BMW plots an MX-5 fighter

Mazda's MX-5 could face a new threat in the form of a junior roadster from BMW, according to recent German media reports.

Word is that the Bavarian car-maker is developing a new drop-top that will be known as the Z2, and images such as this one -- providing an indication of how the car might shape up -- have been popping up on numerous websites and internet forums.

German magazine AutoBild also ran an artist's impression of the Z2, due in 2009, on the cover of its latest issue.

According to Euro sources, the Z2 will pilfer much of its componentry from the existing 1 Series and 3 Series to keep costs under control. It's believed the car will roll out of the same plant (in Spartanburg, North Carolina) that manufactures the Z4.

Company insiders have reportedly let slip that the Z2 will be offered with normally aspirated 1.8 and 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines, as well as a force-fed version of the latter that could pump out 220kW-plus.

BMW has already signalled its willingness to resort to turbocharging via the recently unveiled 335i, and the 2.0-litre turbo could be the next instalment in this trend. It's entirely possible this engine will debut in the 1 Series or 3 Series in the not-too-distant future.

BMW is also said to be working on a Volkswagen-style double-clutch DSG transmission, and this unit may debut around the same time as the 2.0-litre turbo engine.

If the latest media speculation is to be believed, the Z2 isn't the only sportster in the works at BMW. Rumours also abound relating to a so-called Z6, which will be positioned above the Z4, as well as a new-age replacement for the Z8 roadster that served as James Bond's wheels in 'The World is Not Enough'.

Watch this space...