Posted on Wednesday 30 April 2008
Updated with new renderings.
BMW’s next-generation Z4 roadster is due to arrive next year as a 2010 model, and contrary to numerous reports the new model will grow in both size and price. As revealed in these latest renderings, the new car will sport a similar shape to the current Z4 but will feature a new folding hardtop in lieu of the current fabric roof.
For BMW, the benefits of the folding hardtop (security and reliability) outweighed the disadvantages of increased weight and less trunk space. The decision was also made because of competition from Mercedes’ SLK and Mazda’s new MX5/Miata, both of which come standard with hardtop roofs.
Although styling details are being kept closely guarded, the new car is expected to feature styling derived from the CS concept including a wider and more pronounced grille and larger intakes up front. A long hood and a short rear decklid remain but the previous car’s circular taillights have been swapped with units that appear similar to those on the larger 6-series with rows of LED detailing.
The engine lineup should include both twin-turbo and naturally-aspirated straight six engines, although there could be an entry-level model in Europe with a four-cylinder mill, while the flagship M Roadster is likely to get a brand new high-performance turbo six with around 350hp. This is to ensure the M-spec Z4 doesn’t step on the toes of the M3.
It looks faster than the Camaro we saw last week.
Am I the only one lmanting the loss of a trunk that can hold a weekend’s worth of luggage in a car where you can pu the top down on the WAY to a hotel?
I mean, what is all this cr*p? Are you telling me that if my wife and I want to drive up the coast to San Francisco for the weekend, we can’t put the top down until after we drop the luggage off at the hotel?
I fear this might just be one of those “if they have one we have to have one too” things…
Love it! Beautiful design and great engine/speed. This car is making me reconsider another vehicle I had planned to purchase used as a weekend top-down runner for about the same price. This new Z4 may win out in the decision making process especially with the zero out of pocket BMW warranty. Can’t wait until it’s released.
Gus you are always complaining about trunk space when it comes to metal folding roof cabs ;D
I guess I just like to put the roof down when I’m driving on a weekend trip, which I do a lot. Here in Southern California a hard top just doesn’t matter, so maybe I don’t understand the need…
Yeah but if you live here in Germany, where it poured just a few hours ago, the hardtop folding thing is quite handy. And the remember this car comes from a german manufacturer
Personally i think the security offered by hard top is brilliant. Here in Melbourne, Australia where it get’s quite cold in winter with occasional rain, i find hard top more practical
Yes, it makes sense for some places.
I guess I wish they offered two choices, like on the Sebring. If they can do it surely anyone can…
And now you know why Chrysler is so badly off Gus
well hard folding tops you wont get any trunk space, but soft tops you will, unfortunately, there jsut isnt enough space if you want a small retracable hardtop since the car is so small…..
Yeah, yeah, I know Chrysler has issues, but my point was, if a cheesy American car can be diesigned with both tops, then just about any car can.
I just hope that someday all convertibles aren’t hardtops.
Gus this car is offered as hardtop and softtop