BMW Z5 caught on test; developed alongside next-gen Supra

The product of a joint effort by BMW and Toyota - the BMW Z5 (tentatively named), has been spotted winter testing. The new car will be BMW's successor to the Z4 and unlike the Z4, it has a soft top. The Z5 will be an important car to watch because of the fact that it will pave the way for future collaborative projects between BMW and Toyota; the Z5 has been developed alongside the next-gen Toyota Supra.

Both, the Z5 and new Supra are expected to be based on a new platform, though the final products will feature entirely different designs, unlike the Toyota GT86 / Subaru BRZ / Scion FR-S trio. Given the heavy camouflage on the test mule, it's hard to comment on the Z5's design, apart from obvious characteristics like the long bonnet, sweptback headlamps, wing mirrors with integrated blinkers, and a soft-top.

Engine options have been speculated to include a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder mill that could develop in the region of 240 BHP and a turbocharged straight six-cylinder unit. BMW is expected to debut the Z5 in 2017.

Images via: Autoevolution