BMW’s 2018 Z4 replacement will have Toyota Supra bones, heart of an M4

By Stephen Edelstein Published July 17, 2014

When it comes to small sports cars, BMW is a bit schizophrenic.

The Bavarian carmaaker started with the retro Z3, switched to the avant grade first-generation Z4, and then decided to go in a more luxurious direction with the current Z4.

What will BMW think of next? Apparently, the Z4’s successor will once again emphasize performance over luxury, but in keeping with tradition, it won’t be quite like anything that’s come before.

According to Automobile Magazine, the new model will arrive in 2018 and wear a Z5 badge. It will be based on the same platform as the forthcoming Toyota Supra successor, as part of an ongoing collaboration between BMW and the Japanese carmaker.

The Z5 will reportedly adopt a more radical front-mid-engine layout for better weight distribution, and there will be less of that weight to distribute.

BMW will aim to get the Z5’s curb weight down, and will even ditch the current car’s retractable hardtop for a simpler soft top.

Power will be provided by BMW’s 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four in different states of tune. Versions with 190 horsepower, 245 hp, and 270 hp will reportedly be offered. Alternatively, BMW could stick a six-cylinder engine, or even a three-cylinder, under the hood.

However, BMW may also build a high-performance M version, using the 425-hp, twin-turbocharged inline-six from the 2015 M3 and M4.

Most recent news from BMW seems to involve mixing increasing amount of practicality and efficiency into the “Ultimate Driving Machine” stew, so it’s great to here about a forthcoming Bimmer with a personality that’s unquestionably dominated by performance.

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Stephen Edelstein

Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

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Jeep just pulled the wraps off the all-new Compass EV, and while it’s an exciting leap into the electric future, there's a catch—it might not make it to the U.S. anytime soon.
This is a brand new electric version of the Jeep Compass, and being built on Stellantis' STLA platform—the same architecture underpinning models like the Peugeot E-3008 and E-5008—it looks much slicker and packs a lot more inside than previous versions of the Compass.
Let’s start with what’s cool: the new Compass EV is packing up to 404 miles of range on a single charge, a 74 kWh battery, and fast-charging that gets you from 20% to 80% in about 30 minutes. Not bad for a compact SUV with Jeep's badge on the nose.
There are two versions: a front-wheel-drive model with 213 horsepower and a beefier all-wheel-drive version with 375 horsepower. That AWD setup isn’t just for looks—it can handle 20% inclines even without front traction, and comes with extra ground clearance and better off-road angles. In short, it’s still a Jeep.
The design's been refreshed too, and inside you’ll find the kind of tech and comfort you’d expect in a modern EV—sleek, smart, and ready for both city streets and dirt trails.
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Plans to build it in Canada were recently put on hold, with production now delayed until at least early 2026. Some of that might have to do with possible U.S. tariffs on Canadian and Mexican vehicles—adding a layer of uncertainty to the whole rollout.
According to Kelley Blue Book, a Stellantis spokesperson confirmed that the company has “temporarily paused work on the next-generation Jeep Compass, including activities at” the Canadian plant that was originally meant to build the model. They added that Stellantis is “reassessing its product strategy in North America” to better match customer needs and demand for different powertrain options.
So while Europe and other markets are gearing up to get the Compass EV soon, American drivers might be left waiting—or miss out entirely.
That’s a shame, because on paper, this electric Jeep hits a lot of sweet spots. Let’s just hope it finds a way over here.