Z4 Sales Plunge; BMW to Introduce Coupe to Stop the Bleeding?

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Sales of the Z4 have not met BMW’s expectations, falling every year since the car’s introduction in 2002 to 25,298 units this year. A coupe version of the Z4 is being planned to bolster sales until the car’s replacement, dubbed the E89, arrives in 2009. The coupe appears to have a Bangle butt, although overall we think the look is more pleasing than the awkward BMW M Coupe that appeared near the end of the first generation’s run. If the coupe does sell well, expect another coupe version of the E89 when it debuts.

Linkie.

S.

:bash: :shaking: :puker:

I don't get it. Don't all cars sell best the first few years of a new model, and then begin a steady decline? Isn't that why they introduce new models? Are BMW’s expectations of a vehicle life cycle different then the rest of the industry? "If our cars don't knock the socks off the public at first, it will give us the ability to increase model sales without improving anything. Trust us... the design will grow on them and the sales will improve!"

they just need to make it an M4 roadster version...

I bet the rear 3/4 shot of that car is crap-tacular

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Originally Posted by Titus

I don't get it. Don't all cars sell best the first few years of a new model, and then begin a steady decline? Isn't that why they introduce new models? Are BMW’s expectations of a vehicle life cycle different then the rest of the industry?

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No, I think the writer just didn't quite understand the business model.

In BMW's case, Z4 sales have never met expectations, from the first model year. I think the percentage by which those expectations have been missed has also grown every year.

As for the Z4, it's never been on my list of good looking cars. The proportions are all wrong, and the car looks like a caricature to me.

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Originally Posted by rx7gslse

they just need to make it an M4 roadster version...

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You mean M roadster?

The last M roadster was a beast (S54 motor 315hp), easily better than any non exotic roadster out there except maybe the Elise.

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Originally Posted by CosmosMpower

You mean M roadster?

The last M roadster was a beast (S54 motor 315hp), easily better than any non exotic roadster out there except maybe the Elise.

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I'd liken the S54 M Roadster to a neo-Shelby Cobra - a lot of motor, but not much chassis to go with it. It's a hoot to drive in a Germanic, knuckle-dragging kind of way, but I'd take an S2000 over one at the track any day of the week.

1 word.... BARF!

That Z4 looks like a Z3 and a 350Z snuck out to a hotel one night....