BMW Z5 rendered

Designers of BMW's Z5 appear to be focused on comfortable touring rather than hard-core sports driving, as this rendering from Automedia hints.

Automobile magazine is reporting that the Z5, the fruit of a technology sharing arrangement between BMW and Toyota, will replace the current roadster, and Toyota will build its own version also.

The low-slung coupe is reported to be a more luxurious offering than is presently available, albeit with less power. If the rumours hold water, the Z5 will exclusively offer turbocharged four-cylinder power but with three output levels: 140, 180 and 200kW. Both manual and eight-speed automatic transmission options are likely.

The bad news is the six-cylinder engine will be given the heave-ho, but with a kerb weight of approximately 1500kg the Z5 won't be a slouch in the performance stakes.

Toyota's FT-1, which is tipped as favourite to share underpinnings with the Z5, will likely also arrive with four-cylinder power. Speculation suggests the Supra-replacement will share the 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine from the newly-released NX SUV, though a more powerful 2.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid powerplant, generating over 300kW, is also likely.

BMW has said previously that the first Z5 concept will arrive next year (2015), likely at September's Frankfurt motor show. The model is also tipped to begin its life as a roadster, with the coupe model shown here to follow later on in the model cycle.

The current E89-series Z4 was launched in 2009. Based on the previous model's (E85) six-year model cycle, a 2015 replacement of the existing Z4 is just about due.

Toyota has said previously that its FT-1 will be in showrooms by early 2016.