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Limited Run (archive)
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Posted by Z8 Bob on April 06, 2000 at 10:45:40:

In Reply to: Re: Z8 in this month's Motor Trend... posted by Darrell M on April 05, 2000 at 23:12:53:

Q I am wondering why the Z8 is on a three-year production run as opposed to the usual seven-year BMW run. Is it to commemorate the 507 somehow?

A When BMW polled its North American dealers almost five years ago about a two-seater sports car, with a V8, etc, priced at $100K the dealers response was that they would be able to sell a total of 200. They were still smarting from the 850 response.

This was to be THE millennium car for BMW. A limited edition combining classic design with state of the art technology. When they created the prototype, based on Fisker’s Z07 design, they ordered one set of tools for the car instead of making the prototype by hand with existing tools and ordering the specialized tools later. The three year limited run is based on the useful life of the existing set of tools. At this point once the set is worn out, no more Z8s. BMW is loosing money on this car and the senior management that authorized it along with the purchase of Rover, are “OUT.” Given the staggering $7 Billion loss on Rover, we will probably not see another grand automotive gesture like this car, at least from BMW which needs to make profitable cars if it is to remain independent.

Bob


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