2000 BMW Z8

The BMW Z8 was originally designed as a styling exercise intended to evoke & celebrate the BMW 507 from the late 1950's.  The Z8 design was led by Chris Bangle. The exterior was designed by Henrik Fisker & the interior was penned by Scott Lembert.  The Z8 was produced from 2000 to 2003 with only slight changes between model years.

 A total of 2,543 units were delivered to the USA during its production run.   The Z8 has an all-aluminum chassis & body.  Power is derived from S62 BMW Motorsport engine shared with the E39 M5 of its day producing 400 hp. The Z8 was only offered with a 6-speed manual transmission.  The Z8 incorporated unique neon exterior lighting that was expected to last for the life of the vehicle. Every car was shipped with a color matched hardtop that was designed from the outset to compliment the lines of the car styling.  The center mounted instrument cluster is canted slightly towards the driver.  The location of the gauges in the center of the dashboard was intended to offer an unimpeded view of the hood & the road ahead.  All the interior components & switches are bespoke & shared with no other contemporary BMWs.