Here’s a picture and a summary of all the details about the BMW Z2. A prototype was spotted on the West Coast. Learn more.

A Belgian website has published the first photo of a rumored BMW Z2 roadster prototype. The photo confirms that a new Z-series car is being developed, despite rumors originating over three years ago.

The picture was taken by a Belgian expat in Laguna Beach, California. It is more than 100 miles from Oxnard’s BMW testing facility. Although the car is heavily padded, it was not far from a BMW 5-Series GT. However, it does display a few details.

Rumours suggest that the lightweight car will share a platform and be capped with the soft top shown here. The top can be opened manually, but a motorized option may be possible. The car’s dual exhaust can be seen.

Stories of the car weighing in at less than 1,000kg (2,200 lbs) and employing active aerodynamics have been reported over the past three years. The car will be powered by the BMW petrol 1.6-liter engine, and a 250-horsepower 2.0-liter twin turbo engine. It may also be offered as a Z2 coupe and as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid or all-electric.

It could be an electric car with the same powertrain of the MINI Cooper E.

A BMW Z2 Concept car will be seen in Paris. The production version of the vehicle is expected to arrive on Paris roads by 2013. Rumours that the car will cost $30,000 may be exaggerated as the BMW 1-Series convertible starts at $34,200.