one more 4 years, it paid big dues to the 1950’s Porsche 550 Spyder. The Chrysler Atlantic Idea of 1995 virtually stole the again third of the Bugatti Kind 57’s design. Audi, too, debuted an idea that was mentioned to attract upon the model’s aluminum race vehicles within the Thirties. The Z8 was precisely what — and when — it wanted to be.
The Relaxation is Historical past
After the automobile was introduced to the board in June 1994 and E51 went the best way of the dodo, the Z8 nonetheless had years to go earlier than manufacturing. The Z07 idea debuted in Japan on the Tokyo Auto Present in 1997. It generated chatter and appreciation commensurate with its cool as ice retro vibes. And whereas the Z07 Idea got here with a radical double-bubble roof that by no means made it into manufacturing, it’s fairly dang near what made it into manufacturing. And, maybe extra importantly, it’s nonetheless a way more elegant resolution than the proposed mechanical folding roof that will’ve appeared on the E51 venture. Possibly that was the clincher, however…nicely, we doubt it. Simply take a look at that automobile!
The Z8 was a uncommon second the place design, market, and administration checked all the best bins. And even in the present day it’s one of the crucial fascinating fashions in BMW historical past. You’ll be able to be taught extra concerning the Z8’s design and different tales in Steve Saxty’s guide, BMW by Design. That’s the place we received a ton of latest info from that helped us deliver you this story. Go try all of his BMW books right here!
