New supercar coming from BMW: the Z6

BMW plans an eco-friendly supercar to replace the low volume Z8. According to this week’s Autocar magazine, the new Z6 will be more focused, lighter and greener than its predecessor, and will belly up to the Merc SL and the Ferrari F430. It’s alleged to be more than just a follow-up to the Z8 though, as volumes are expected to be higher. BMW hopes to make some 15,000 a year, compared to the total of almost 6,000 during the four-year lifespan of the Z8.

The Z6 is conceived as a follow-up to the high-priced and ultra-low-volume Z8, which saw production of just 5703 cars between 1999 and 2003. Z6 will be priced below the $130,000 Z8, and insiders say it will be produced in “considerable volumes.” The car will be built in Germany and will be a high-tech showcase for many of BMW’s latest innovations.

Unlike the Z8, which was sold exclusively with a 5.0-liter, 400-hp V8, Z6 will come with a range of engines. Sources suggest the lineup will likely kick off with the new 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged inline six-cylinder, with a range-topping version packing Munich’s secret 4.4-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 and an updated version of the M5’s 5.0-liter V10.