The end of production of the BMW Z4, along with its Toyota GR Supra sibling, in the first half of 2026, leaves a significant gap in the Bavarian brand’s product portfolio. The departure of the iconic roadster raises big questions about the future of BMW sports cars, and the answer may lie in a completely new direction: a pure electric model built on the advanced Neue Klasse platform.
Neue Klasse Platform: The Key to Electric Sports Cars
BMW has invested $18 billion in its next-generation electric vehicle program, with the Neue Klasse platform at the heart of it. It's not just a chassis, but a comprehensive development philosophy that allows for large-scale sharing of components and technology. When asked if the platform could support a sports car, Joachim Post, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, said simply: "It's possible."
The modular development philosophy allows BMW to use the same core components, such as electronic control units and battery cells, across a range of models, from SUVs like the iX3 to a potential roadster. “It’s all the same, just in different packaging,” says Post. This strategy significantly reduces development and production costs, making a low-volume sports car a financially viable project.
Unfinished projects and lessons from the past
Ambitions for an electric supercar are nothing new at BMW. In late 2024, it was revealed that an electric supercar project was “almost approved” but was ultimately scrapped due to profitability concerns. Prior to that, the BMW i16 project, a hybrid sports car based on the ultra-lightweight BMW i8 platform, was also killed in 2020.
According to BMW historian Steve Saxty, the i16 is 95% complete and ready for production, with a 4-cylinder hybrid powertrain that produces more than 610 horsepower. The car is based on the impressive BMW Vision M Next concept that debuted in 2019. However, the Covid-19 pandemic and changing market conditions have forced BMW to shelve its high-performance projects to focus on its core segments.
Signs from mysterious prototypes
Despite major projects being put on hold, BMW appears to be quietly exploring the idea of a compact sports car. In July 2024, paparazzi spotted a two-door coupe prototype sporting the Neue Klasse design language, camouflaged like the company's other test vehicles. However, the car then mysteriously "disappeared", and BMW has remained completely silent about the project, sparking much speculation in the community.
Shaping the future of the Z4 legacy
With the Neue Klasse platform, BMW has a powerful tool to redefine the future. The ability to flexibly share components between models, from SUVs to sedans and sports cars, opens up the opportunity to create a successor to the Z4 without the need for outside cooperation and still ensure economic efficiency.
While no official announcement has been made, statements from management and a flexible platform strategy suggest that BMW’s return to the sports car segment is highly likely. A pure electric “Made by BMW” roadster, inheriting the spirit of the Z4, may not be a far-fetched prospect.
Source: https://baonghean.vn/bmw-z4-thuan-dien-tuong-lai-xe-the-thao-tren-nen-tang-neue-klasse-10308165.html
Comment (0)