BMW mystery mule. What do you think this is?! [Update: BMW Z3 undergoing testing]

advantage20 · 12-15-2014, 11:22 AM

Very likely a mule of one of the joint BMW/Toyota projects.
I would say Z4 Coupé (Z3 roadster mule would probably wear a 2 Series Cabrio body)

Vector Pilot · 12-15-2014, 11:28 AM

Was it reported BMW/Toyota collaboration is intended to develop the next Z4? Perhaps what we're looking at is a 2ER body cleverly concealing a ZER.

clar · 12-15-2014, 11:30 AM

It's the new half series...

Das Johnson · 12-15-2014, 11:31 AM

So the legends are true...

The FWD Apocalypse Has Begun! Minis and 1 series' everywhere!

EDIT: Rejoice! It isnt FWD! Roadster Revolution!

as7920 · 12-15-2014, 11:31 AM

M1 Hatch?

Given the M135i has already has a 7mm lower height than M235i and with a further M(otorsport) suspension drop?

kardboard · 12-15-2014, 11:31 AM

My first instinct is to say it's not a production car. It's just a placeholder for the motor/suspension bits under all the body work. I lean more towards the Toyota/BMW car idea. They must have shortened the wheelbase and lowered the roof to closer match the height of the new Z4 (or whatever comes out of the joint project).

But, then, I start to wonder why they didn't use a Z4 to begin with. It, more than likely, matches the dimensions of the new car better than a 2 series. I also wonder why they went in to all that work to match panels and lower a roof of a 2 series. It could be a newer 2 series, but it would have to be a new model within the 2 series branding. A "CSL" or "GTS" model. Maybe it's a FWD version of a 2 series with a 4 cylinder motor?

Das Johnson · 12-15-2014, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clar

It's the new half series...

abirmaher · 12-15-2014, 11:34 AM

That's kind of funky. Not sure what I think of he chopped roof...

AlexGT · 12-15-2014, 11:37 AM

For me it's a M2 prototype using some M235i standard parts.

jbeene · 12-15-2014, 11:38 AM

Whatever it is it will likely end up on the island of misfit cars in the BMW basement...

twenzel · 12-15-2014, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RL530xit

Test mule for new Z2? Fitted with carbon fiber to reduce weight and be in line with the Z's?

Agreed! Lower roof, longer front end, shorter wheel base all point to a roadster.

In picture 9 you can see the rear diff so it is not a FWD platform.

The English Guy · 12-15-2014, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlexGT

For me it's a M2 prototype using some M235i standard parts.

+1

or its the new M performance accessories - hood and roof available for a suitable fee

jzmundy · 12-15-2014, 11:53 AM

Why even bother to cut the roof, though? Lower CoG for testing?

Mavus · 12-15-2014, 11:55 AM

http://blog.caranddriver.com/bmw-2-s...st-not-in-u-s/

jaehshim · 12-15-2014, 11:56 AM

oh that's the new M2.5 35is grand coupe

even with the 35i, it's going to be a 3 cylinder from mini cooper and 6 turbos

It will also be the fwd with lsd, it will have 89MPG

the true BMW

Boxman911 · 12-15-2014, 11:57 AM

Will the new M2 be available as a short wheelbase 2 seater to save weight?

JustChris · 12-15-2014, 11:58 AM

Hmm great spot thanks. Did BMW run out of black and white swirl print?

I think maybe 2 things are being tested here:-

1) Its some sort of roadster, its a very chopped of 2 series so no room for rear passengers IMO.
2) Is that an M2 type CFRP roof on trial? I'm not so sure as surely that piece is different vs a standard 2 series body shape.

What it surely isn't is anything to do with LCI 2 series or the actual M2, this would not have the reduced body size....would it...could it.....to meet all our weight desires have they chopped the back seats and lots of other weight. No!

Dr. Pianale · 12-15-2014, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RL530xit

Test mule for new Z2? Fitted with carbon fiber to reduce weight and be in line with the Z's?

RWD... New Z3 !

BEMR · 12-15-2014, 12:00 PM

Quite obvious its the 2016 7 series coupe.

doberzus · 12-15-2014, 12:06 PM

I love this!

