What was the BMW Z8's development codename?

The BMW Z8’s development codename was E52.

BMW developed the E52 between 1993 and 1999 as a modern interpretation of the elegant BMW 507 roadster from the late 1950s. Designer Henrik Fisker shaped the exterior, while Chris Bangle led the broader design effort during the early development period. The production car retained the long hood, rounded tail and minimalist detailing associated with the 507.

The Z8 was previewed by the Z07 concept, shown at the 1997 Tokyo Motor Show. Although the concept had more dramatic features, including a driver-side fairing, regulatory and practical considerations meant that the production E52 required relatively few major changes. It entered production for the 2000 model year and remained in production through 2003.

The E52 used an aluminium space frame and BMW’s 4.9-liter S62 V8, shared with the E39 M5, producing 400 horsepower. BMW built 5,703 Z8s. A common mix-up is E85, which is the internal designation for the first-generation Z4 roadster, not the Z8.