BMW Z8
| BMW Z8 (E52) | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Production | 1998–2003 5,703 produced |
| Model years | 1999–2003 |
| Assembly | Germany: Munich |
| Designer | Henrik Fisker Scott Lempert (interior) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Sports car (S) |
| Body style | 2-door roadster |
| Layout | Longitudinally mounted front engine, rear-wheel drive |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 4.9 L S62 V8 4.8 L M62 V8 (Alpina version) |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual 5-speed automatic (Alpina version) |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 98.6 in (2,504 mm) |
| Length | 173.2 in (4,399 mm) |
| Width | 72 in (1,829 mm) |
| Height | 51.9 in (1,318 mm) |
| Curb weight | 3,494 lb (1,585 kg) |
The BMW Z8 is a roadster produced by German automotive manufacturer BMW from 1998 to 2003. The Z8 was developed under the codename "E52" between 1993 and 1999, through the efforts of a design team led by Chris Bangle from 1993 to 1995. The exterior was designed by Henrik Fisker and the interior by Scott Lempert.
The Z8 originally was designed as a styling exercise intended to evoke and celebrate the 1956–1959 BMW 507. Prototypes were spotted testing between 1996 and 1999. A concept was later developed to preview the Z8, called the Z07 and was showcased in October 1997 at the Tokyo Motor Show.