What you see in the pictures is a BMW Z5, the anticipated successor to the Z4, being tested in the cold weather conditions of the Arctic Circle.
Sources state that BMW is working closely with Toyota Motor to build the Z5. Reports claim that while Toyota is expected to provide their expertise with the related electronics and hybrid drive for the new sportscar, BMW will offer their knowhow in the lightweight materials to be used and the combustion motors. Toyota is also expected to use the technology from this collaboration to help build their next Scion FR-S sportscar.
Powering the Z5 will be a series of motors which are predicted to put out anywhere between 190bhp to 425bhp. This will be complemented by a 204bhp hybrid version in the line-up. The Z5 was previously spotted in September 2016 doing the rounds at the Nurburgring, and it is expected that this model could hit showrooms in 2018 after the brand unveils it later this year.
As both brands will be building the car, the Z5 could be produced at the Magna Steyr’s production plant, a factory that assembles automobiles for other companies in Austria. More on this in the time to come.