Every BMW Sports Car You Should Know

Take a closer look at each BMW sports car on the market today and a tour of BMW’s sporting history.
Written by Brad Marley
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Ever since BMW and Lamborghini joined forces to create the M1 in 1978,
BMW
has been synonymous with sports cars. The BMW
Z4
and
i8
are available new today, but there are several other BMW sports cars you should know.
When you think of BMW, you likely think of sleek and sporty vehicles. The carmaker produces fast cars that drivers want to show off. That’s why so many people consider BMWs if they want to buy a sports car.
And if you’re worried about the cost of insurance when considering whether you can buy a BMW sports car, don’t be!
Jerry
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, is here with a guide to BMW sports cars from 1978 until now and tips for finding affordable insurance.
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Does BMW make sports cars?

Is the Pope Catholic? Of course BMW makes sports cars! That’s just what they do. As of 2022, BMW has a few sports cars on the market, but its experience in building and selling them goes back decades.
Let’s take a closer look at BMW sports cars’ specs.

2022 BMW Z4

The BMW Z4 was completely redesigned and returned to the lineup after going missing for four years. It starts at $49,900 and is buoyed by a powerful engine, spectacular tires, and top-of-the-line touch technology that will improve the drive. 
When you’re behind the wheel of this sleek roadster, it feels like you’re driving a sports car, thanks to a near-perfect 50/50 weight balance, along with a rigid body and suspension that’s tuned specifically for a sports car. 
The Z4 comes in a two-seater, and the seats themselves are luxurious. Buttery-soft leather enhances the upholstery and makes driving this car that much more appealing.
But what is truly amazing—and something you can’t quite understand unless you are in the cockpit—is how the entire car was designed around the driver. Every control, every display, everything is meant to allow the driver to get as much out of the vehicle as possible.

2022 BMW i8

The BMW i8 is way ahead of its time as a hybrid sports car, which is apparent when you consider the MSRP is $147,500
With a mid-engine design rarely seen before, this modern sports car comes with a three-cylinder turbo engine that delivers 369 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque.
But it’s the design of the vehicle that first captures your attention. The company wanted it to look like something straight out of The Jetsons. And it accomplished that goal (to the chagrin of some car enthusiasts). At any rate, the i8 is eye-catching and worth a second look.
When the onboard computer monitors the gasoline engine with the hybrid motor, it’s not unreasonable to expect upwards of 76 miles per gallon. That is incredible fuel economy for a sports car, but then again, this is an incredible car.
Unlike a lot of sports cars, the i8 also comes with a backseat. So while we wouldn’t consider it a family car, we suppose you could make the case it can become one, as kids can be strapped in safely in the backseat. Few carmakers produce a sports car good for families—this just might be as close as it gets.

A history of the BMW sports car

BMW arrived on the sports car scene with the introduction of the M1 in 1978. The Z4 and i8 are just the latest iterations of BMW’s sports cars. Here is a timeline of significant moments in the history of the BMW sports car.
1978: BMW and Lamborghini create the company’s first mid-engine sports car, as well as its first road car, the M1. This would be the first sports car built and produced by the M division. 
1988: BMW establishes Technik GmbH as a think tank to allow some of BMW’s best engineers and designers the ability to work away from the glut of the team. One of the first major projects to emerge was the Z1 Roadster, which entered into production this year.
1994: BMW comes to America, opening its first plant stateside in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The plant is built specifically to produce the BMW Z3 Roadster. Other cars in the X Series are now produced in South Carolina and exported all over the world.
2000: While not a vehicle or engine you can buy, BMW did re-enter the world of F1 racing with its E41 engine at the turn of the 21st century. Building upon a storied history of cars that sped and sizzled, BMW would return to the world’s most popular form of motorsport for nearly a decade before bowing out in 2009.
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How to save money on BMW insurance

Whether you are in the market for one of BMW’s souped-up sports cars or you want something more sensible, it’s time to revisit your auto insurance. After all, it’s highly recommended you shop for a new policy every six months to make sure you aren’t overpaying.
If it sounds exhausting, you’re right. But it doesn’t have to be. With
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The average Jerry user saves over $800 a year on car insurance!
“As a young person who owns a sports car and a high-end sedan, I couldn’t find quotes below a certain threshold. By using
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