BMW’s next-generation Z4 Roadster is due for its first public outing at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, but the new spy shots have revealed the car about a month ahead of the show. As hinted at by the spy photos and confirmed with the newly leaked images, the car features fewer Bangle-born styling cues and a smoother, more rounded appearance than the outgoing version.
Contrary to numerous reports the new model is expected to grow in both size and price. The new Z4 is tipped to receive a folding metal hardtop to bring it into line with the Mercedes Benz SLK and Mazda MX5 (Miata). For BMW, the benefits of the folding hardtop (security and reliability) outweighed the disadvantages of increased weight and less trunk space. However, there is also the possibility that both a hard-top and a traditional soft-top could also be offered.
Throughout the car's development, styling was expected to feature cues derived from the CS concept including a wider and more pronounced grille and larger intakes up front. Though the final product doesn't seem nearly as extreme as the CS Concept, there is a hint of the controversial design in the new Z4.
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 including 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, though that won't be due until sometime around 2011. The naturally-aspirated six-cylinder is expected to be rated at about 272hp (203kW), an upgrade of 17hp (12kW) over the current sport model, while the flagship M Roadster - if it is built - is likely to get a brand new high-performance turbo six worth around 350hp (261kW).
This is to ensure the M-spec Z4 doesn’t step on the toes of the M3. The Z4 range is also expected to pick up BMW’s new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission as an option. A 6-speed manual will be standard.
With more equipment and a bigger powerplant, pricing is expected to rise to about €43,000 ($55,000) in Europe. The Z4 currently starts at around $36,700 in the U.S., but that can be expected to climb past $40,000 for the next model.
Reader Comments
Tue Apr 29 2008 12:15 AM
Paul says
It looks faster than the Camaro we saw last week.
Tue Apr 29 2008 12:35 AM
Gus says
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...
Tue Apr 29 2008 1:43 AM
Lexlife says
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.
Tue Apr 29 2008 3:24 AM
CK says
Gus you are always complaining about trunk space when it comes to metal folding roof cabs ;D
Tue Apr 29 2008 4:50 AM
Gus says
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...
Tue Apr 29 2008 8:55 AM
CK says
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 ;)
Tue Apr 29 2008 11:22 AM
Alan says
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
Tue Apr 29 2008 12:17 PM
Gus says
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...
Tue Apr 29 2008 3:02 PM
CK says
And now you know why Chrysler is so badly off Gus ;)
Tue Apr 29 2008 5:23 PM
ohmy says
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.....
Wed Apr 30 2008 5:45 PM
Gus says
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.
Fri May 9 2008 8:33 PM
EuropaCar says
Gus this car is offered as hardtop and softtop
Wed Oct 8 2008 2:16 PM
NoNameDenton says
Will the 350 hp turbo go into the 3 and 5 series eventually
Thu Oct 9 2008 7:34 AM
azlan says
looks great! but lazy person decided to put 3 series front light on it??? i dont like the think of a three series when thinking sports convertible. atleast put the m3/coupe front light on it lol.
Thu Oct 23 2008 12:54 PM
NoNameDenton says
Should bring the diesel to America and the turbo 4's
Wed Dec 3 2008 4:18 PM
Roy says
I know everyone likes diesels, but a diesel engine is substantially heavier, noisier on start-up and not as clean as gasoline if your urea supply runs out (urea is cheap and easy to obtain, but it's just one more thing to remember...). I grew up in the UK and I've had a lot of contact with diesels. Even Peugeot has trouble making a diesel car that handles nicely. As with hybrid cars, all that extra weight comes with a substantial handling penalty. In a car like this one, that matters.
As for the folding hard-top, I lived in the SF area for a few years with a soft-top and my biggest worry was that someone would slash the roof. BMW developed a retractable hardtop for the 3 series that was the lightest in it's class, so I'm hopeful that there won't be too much of a weight or space penalty. Gus, at least you can fit your suitcase in the car eventually - my MR2 boasted 2.2 cubic feet of luggage space, which was barely enough for a shopping bag or two whether the top was up or down...!
Wed Dec 3 2008 6:25 PM
NoNameDenton says
Modern diesels are as quiet as their gas counterparts and they are starting to use alumunum engines, so that excuse is flying out the window.
Wed Dec 3 2008 6:27 PM
NoNameDenton says
Plus the BMW diesels as nice as the gas one, so that is just a lame cop out.
Thu Dec 4 2008 8:40 PM
Gus says
No, a Z4 shouldn't be a diesel. At least not in the US where people aren't ready for it.
Looks a bit like a mini Viper from the back in that new photo...
Still hope it has a decent trunk... :)
Fri Dec 5 2008 10:51 AM
Talleyrand says
I have seen this car tooling around Agoura Road in Agoura,California. A few days ago it was on PCH in Malibu.
As a mountain range separates the two areas ,I would guess they are testing it on those great twisting roads up there. Heads up to you locals!
Fri Dec 5 2008 4:16 PM
iluvamericancarz says
thats one sleek car
Fri Dec 5 2008 6:30 PM
Gus says
Testing a new prototype convertible on the mountain roads of Southern California. Some people really have ****** jobs, don't they? :)
Fri Dec 5 2008 7:36 PM
NoNameDenton says
The Europeans have had diesel convertibles for awhile, and they do not seem to mind them, if Americans are too dumb to realize it is a smart idea, explains a lot.
Sat Dec 6 2008 4:31 PM
Gus says
Well hold on now.
Regular unleaded is $1.79. Premium is $1.99, Diesel is $2.59.
Now, if you were in the market for a convertible sports car, would you really buy a diesel? No way, and 9.9 out of 10 people here would say the same.
And that's why you won't see one here. Why should they go through the hassle of bringing one to market for the few people who might buy one?
Sun Dec 7 2008 1:09 AM
NoNameDenton says
Last I chekced an diesel won green car of the year because of great milage so it averages out
Sun Dec 7 2008 11:37 AM
Gus says
Yes, but a diesel car usually costs a few thousand more, and the high end power isn't the same.
This is a 2 seat convertible sports car, not a sedan...
Mon Dec 8 2008 12:47 AM
NoNameDenton says
As I said, Europeans do it, and all that low end torque would be good for a convertible/sports car
Mon Dec 8 2008 11:50 AM
Gus says
Well, I think I'll be proven correct, you'll never see one here. Just not enough demand.
Mon Dec 8 2008 3:01 PM
NoNameDenton says
I think you will be proven wrong since Europeans are smarter
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