According to an insider on a bit fansite, BMW is looking to revive the Z3 nameplate with a lesser version of the Z4.

Originally, the Munich brand was looking into a Z2, which was going to be apart of their new F20 modular platform. But now they downsized the platform to reduce cost. Internally dubbed the UKL Modular Matrix, this new platform will also support the next MINI and dare I say…BMW FWD family.

This decision was made so that BMW can introduce a new entry-level roadster that will undercut the BMW 1-Series, which will be released this coming week in both RWD and FWD guise.

The idea for the roadster includes resurrecting the Z1 model, which is the one sharing the MINI Coupe/Roadster/Spyder. Because the Minis have short lifecycles in comparison to others, the Z1 Roadster is a car that BMW hopes will “sustain the small Roadster segment whilst a new MINI Coupe and Roaster will arrive in the second half of the decade,” according to the source.

As for the new Z3, since the platform that the Z2 was based on was downsized, BMW wants the Z2 to be moved up to the Z3 nameplate where as the Z4 will move up-market as a soft top with the folding hardtop being named the Z5.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: BMWBlog