Next generation Z4 (spy pics & info)

BMW Z4 successor due next year



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.


Source: Motor Authority BMW Z4 successor due next year

Looks great, very aggressive. Should be fun to drive with 350bhp in a car that size with rear wheel drive

That's what i like! :eusa_danc Chop looks mighty fine (the front) and if it ends up similar to that i'll be happy.:eek2: No more Z4 dissing from me, i promise.

:t-cheers:

The sides look very similar to the current model however.

Source : worldscoop

I'm with Tyc' on this one... if the new Z4 ends up with those much more focused and aggressive headlights, as well as a bit more aggressive front 'mouth', then I'll be an even bigger fan of the Z4 than I am now.
From the mules photographed so far, it seems as though the new Z4 will have a rearlight design which is a mixture of the 6er and 3er coupe. It seems that the outer-part of the rear light will have that 'wrap around' look of the 6er's rear light, while having the add-on red section on the actual bootlid ala 3er coupe and facelifted 7er.
I'm also expecting an aggressive and sharp crease running from the corner of the rear light and ending somewhere around the door handle (much like the CS Concept's sharp crease towards the rear third of the car).


----


Hey Tycoon, if you think that chop is mighty fine, then I'd like to hear your (as well as other members) impressions of this quick edit I did...

Hey Shameel!

Nice work, bro. Although M3's bumper goes well with headlights and grille shape, i hope for something more aggressive on the new Z4.

Anyways, 1st i wanna see more aggressive Z4 treatment than current, mainly headlights and if that happens, i won't worry at all for the bumper.

:t-cheers:

Some new pics:







Illustration:


2010 BMW Z4 [Spied and Illustrated]

The profile and proportions are literally slick. This is going to be a jaw dropper, i have no doubt.

The side profile is going to be so ridiculous, can't wait for this car. It will be the Shark v.2.0.

What the hell is wrong with Lehmann? You can tell the rear is totally wrong. You can see where the reverse light will be (above turn signals) and you can tell that the bootlid will be much more curved (a la 6er but no where as drastic).

You can put the tt 3.0 engine in any car and it will win tests

:eusa_pray:eusa_pray:eusa_pray

:t-cheers:

I think it will look even better than those Huck impressions.

these impressions are quite old, it's clear from the latest spy shots that the grill, side details, anda rear lights are quite different

I hope so, but that's (Huck's chops) at least i want to see. Everything even better than that is welcome.

:t-cheers:

I like these. Still no one can tell me who this guy is? One of the great automotive mysteries.

M

Definitely.

Spy Video:Exclusive Spy Video and Photos: 2010 BMW Z4

Metal roof for BMW’s new Z4


Our spies have lifted the lid on the next-generation BMW Z4 – and the big news is that it’s getting a folding metal roof for the first time!

Look closely at these prototypes, and you’ll see that 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 our artist’s impression shows, 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. And 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.

Although these prototypes appear to be much bigger than the current model, this is down to the bulky disguise. Peel back all that plastic camouflage, and 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 in the UK late in 2009.
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/219726/bmw_z4.html