This BMW Z4-based two-seat roadster is limited to 99 units
What's the story
The luxury two-seat roadster segment is on the verge of extinction in the US, especially after BMW stopped making the Z4 this year. But Bovensiepen, a company that emerged from the Bovensiepen family's transition after Burkard Bovensiepen founded Alpina, is trying to keep this niche alive with its latest offering: the Spider. The new model is based on a BMW Z4 and promises an improved driving experience.
Model details
The Spider is Bovensiepen's 3rd product
The Spider is Bovensiepen's third product, after the M4-based Zagato coupe and the M5 Touring-based 05 GT.
The company promises that this model focuses on "driving pleasure" and will be extremely limited with only 99 units to be made.
The design features subtle but purposeful changes to the BMW it is based on, including a new front splitter with Bovensiepen branding, new side skirts, and a sporty rear diffuser.
Design
It gets a unique arrow-shaped cutout on front fenders
The Spider also gets a unique arrow-shaped cutout on the front fenders, replacing BMW's simple vent.
It also features a more pronounced rear lip spoiler than the standard Z4 and rides on special 20-inch 10-spoke wheels with an intricate design.
The car is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine that now produces 429hp (an increase of 47hp over a standard Z4 M40i), and torque has also been boosted to 579Nm.
Performance
It can go from 0-100km/h in 4.2 seconds
The Spider can go from 0-100km/h in just 4.2 seconds, although this estimate seems conservative as an automatic-equipped Z4 M40i reached the same speed in just 3.5 seconds.
Bovensiepen will also offer a Performance package with a milled aluminum rear differential cover for improved cooling, a top speed of 295km/h (from the standard model's cap of 259km/h), and an additional underbody reinforcement brace.
Interior
The interior features Vernasca leather upholstery and Alcantara seat inserts
The interior of the Spider is upgraded with Vernasca leather upholstery and Alcantara seat inserts.
The heated steering wheel is wrapped in Lavalina leather, but buyers can opt for even more expensive leather options if they wish to.
The dashboard can be wrapped in leather while the A-pillar, wind deflector, and roll bar can be covered with Alcantara.