Z Series Next generation Z4 (spy pics & info)

[south]

Re: Next generation Z4

Another item on the agenda was the subservant bowing to market requirements that are not necessary - ne the decision to transplant a manual gearbox from the 550i into the M5 Which is a total mismatch and compromises the attraction and the marketing which elaborates a great deal about the SMG Gearbox. This is why BMW have no plans to offer a manual gearbox for the M5 in Europe or therefore offer the M5 Touring in the USA.

The appearance of the M5 touring does offer one thing though...
There will be an M3 Touring.

It may be right that the used manual is a mismatch for the M5, but in that case it was the wrong decision not to develop a manual M5 from scratch! If customers want a manual there has to be a manual, that's market economy!
BMW can't blame the customers for wanting a manual, BMW can only blame itself for not recognizing that.
I for myself want a manual and I really hope BMW doesn't make the same mistake twice with the M3. They should offer a manual also in Europe. Besides that the SMG transmission failure stories scare me from changing to SMG.

Best regards, south

 

[Osnabrueck]

Re: Next generation Z4

If customers want a manual there has to be a manual, that's market economy!

Problem is, by and large, the people who are in the market for, and want an M5, desire the bleeding edge of technology. Yes, they're driving enthusiasts, but they're also luxury car buyers. On the luxury side of the equation, SMG was the right choice.

The problem for BMW was the a very vocal minority who were stick-shift purists. It's a nice concession to have the stick available, but it does nothing for their bottom line.

Personally I want to see manuals and SMGs available, because everybody has their own style, and you really can't beat the feel of shifting through the gates yourself. But from a sheer business point of view, BMW really has little incentive to continue offering manuals in their M cars so long as SMG is refined enough to handle the job.

Sure, lots of people will gripe if stick isn't offered but very few of said gripers are actually prospective buyers, and even fewer will translate into lost sales.

 

[EnI]

Re: Next generation Z4

OK, back to topic.


"The birdie" (I decided to name my sources "The birdie", OK) told me E89 Z4 will be quite similar to Huckfeldt's renderings. He got the general idea quite right, I was told. some details or off though.

 

[RikfromBelgium]

Re: Next generation Z4

Eni, simular rearlights have been used on a shop of the 2 seriec convert? So those might be correct?

 

[EnI]

Re: Next generation Z4

First spy pics of a folding HARDTOP! So BMW are obviously testing both solutions - like they did on E93 cabrio.
http://img506.imageshack.us/my.php?image=4jan17bmwz928e6a2f8cm0.jpg http://img506.imageshack.us/my.php?image=5jan17bmwz928e6b9bccc5.jpg http://img506.imageshack.us/my.php?image=3jan17bmwz928e6cf86bb1.jpg

http://img506.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1jan17bmwz928e8fb5fdf1.jpg http://img506.imageshack.us/my.php?image=2jan17bmwz928e917f0xn6.jpg

 

[Zafiro]

Re: Next generation Z4

here it says its Z9


Spy shots confirm BMW Z9 testing


While previous spy shots of a new BMW roadster prototype didn't give us a good idea of its size, a new round of photos seem to confirm the vehicle is indeed BMW's new Z9 — a competitor to the Mercedes SL-Class. Despite its disguise, one can recognize the rather long hood suggesting a front engine and rear drive. It's also clear this is no BMW Z4.

A spiritual successor to the BMW Z8, the new Z9 roadster will probably be priced above the 6-Series. Once the new sports car hits the market, it will meet a large number of serious competitors. Among them the just launched Audi R8, a possible Mercedes AMG gullwing, the new Lexus LF-A, and Acura NSX.

The prototype's canvas top is fake, hiding a a retractable metal roof beneath. A variety of six- and eight-cylinder models could be offered, with a range-topping Z9 M receiving either a 500 horsepower V10, or 600 horsepower V12.

 

[Centurion]

Re: Next generation Z4

^^
That information probably comes from a web magasine which occasionally doesn't know what they are talking about.

 

[Osnabrueck]

Re: Next generation Z4

"The birdie" (I decided to name my sources "The birdie", OK) told me E89 Z4 will be quite similar to Huckfeldt's renderings. He got the general idea quite right, I was told. some details or off though.

Interesting. I just hope that BMW, in their shift back to "design normality", still is able to prestent us with a car that's just as exciting as the Z4 was when it debuted.

I still think the Z4 is a very obtuse looking car, but it's also visually captivating like few other vechiles. To me, its flaws can be overlooked because the sheer visceral gravity of the car's lines.

 

[EnI]

Re: Next generation Z4

here it says its Z9

It's not a Z9, nor Z8.

