MotorAuthority

BMW Z4 successor due next year

Posted Thu Mar 13 2008 5:21 PM by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

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. Heavily camouflaged prototypes caught testing in Munich show a car with a similar shape to the current Z4, with short rear overhangs and a long hood, but the test-mule was also sporting a folding hardtop. This is in-line with BMW’s plans to reposition the next Z4 into a higher price point as it makes way for the new 1-series cabrio and possibly a smaller entry-level Z car.

A BMW insider has revealed to AutoInternational that the benefits of the folding hardtop (security and reliability) outweighed the disadvantages of increased weight and less storage space when lowered. The decision was also made because of competition from Mercedes’ SLK and Mazda’s new MX5/Miata, which both come with hardtop roofs.

According to the source, a new ‘M’ performance model will also be available but it won’t share the 4.0L V8 engine with the M3. Instead it will get a more powerful version of the twin-turbo 3.0L six from the 335i and should output around 350hp, however it may get BMW’s new dual-clutch gearbox.

This artist’s rendition of the car gives us a good indication as to what the final styling may look. BMW is expected to introduce styling derived from the CS concept across much of the range and this should also be visible on the Z4.

2010 BMW Z4 rendering

BMW 1-series cabrio

story Tags:

• BMW
• BMW Z4
• Roadsters
• Spy shots

Reader Comments

• Thu Mar 13 2008 9:02 PM

  Big Boss says

  Will BMW stop screwin' around and re-activate the 8-Series, already?

• Thu Mar 13 2008 9:28 PM

  CK says

  Why should they reactivate the 8 series? They already replaced it with the 6 series.

• Thu Mar 13 2008 9:42 PM

  chris says

  the 8 series is coming, take it easy. just cause toyota puts a new product out in 24 months doesnt mean everyone should. god knows toyota is top of the quality ladder these days *rolls eyes*
  
  remember, the CS concept just came out a couple months ago. and thats just a Proof of Concept. expect an 8 series to be in show rooms in 36 months.

• Fri Mar 14 2008 5:43 AM

  HECTOR says

  The Union of Metrosexuals is very exited about the new car.
  
  About the 8 series... I would be very happy to see it back in the market if it weren't for the certainty that it's not going to be a kick ass coupe ONLY but will be accompanied by a sedan, SUV, PAS, SAV, sports coupe, sports sedan, sedan SAV, minivan, tractor & baby stroller versions.

• Fri Mar 14 2008 7:15 AM

  germandude says

  I'm glad they made the looks a little easier on the eyes.

• Fri Mar 14 2008 7:56 AM

  Alan says

  Wonder what people will say about a turbo M car, i for one can't quite accept that. BMW M cars has always being about NA engine that revs, personally i don't want to see turbo M cars

• Fri Mar 14 2008 9:49 AM

  mlevere1992 says

  Like CK said, they have the 6 series so there is no need for the 8 to come back. Where would the 8 be placed? At the $100K price range? The 6 series already pushes the $80K boundary.

• Fri Mar 14 2008 6:58 PM

  NaBUru38 says

  Ditto CK and mlevere, the 6 Series is big enough for almost any standard. A second line of 2+2 coupé-shaped sedans can't be dismissed, though.
  
  I think that BMW would do a good move if the new Z4 M gets a twin-turbo 3.0L engine. Sooner or later, all gasoline engines will end up featuring turbochargers and/or superchargers.