I wish the 2 series looked like this....seriously wish this was the M235i/M2 look.

Honestly, after looking at the side by side of the 2 series and this test mule. The current 2 series just does not look attractive with that high roof line. This actually looks mean and aggressive!

FLOSS M · 12-15-2014, 12:06 PM

No M Differential on the car

ynguldyn · 12-15-2014, 12:06 PM

A new Z would make a lot of sense. Z4 has less than 2 years left to live, so the timing is just right. Also - what has the RWD platform, but is smaller and much lower than F2x? The answer is Z again.

12-15-2014, 11:22 AM	#23
advantage20 Major 1890 Rep 1,231 Posts Drives: 330d Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: France iTrader: (0)	Very likely a mule of one of the joint BMW/Toyota projects. I would say Z4 Coupé (Z3 roadster mule would probably wear a 2 Series Cabrio body)
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12-15-2014, 11:28 AM	#24
Vector Pilot Lieutenant 35 Rep 501 Posts Drives: 2014 Z4 28i Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Chicago Metro iTrader: (0)	Was it reported BMW/Toyota collaboration is intended to develop the next Z4? Perhaps what we're looking at is a 2ER body cleverly concealing a ZER.
	Appreciate 0

12-15-2014, 11:30 AM	#25
clar Major 147 Rep 1,440 Posts Drives: M5 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Singapore iTrader: (0)	It's the new half series... __________________ - Frozen Grey F10 M5 DCT - Rosso Corsa 458 Speciale Sold - Frozen Grey E92 M3 Sold
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12-15-2014, 11:31 AM	#26
Das Johnson Second Lieutenant 32 Rep 217 Posts Drives: F10 535xi Join Date: May 2014 Location: Sheboygan, WI iTrader: (0)	So the legends are true... The FWD Apocalypse Has Begun! Minis and 1 series' everywhere! EDIT: Rejoice! It isnt FWD! Roadster Revolution! __________________ Family BMW History -> Grandfather: 35' 303 Saloon / 37' 328 Roadster / 48' 327 coupe' / 54' 502 Saloon Father: 93' M3 / 03' M5 / 11' 535xi Me: 11' 535xi / Last edited by Das Johnson; 12-15-2014 at 11:40 AM..
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12-15-2014, 11:31 AM	#27
as7920 Colonel 628 Rep 2,397 Posts Drives: 2023 SG/FR M4 xDrive Competiti Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	M1 Hatch? Given the M135i has already has a 7mm lower height than M235i and with a further M(otorsport) suspension drop?
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12-15-2014, 11:31 AM	#28
kardboard Second Lieutenant 33 Rep 293 Posts Drives: 2006 M3, 2010 135i, 2004 WRX Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Texas iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 135i [6.00] 2004 WRX [8.00]	My first instinct is to say it's not a production car. It's just a placeholder for the motor/suspension bits under all the body work. I lean more towards the Toyota/BMW car idea. They must have shortened the wheelbase and lowered the roof to closer match the height of the new Z4 (or whatever comes out of the joint project). But, then, I start to wonder why they didn't use a Z4 to begin with. It, more than likely, matches the dimensions of the new car better than a 2 series. I also wonder why they went in to all that work to match panels and lower a roof of a 2 series. It could be a newer 2 series, but it would have to be a new model within the 2 series branding. A "CSL" or "GTS" model. Maybe it's a FWD version of a 2 series with a 4 cylinder motor? __________________ 2006 M3: Individual Blue Onyx on Black. MT
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12-15-2014, 11:34 AM	#30
abirmaher Colonel 894 Rep 2,421 Posts Drives: 2018 BMW M2 & 2024 BMW X1 M35i Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL iTrader: (14) Garage List [0.00] 2018 BMW M2 [10.00]	That's kind of funky. Not sure what I think of he chopped roof... __________________ Follow my builds: The Racecar (2018 M2 - M0010): Build Thread \| @_m0010 The Daily (2024 X1 M35i - X001M35):Build Thread \| @_x001m35
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12-15-2014, 11:37 AM	#31
AlexGT Captain 430 Rep 809 Posts Drives: G05 X5 MSport Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Guatemala iTrader: (0)	For me it's a M2 prototype using some M235i standard parts.
