Until Now, A Perfect BMW Z8 Coupe Has Only Existed In Our Minds

There were no mass-produced fixed-roof models of the BMW Z8 Roadster, a model from the early 2000s, produced by BMW. Despite this, the small team of two brothers at Smit Vehicle Engineering is confident they can produce their own. The killer detail? This vehicle is not built on a  BMW Z8, although it resembles a smaller version of the Z4.

Rather than adding a built hardtop to one of the initial 400 Z8 Roadsters that BMW had constructed, SVE instead used an E86-generation Z4 Coupe as the starting point for their car, called the Oletha.

When building the Z8's front and rear fascias, the headlights, kidney grilles, and taillights, which all feature prominent angular shapes, were included to pay homage to the original Z8. No longer is the Z4's inline-six present, instead, the S65B44 4.4-liter naturally aspirated V-8 from the E92-generation M3 GTS makes an appearance.

This is because the car was never offered in the United States. Custom stainless steel and Inconel exhaust system is featured, as well as separate throttle bodies and an intake manifold made of carbon fiber. This BMW Z8's engine revs to 8500rpm and transmits power to the rear wheels by way of a well-operating six-speed manual transmission with a mechanical limited-slip differential.

It's like a combination of BMW's best hits all mixed. A 2-way KW adjustable suspension unit with stainless steel damper structure is tucked within the wheel wells. The suspension components are linked to forged aluminum control arms and forged monoblock wheels supported by AP Racing brakes and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires.

According to SVE, you'll find an eight-way adjustable driver's seat as well as a top-quality and audiophile-quality sound system in the vehicle. Because of the small number of units produced, SVE has not yet published pricing information for Oletha. The building of this car was an enormous undertaking, which, when you consider all of the fine materials and customized work that went into creating it, would certainly put its price tag in the stratosphere.

But what you're receiving is a BMW ode to the era of the early 2000s that's among the nicest we've seen. From the specifications, it should be enjoyable to drive.