[supra93]

BMW should have badged it Z3. Why? Because the new Z4 is in many ways a reincarnation of the first Z3 roadster that rolled off the line at the automaker’s Spartanburg, South Carolina, factory back in the mid 1990s. It sheds the last Z4’s bulky and ill-conceived retractable hardtop in favor of an electrically operated soft top. There are no more ungainly cutlines segmenting the elegant silhouette, and cargo volume increases by 50 percent with the top down, though the rear blind spot just about doubles in acreage with it up. But this is a what-the-heck automobile not a two-seat driving-school car; it’s made to be driven alfresco.

Like every new rear-wheel-drive BMW, the next Z4 is underpinned by a spinoff of the automaker’s modular CLAR architecture and will get adaptive dampers and an optional M Sport kit. Don’t expect air springs or rear-wheel steering. To keep the car’s weight in the roughly 3,000- to 3,200-pound target bracket, all-wheel drive never entered the equation, sources say. Wheel sizes should range from standard 17-inchers to an optional 19-inch package offered in a bundle with bigger brakes.

The Munich grapevine suggests three different versions of the Z4. The base s20i will likely be powered by the brand’s 2.0-liter turbo inline-four presently rated at 180 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque in the BMW 320i. The s30i features the same engine in 248 hp, 258 lb-ft guise, with the Z4 M40i using a version of the 320 hp, 340 lb-ft straight-six from the 340i. Not yet confirmed is a Competition Pack, which would kick up the 3.0-liter’s output by some 40 horses and 30 lb-ft. Although the base model will come with a six-speed manual gearbox, higher-end versions will relay torque via an eight-speed ZF auto box.

A BMW spokesperson says there won’t be a Z4 M. It would require too much mechanical and plastic surgery to justify a price that would have likely been close to six-figure territory. Although CLAR is set up for plug-in hybrid and full-EV applications, we expect the Z4 to rely exclusively on the aforementioned combustion engines. The only hybrid you’ll get is a mild one so the engine doesn’t also have to power auxiliary equipment. Don’t expect any autonomous-driving gadgetry, either; this is a purebred driver’s car honed at the Nürburging.

Unlike the outgoing Z4, the new model is significantly more spacious and digitally up to date. The main monitor sits high on the dash, the instrument cluster can be adjusted within reason, and there is an available augmented-reality head-up display. If you must, you can specify neck warmers and a pop-up wind deflector. The sixth generation of BMW’s iDrive boasts additional features and more intuitive access, but it retains the trademark controller between the seats and the driving experience selector next to it.

As for the progress of the BMW/Toyota partnership signed in 2011 to produce a new sports car for each brand, sources tell us Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda has been to Munich testing Toyota’s version of the car, also known as the next Supra. More than once, the approachable tycoon and avid high-performance driver reportedly walked away impressed. To avoid cannibalization, BMW opted for the roadster while Toyota favored the coupe, which is expected to make its debut later this year in prototype form at the Tokyo auto show. A role swap later in the life cycle is still possible. The cars share BMW’s engines and will be built at a neutral site, the Magna factory in Graz, Austria.

As it stands, expect the new Z4 to ring in around the same price as the last-gen model at just north of $50,000 and move up from there when it hits the streets, likely late next year.

http://www.automobilemag.com/news/20...hat-to-expect/

[The HACK]

At that price I'm better off buying a C7 Stingray. Faster all around, better looking (subjective) and a removable hard top.

[supra93]

Two live shots

[evanevery]

One of the most beautiful BMW's EVER! (IMHO)

Except... What's with the split fabric in the cabin? Thats just fugly! Lets just hope that doesn't happen!

[evanevery]

Originally Posted by 2013M3

Looks like pontiac solstice?

...and the Pontiac Solstice is ALSO a very beautiful car!

(...or are we not allowed think anything without a BMW nameplate is "beautiful"?)

[supra93]

A over lap of the concept and spy shot.

[supra93]

[-JLT-]

Originally Posted by supra93

Two live shots

sign me up for M version!

[ORIGIN M.]

You must be half blind.

Not even!

Originally Posted by Bowser330

Twinzies?

[phoenixbmwlife]

Originally Posted by MSups6

What you think a Supra will start at 70k

370Z COUPE
FROM:
$29,990

But a bmw badge does add 30k right Its a toyota, they will need a sub 40k entry model. They can still do as bmw does and milk the buyer for another 20k with options which most should be standard.

Though id love to see the bs bmw spins to justify why their version cost near double.

From $40k to $70k? Lol I already posted what I think it would cost. And trust me there's no way this will cost sub $40k

[mslam02]

Really love the concept, and yea, i NEED that color on my next bimmer

[RotorOver]

At the BMW Villa in Pebble Beach. The Z4 Concept car was just unveiled. What a gorgeous car. Here are some pics.

[///M Ryder]

Too Lexus like.....someone please put out a APB or Amber Alert for BMW........Phil

[Teutonic]

BMW, this is how a hood should look like! Not with horizontal fugly lines that scratch the eye!
Keep it like this and make all models similar.

[supra93]

[BMW F22]

Attended the Z4 Concept unveiling at the BMW Villa in Pebble Beach tonight. Met some top dogs there. Chatted with Adrian van Hooydonk and a few people. Adrian said that about 90% of the concept will make it to production. Take that for what it's worth.

Car was stunning in person as it was in pictures. Definitely has a sex appeal to it. BMW knows how to throw a party, complete with some very nice wines and live music with Kelley James. It was a very cool evening and event.

[BMW F22]

Few more pix

[clbmw]

Gorgeous, I was shocked as I did expect it to look this good, IMO makes the immediate German competition look quite dull.

If it handling is as good as its looks it'll clean up. If it doesn't then it'll be a nice looking hair dressers' car and the Boxster will retain its crown.

[MSups6]

Originally Posted by phoenixbmwlife

From $40k to $70k? Lol I already posted what I think it would cost. And trust me there's no way this will cost sub $40k

Never did i say the Bimmer will cost sub 40 either

But the Supra very likely will, thus the question of what magic will bmw say they used to justify a 20k ish higher base msrp.

This thing could be a real embarrassment if the Supra costs a hell of a lot less and is faster.

[drlonline]

Originally Posted by BMW F22

Attended the Z4 Concept unveiling at the BMW Villa in Pebble Beach tonight. Met some top dogs there. Chatted with Adrian van Hooydonk and a few people. Adrian said that about 90% of the concept will make it to production. Take that for what it's worth.

Car was stunning in person as it was in pictures. Definitely has a sex appeal to it. BMW knows how to throw a party, complete with some very nice wines and live music with Kelley James. It was a very cool evening and event.

Did he give any indication when in 2018 we would see the production version?

[supra93]

[BMW F22]

Originally Posted by drlonline

Did he give any indication when in 2018 we would see the production version?

No. They were pretty mum about that. The guy that travels everywhere the concept car was especially so.