One of the most restrictive series from BMW, in terms of clientele, is the Z series. Presented for the first time in the early 1990s, with the Z1 model, and then continued by the end of the ‘90s with the Z3 and Z4, this series is mainly aimed towards those enjoy the unique feelings you get while driving coupés and cabriolets.
A roadster by definition, the BMW Z4 was first released with a soft-top, but, upon the launch of the second generation of Z4s, the retractable hard-tops have started to be used. Currently, Zagato, the fabled Italian design studio, will be presenting an interesting version of the Z4 Coupé, preceding its official presentation, in Italy, at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este event.
They’ve incorporated traditional Zagato characteristics into the vehicle, such as the classic Kamm Tail and the traditional double bubble roof. This, fortunately, isn’t all. Almost every single design feature of the car has been redesigned or changed by Zagato. Obvious for even the untrained eyes, small “z” letters have been placed all over the kidney grille, the rear fenders bear more masculinity and a prolonged bonnet with integrated air scoops enhances the brawny look of the car.
Norihiko Harada, the chief designer of Zagato, stated that for him “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”. Regarding the car’s interior, the designer has preferred to leave it mostly unchanged, but integrated a few trims and tones to match the exterior.
Sadly, BMW has avoided referring to the nature of the car. Is it a concept or a production model? – Hard to say, as the heads of BMW still remain silent. Furthermore, using the term “concept” for a car designed by Zagato does not fit the nature of BMW at all. They both declared, though, that the car is not a fashion model or a show off.
It can be driven, even aggressively and at high speeds, as they’ve been testing it on the BMW test track as hard as possible. So we can easily conclude that this car is far from being a simple concept or a study, it’s a car, a powerful one. This also follows the tradition of Zagato, who have always provided drivable cars for their customers, not just works of art.
As Dr. Andrea Zagato declared, “Zagato has always provided its customers with ready-to-drive cars which can be sent into action on the road of race track without further ado – and the BMW Zagato Coupé fits the same template. 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 term 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.”
In the end, it’s BMW’s decision to mass-produce or not this gorgeous looking 4-wheeler. In our oppinion, this car deserves to be on the roads in the next years.
[BMW]
