BMW will make a coupe version of its Z4 Roadster, Automotive News Europe said.
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Like its predecessor, the Z3 Coupe, the coupe will be built at BMW’s Spartanburg factory in the US.
BMW’s decision to build a Z4 coupe is surprising, as the previous model was not considered a success. During its six-year production run that ended 2002, BMW sold less than 18,000 Z3 Coupes.
The Z4 Coupe will challenge the Porsche 911 and the forthcoming Cayman. BMW has always considered Porsche as its main competitor.
The car will be powered by BMW’s 260hp, 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder petrol engine. There also will be an M version with a 3.2-litre in-line six-cylinder petrol engine from the M3, upgraded to 360hp from 343hp.
A BMW source said the Z4 Coupe likely will look sleeker than its predecessor with a flatly tapering roof section.
It would also have a roomy boot.
BMW will show a concept version of the car at next month’s Frankfurt motor show.
