While an incredible driving car, the BMW Z3 Coupe was not a very good looking car. And that’s being polite. It was a funky looking little car that got the nickname of “Clownshoe”, due to its odd proportions. Despite that, though, it’s become a favorite among BMW enthusiasts and fans. Its sharp dynamics, exciting engine and rarity have given it icon status among the Bavarian faithful. And in the spirit of Hollywood, remaking everything rather than coming up with new ideas, what would the BMW Z3 Coupe look like if it were recreated with today’s BMW design language.
Finnish designer Esa Mustonen recently created some renderings of a modern Z3 Coupe using the design language from modern BMW concepts, like the new 8 Series. It features similar features to the 8 Series Coupe, such as the air breather vent and shoulder line. However, it’s body shape is clearly different.
Is it weird that I like it? Admittedly, it looks more like a Ferrari FF than a BMW Z3 Coupe, as it’s basically just a shooting brake with BMW 8 Series design language. However, that’s quite cool looking and seems like it would be a fun car. It’s also quite a bit bigger than the original Z3 Coupe, or at least it looks it. So it’s more of a GT car, like the Ferrari, rather than a tiny little coupe. The original car’s size and the fact that it started out life as a convertible with a strange roof stuck on are what made it so funky looking. This was designed from the ground up as it is. So it looks more streamlined and much prettier.
I have to say, though, it would be interesting if BMW made something like this. The brand is clearly not afraid to make strange looking vehicles, as the new 6 Series Gran Turismo is proof of that. So why not make a small, exciting shooting brake based on the upcoming Z4 Coupe? Would it sell well? Of course not. But it’d be fun.
[Source: BimmerToday]
