[lemetier]

Originally Posted by antzcrashing

So there will be no more z4? That's what I meant by it. Surely bmw has a new one in the pipeline or a Z5, which will basically be the Z4 but more expensive because 5 > 4

There are several Z models in the pipeline. The Joint Venture Sports Car Manufacturing portion of the Cooperative Alliance Agreement was not finalized and agreed to until late last year. For these first two and any subsequent models that spawn off the modules of this platform, they cannot be direct competitors to each other. On the BMW side, a 4 series segment roadster will appear first (the Z4 replacement) in conjunction with a higher performance coupe Toyota Model (possibly the Supra). They'll be built on the same line at the Magna Contract Factory. The second model for BMW should be a Z5 Roadster and Z6 coupe. Come 2020, the GT86/BRZ program will be at its end, and the GT86 replacement will be built.

There are two independent statement from Executives at both companies that answer two questions no one has asked at the same time.

Is the platform scalable?

- Yes just as many are today.

- How flexible are the modules? There are specific hard points that cannot be adjusted so this will remain a longitudinal, Rear Wheel Drive basis for sports cars. AWD, and most importantly, hybrid AWD is easily accommodated. As long as the flywheel is facing the right way, numerous layouts are easily implemented for optimal placement.