Zenith

The future doesn't wait for the corner.

BMW chose the letter Z from the German word Zukunft, meaning future. When the Z3 arrived, BMW's idea of the future was refreshingly simple: two seats, engine in front, power to the rear wheels and as little automobile as necessary surrounding the person driving it.

The Z3 took that philosophy racing, with the Roadster and especially the Coupé appearing in GT and endurance competition. The Germans even gave the Z3 M Coupé a nickname: Turnschuh, literally “gym shoe” or “sports shoe.” Small, unusual and remarkably light on its feet, the name fit perfectly.

Then BMW kept sharpening the idea.

The Z4 eventually evolved into the BMW Z4 GT3, a serious international endurance racing machine. It fought at the Nürburgring, Spa and circuits around the world, finishing second overall at the 2015 Nürburgring 24 Hours before achieving its greatest victory that same year: winning the 24 Hours of Spa outright.

The funny little two seat BMW had grown up.

There it is again.

The Germans called the Z3 M Coupé Turnschuh.

Drivers in the other BEB categories may eventually call it something else:

Pull away from it on the straight? There it is again. Outpower it leaving the next corner? There it is again. Finally think you've shaken the little bastard?

Because horsepower is impressive right up until the racetrack starts changing direction.

That's where the Zenith Class lives.

A Miata may have built an empire around the lightweight sports car formula. Mention that comparison to the little Bavarian, however, and the response is remarkably simple:

Because the Z doesn't merely negotiate corners.

It devours apex angles.

Gravity showed up.

G force showed up.