The Z8 successor will come in 2010/11. To far away for prototypes with original body design to drive around, don't you think. Final design yet to be approved by BMW AG Management Board.

This is E89 Z4 - coming in late 2009.


It's very funny how they talk about long hood, while current E85 Z4 already has extremely long hood as well. And there was a better spy pic showing the side profile & proportions. Check that particular side profile pic Rik posted few posts back. And you'll see almost identical proportions of current Z4 - even with heavy plastic cladding on.

Mk2 Z8 will be much more massive since its chassis is quite bigger. It will be bigger than Mk1, and very close to SL size.

PS:

Just look at the SL pic - focus on the greenhouse - to see it's one size bigger than the BMW in the spy pics (= E89 Z4):

 

[EMpower]

Re: Next generation Z4

If BMW is coming out with Z1 or Z2 then it makes sense to make Z4 a little longer so that there is noticeable difference between the two.

 

[EnI]

Re: Next generation Z4

If BMW is coming out with Z1 or Z2 then it makes sense to make Z4 a little longer so that there is noticeable difference between the two.

BMW ditched MINI roadster plans, and will introduce Z2 instead. Still an official green light for Z2 project is expected soon.

Yes, Z2 is planned to be an entry roadster, Z4 a mid-range one, and Z8 a large one.

Btw, MINI strategists are seriously considering a MINI coupe. Some names already have been suggested eg. "Sportster" and "Spitfire" (an old Triumph name). Some sketches have already been made, and the design proposals look very much like mini Aston Martin. Yet no green light for the project as of yet. But mind that BMW & PSA are started another JV project: cca. 2L I4 turbo engine - for Peugeot, Citroen & MINI cars.

Imagine a MINI coupe with 200PS+ I4 turbo.

 

[PanterroR]

Re: Next generation Z4

Some sketches have already been made, and the design proposals look very much like mini Aston Martin.

So, Aston Martin in MINI's size???

I definitely know what's my wife's next car!

 

[RikfromBelgium]

Re: Next generation Z4

I don't like the idea of a Z2. With the 2 series convertible and the Z4, that sounds like one car too far. Also not that crazy about the hard top folding roof. Hope it doesn't hurt the Z4's handling. If they really want to take on the Boxster again, they need the best handling car in it's class.

anyway, more pictures:

found at autoscoops.EU

this should persuade those who think this is the Z9. Compared to the driver, this car is too small, even with the camo, to be the Z9. AMS though still thinks it's not the Z4.

 

[Deutsch]

Re: Next generation Z4

I laugh everytime I read that this is a Z8 replacement, because first off, it's not as big (check the proportions to understand what I'm saying). Second timing is precise for BMW to be testing a Z4 replacement as the current car is four years old and is to replaced in 3 yrs. I think the Z8 predecessor is going to be a much bigger car than what you see here with a particulary short wheelbase, nothing like what you see here.

 

[chonkoa]

Re: Next generation Z4

I hope the real product resembles this- I may have to get a new car.

OK, back to topic.


"The birdie" (I decided to name my sources "The birdie", OK) told me E89 Z4 will be quite similar to Huckfeldt's renderings. He got the general idea quite right, I was told. some details or off though.

 

[EMpower]

Re: Next generation Z4

Why do they keep referring it as Z9?

http://www.worldcarfans.com/spyphot...19.002/country/gcf/bmw/spy-photos-more-bmw-z9

 

[EnI]

Re: Next generation Z4

Why do they keep referring it as Z9?

Because they have no clue. Lehmann is very capable spy photographer, but he have no clue about cars and automaker's product plans.


The ultimate proof for all doubters:

Z8 will be of similar size as current Z8 & MB SL. Current Z8 width is 1,830mm, MB SL width is 1,827mm, while E85 Z4 width is 1,781mm

Now measure the prototype's width (with a help of this pic, and license plate width - which is standard EU plate of 520mm).

http://img506.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1jan17bmwz928e8fb5fdf1.jpg

Please, do!

And do not forget report the result!

Also check these pics - not the passenger: The car is not as large as it seems in some pics!

It's E89 Z4!

 

[vabboud]

Re: Next generation Z4

an odd question, why hasn't the F appelation been used instead of E for new Z4?
is the honor reserved to the flagship?

 

[Deutsch]

Re: Next generation Z4

Thank you for confirming my suspicion Eni.

 

[Matt]

Re: Next generation Z4

It seems like the Z9 would use drilled brakes as well, further showing that this thing is probably just the next generation z4. We're already seeing spy pics of the next 7.