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The Z8 is one of BMW’s iconic models of the last 25 years. Its retro-futuristic design echoes the classic 507 from the mid to late 50s. The Z8 was only made for one generation, spanning four 2000-2003 model years. Looking at BMW’s direction, it’s unlikely that the German automaker will ever make something like that again. There were rumors of a revival more than a decade ago, but they never came to fruition.
However, that hasn’t stopped some companies from making modern interpretations of the roadster. One prime example was the Smit Oletha, and it was the new Z8 that BMW had to build. Oletha is a product of Willem and Kaess Smit, founders of Smit Vehicle Engineering (SVE), located in California.
The Smit Oletha is not a slightly redesigned Z8 for the 2020s. Instead, it uses the platform of the E86 Z4 Coupe which was sold from 2006 to 2008. The skin is a carbon fiber composite with an autoclave hardened and cured epoxy prepreg. SVE says the Oletha has a curb weight of about 3,090 lbs or 1,406 kilograms.
The design cues of the Z8 are evident in the Oletha prototype. At the front, it has pod-like headlights, a low hood, and a wide horizontal grille. The sides of the car feature a classic ‘coke bottle’ belt line which then tapers down at the rear. At the rear, it has a tail and headlights inspired by the Z8, along with a dashing hatch.
For performance, Oletha does not use a Z4 or Z4 M engine. SVE chooses the factory S65B44 from the E92 M3 GTS. Additional upgrades made to the naturally aspirated 4.4-liter V8 include forged internals and individual throttle bodies. The company claims it packs over 450 horsepower (335 kilowatts), up from the M3 GTS’ standard figure of 444 horsepower (331 kilowatts). Purists will be pleased to know that the engine shifts to a six-speed manual transmission.
Underneath the chassis, it features an adjustable 2-way KW suspension, along with a lightweight forged aluminum control arm. Stopping power comes from AP Racing brakes and grips the road with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires. The Oletha also features a mechanical limited slip differential.
As mentioned, the car is a prototype, and SVE explains that they do not manufacture or sell the car. The company restores and modifies its clients’ BMW vehicles. Of course, it would be great if BMW at least gave its approval for this car.
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