About BMW Z8 Roadster (E52)
The glorious BMW 507 is like the Phoenix bird that reborn in the shape of this magnificent roadster named Z8. It is one of the most beautiful homage-cars ever made and, certainly, is the biggest homage production vehicle built by the German carmaker.
First, it was shown as a concept car in 1997 at the Tokyo Motor Show bearing the name Z07. But the final name was Z8. It was a 2-seat luxury roadster. The kind of vehicle someone will buy to enjoy the road, not the destination.
The design is a mix of the long hood, small cabin, and short rear end. The front fascia features a different design for the grille with large, rather than tall, BMW-kidneys. The theme inspiration was, obviously, the magic 507 roadster from 1956-1959. The side vents from the front fenders are inspired by the same historic vehicle.
Under the hood was the best engine BMW had at that time, the 4.9-liter V8 unit from the E39 BMW M5. It offered 400 hp and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque and it was mated to a 6-speed manual. The rear axle was equipped with an LSD for better sprints. Its performance was matched only by its luxurious interior, with leather, aluminum, and wood. It was the car that stole the show when it was launched. One of the best designs ever made by a team of designers leads by Chris Bangle.