The Z8 was meant to be a sub-supercar. It was built in a limited number, had a 400HP 302cid (5.0L)with an aggressive exhaust. Which is probably why it sounds more like a muscle car to you than what the 540's 4.4L engine does. Not to mention the fact that the Z8 and M5 share the same motor.
It was really a throw back to yesteryear's roadsters and you can see it in the instrument panel. You don't get the supercar speed but you do get the aggressive attitude from it. The high prices that these cars went for were one of the causes of it's seeming failure. (one of the few James Bond cars that had minimal success) However they are very collectible and highly treasured by their owners. (i don't think anyone besides the owner of this one shown here knows where the keys are) This is one of the VERY few cars that BMW did not extend it's usual 6-7 year run. I think the M1 was the only other car not to recieve this.
But yes, sadly there was never really a niche that these cars could settle into. :cry: It was one of BMW's most uniquely styled vehicles...aside from the Isetta of course...
