Not long after BMW introduced the Z3 Roadster it launched a coupe variation that for many folks looked peculiar; too peculiar, perhaps, as few were sold in North America. The BMW Z3 Coupe reminded me of similar attempts in the past by various sports car makers, some successful, some less so. The MGB GT, Triumph GT6, Volvo ES1800 and Jaguar E-Type immediately spring to mind.

Personally I liked the Z3 Coupe: Plenty of character in its styling, though it offered little in the way of practicality aside from the convenience of a hatchback and the added stiffening, and thus better roadholding, of a coupe. Then, too, not everyone likes driving in the open air.

Whatever sales setbacks happened were not enough to discourage the company from trying again. The Z4 Coupe Concept, which will appear at the Chicago Auto Show beginning February 10th, has been announced for production beginning in June. It has a more integrated style than its predecessor and features a double-bubble roofline and a spoiler integrated into the redesigned rear lid. Power will come from a new 265 horsepower 3.0-litre straight-six.