Skip advert
Advertisement

BMW Z4

Next generation BMW Z4 spotted testing topless...

Instead of a fabric affair, the new Z4 is following in the footsteps of its 3-Series Convertible big brother, plus its Mercedes SLK rival, with a retractable steel top. As these pictures of a less disguised prototype show better than ever before, the car will also get a more muscular look. And the convertible has another trick up its sleeve. BMW isn’t content with raining on the SLK’s parade, as it will seek to outgun the Porsche Boxster with a new range of powerful engines for the car. These are likely to include the twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre straight six-cylinder unit. There’s even the possibility that the Z4 will be available with diesel power for the first time, too.

Advertisement - Article continues below

A flagship M model could get the new 4.0-litre V8 from the M3 – although a broad line-up of four-cylinder and normally aspirated six-cylinder petrol powerplants will continue to be offered. All cars will benefit from BMW’s Efficient Dynamics programme, which helps to cut CO2 emissions and boost fuel economy with features such as an engine stop/start facility.

Under the skin, the platform is shared with the latest-generation 3-Series, so the rear-wheel-drive Z4 will continue to provide driver-pleasing handling.

Now that engineers have peeled back all that plastic camouflage, it’s visible that the newcomer measures only around an inch or so longer and wider than the existing Z4. Our sources have also discovered that production is likely to shift from South Carolina in the US to BMW’s plant at Regensburg, Germany. Sales will start late in 2009.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

BMW Z4 review – Munich's endearing roadster is no Boxster killer
BMW Z4 M40i
In-depth reviews

BMW Z4 review – Munich's endearing roadster is no Boxster killer

Less dynamic than its Stuttgart rival, but still a rewarding and practical everyday machine
14 Feb 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Mercedes-AMG discounting its F1-inspired super saloon by £9500
Mercedes-AMG C63
News

Mercedes-AMG discounting its F1-inspired super saloon by £9500

The Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance is, to the surprise of very few, not selling well. So now there are deals to be had…
19 May 2025
BMW might be about to revive the Z3 M Coupe ‘clownshoe’
BMW Z3 M Coupe teaser
News

BMW might be about to revive the Z3 M Coupe ‘clownshoe’

A new Z3 M-inspired shooting brake will be unveiled at Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este later this month – here’s a sneak peek
20 May 2025
Porsche 911 Carrera GTS 2025 review – hybrid done the right way
Porsche 911 GTS – front
Reviews

Porsche 911 Carrera GTS 2025 review – hybrid done the right way

A new hybrid engine and chassis upgrades have injected personality and huge capability into the 992
20 May 2025