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12-15-2014, 11:38 AM	#32
jbeene First Lieutenant 29 Rep 324 Posts Drives: 16 435i GC Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (1)	Whatever it is it will likely end up on the island of misfit cars in the BMW basement... __________________ 16 435i xdrive Msport MPerformance 2 Ind Azurite on Opal
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12-15-2014, 11:53 AM	#35
jzmundy Major 1002 Rep 1,495 Posts Drives: F97 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Raleigh, NC iTrader: (6)	Why even bother to cut the roof, though? Lower CoG for testing? __________________ Then - E53, E85, E92, E82, F15, F80, G01 Now - F97, Macan S
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12-15-2014, 11:55 AM	#36
Mavus Colonel 2296 Rep 2,902 Posts Drives: E90 335i, F80 zcp Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: PA iTrader: (9)	http://blog.caranddriver.com/bmw-2-s...st-not-in-u-s/
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12-15-2014, 11:56 AM	#37
jaehshim Major 497 Rep 1,375 Posts Drives: E90 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: NE iTrader: (3)	oh that's the new M2.5 35is grand coupe even with the 35i, it's going to be a 3 cylinder from mini cooper and 6 turbos It will also be the fwd with lsd, it will have 89MPG the true BMW __________________
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12-15-2014, 11:57 AM	#38
Boxman911 Private 12 Rep 60 Posts Drives: 2014 M235i Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Will the new M2 be available as a short wheelbase 2 seater to save weight?
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12-15-2014, 11:58 AM	#39
JustChris General 17683 Rep 25,240 Posts Drives: Tesla MYRWD Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Hmm great spot thanks. Did BMW run out of black and white swirl print? I think maybe 2 things are being tested here:- 1) Its some sort of roadster, its a very chopped of 2 series so no room for rear passengers IMO. 2) Is that an M2 type CFRP roof on trial? I'm not so sure as surely that piece is different vs a standard 2 series body shape. What it surely isn't is anything to do with LCI 2 series or the actual M2, this would not have the reduced body size....would it...could it.....to meet all our weight desires have they chopped the back seats and lots of other weight. No! __________________ My car made front page of Bimmerpost
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12-15-2014, 12:00 PM	#41
BEMR Colonel 977 Rep 2,701 Posts Drives: 15 M4 Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Murrieta, CA (Home of Ricky Fowler) iTrader: (0)	Quite obvious its the 2016 7 series coupe. __________________ Got It: F82 2015 M4 Alpine White / Silverstone With integrity nothing else matters, without integrity nothing else matters.
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12-15-2014, 12:06 PM	#42
doberzus Captain 681 Rep 853 Posts Drives: 2019 Tesla M3P Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: ~4500 ft above sea level iTrader: (3)	I love this! I wish the 2 series looked like this....seriously wish this was the M235i/M2 look. Honestly, after looking at the side by side of the 2 series and this test mule. The current 2 series just does not look attractive with that high roof line. This actually looks mean and aggressive! __________________ CURRENT: 2019 Tesla Model 3 Performance RECENT PAST: 2016 F80 Austin Yellow (6MT) / 2017 F80 Atlantis Metallic (DCT-ZCP) / 2017 Challenger Hellcat 8A / 2017 Focus RS/ 2017 Shelby GT350 / 2018 Audi TTRS / 2018 Raptor Crew Cab / 2020 X3M Comp
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12-15-2014, 12:06 PM	#43
FLOSS M ///M3 389 Rep 1,133 Posts Drives: 22 M3 X-Drive Join Date: May 2008 Location: NJ iTrader: (1)	No M Differential on the car
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12-15-2014, 12:06 PM	#44
ynguldyn Brigadier General 8144 Rep 3,502 Posts Drives: battery powered tv on wheels Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Boston iTrader: (0)	A new Z would make a lot of sense. Z4 has less than 2 years left to live, so the timing is just right. Also - what has the RWD platform, but is smaller and much lower than F2x? The answer is Z again.
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