BMW Z8 – retro supercar
The Mercedes-Benz 300SL, known as the Gullwing, has forever entered the history of the global automotive industry. Mainly thanks to the impeccable lines of the body and the dazzling opening doors. The car was insanely expensive, very fast and stylish. Like its competitor, the BMW 507.
The miracle of technology designed by Albrecht von Hertz was produced in 1956-1959 in small series. The total number of issued copies barely exceeded a quarter of a thousand. No wonder - it was a car only for the richest people in the world.
For years, BMW, despite its position, did not have a suitable successor for this unique car. Until the end of the last century. In 1999, the production of the BMW Z8 began, which became the spiritual heir to the iconic 507, referring not only to its stunning price, but also to its design.
It cost a lot ($128) and competed with the Ferrari 360, Aston Martin DB7, Porsche and other supercars. In addition, he was striking in his appearance. It did not present itself as racially and aggressively as Ferrari, nor did it try to forcefully reference other BMW models. He was unique. Naysayers might call it a soapbox, but there's no denying the skill of Danish stylist Henrik Fisker, who showed off his amazing sense of 's vibe.
The BMW Z07 Concept, shown in 1997 in Tokyo and a year later in Detroit, made a stunning impression, as a result of which it was put into production. The production version, like the vision prepared for car dealerships, was made of aluminum, and the designers tried to ensure that the weight distribution was in an ideal ratio of 50:50, which, combined with a very good power unit, allowed the roadster to drive confidently even at high speeds, which guaranteed a powerful power unit.
The powerful V8 engine, located under the hood, had a volume of 4,9 liters and produced 400 hp. and 500 Nm, which made it possible to achieve excellent performance for a heavy vehicle. It took about 4,5 seconds to accelerate to hundreds, and the maximum speed was limited at around 250 km / h, which can be considered a disadvantage in this type of car. Fortunately, the blockade can be lifted, and then the Z8 will go much faster - even in the region of 300 km / h. The BMW M5 (E39) got the same power unit, so if you buy such a model, it will be easier to get spare parts than for a competing Ferrari.
The car, despite the fact that it used the technological advances already used in the 5 and 7 series models, seemed fresh and refined. The interior was particularly impressive with the centrally located clock and economical retro-style trim (steering wheel, buttons on the center console, wiper and turn signal levers). Despite this style, many modern solutions are hidden in the cabin: GPS, a powerful audio system from the famous Harman Kardon brand (10 speakers, a 250 W amplifier) and a telephone.
The Z8 did not have a spare, but this is not a blatant design flaw, but a conceived procedure: BMW received specially designed Run-Flat tires, which made it possible to cover a distance of 500 km in one go after damage. speed up to 80 km/h. The trunk allowed, according to BMW marketers, to take two golf bags and a first aid kit with them.
A year before the end of production, in 2002, the Alpina Z8 debuted, which had an automatic transmission instead of the previously known six-speed manual and a smaller engine - the unit was slightly reduced - to 4,8 liters. The power was also reduced - up to 375 hp. The car in this version was aimed mainly at the American market.
The promotion of the BMW Z8 began with a big event - in the film The World Is Not Enough, Pierce Brosnan as James Bond saddled this evil horse. However, the sales were not surprising. The car was produced for four years (1999-2003) and during this time about 5700 copies rolled off the assembly line, half of which reached the United States, where they were sold until 2006. For comparison, the Ferrari 360 shattered twice as much.
Although the BMW Z8 was too expensive compared to the competition for the performance it offered, it struck with its retro styling and superb workmanship. Due to the fact that the car did not become a bestseller, today, like the 507, it is of great value. For a car in very good condition, you have to pay 80-100 thousand. euro, which is almost the same as for a new copy of a decade ago. For comparison, an excellent, fast sports car with a legendary horse on the hood of the Ferrari 350 Modena Spider F1 costs 40-60 thousand. Euro. Of course, we are talking about copies of the same year of manufacture and with low mileage. The BMW Z8 has an amazing price tag and I'm sure it will get more and more valuable every year. However, there is nothing surprising in this: a prestigious brand, a small number of copies produced, plus this amazing design.
