Next BMW Z Car Hits Electric Wall
I’m not sure how or why all of the juiciest automobile rumors come from Australia … they just do. Maybe’s it’s the ever-present kangaroo meat. Maybe they were injected with too much blowfish venom and they go into a deep trance that gives them access to all the molecules in the cosmic universe, and by association, they tap into all of the rumors that involve upcoming cars. Who knows? The latest rumor coming from our brothers in arms down under at Motoring involve the next BMW Z.
According to the rumor, which goes off a previous rumor, the next Z won’t use a hybrid drivetrain immediately. The previous rumor said the next Z series would be all hybrid, going off the deal that BMW made with Toyota and hybrid technology. However, while a hybrid variant is planned, the next Z will actually be home to an all-new straight six.
My interpretation of this rumor is that Toyota as of late has been having trouble developing its own next-generation hybrids, and the one they were helping develop is way behind schedule. For example, the hybrid-electric drivetrains that are supposed to be going into the next few Lexus models won’t hold a charge long enough to make a difference.
Obviously, take anything that comes out of their mouths with a bit of salt that comes directly from the Great Barrier Reef. BMW is still committed to the project, but we might just get the hybrid a bit later. We will have to see what happens with this story over the coming months — let’s just hope it’s as fun as the previous Zs.