2009 BMW Z4 Scooped
03-04-07, 05:12 PM
#1
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2009 BMW Z4 Scooped
2009's BMW Z4: the lowdown
BMW is taking its Z4 back to the drawing board. Codenamed E89, the replacement roadster won't be launched until 2009, but CAR Online's spies have caught these unusual shots of prototypes testing with their roofs up and down.
Contrary to other reports, we're told this car is definitely the Z4, not a prototype for the bigger Z9 roadster that BMW is also developing.
So what's new on the Z4 ?
The silhouette is recognisably a Z4, but the disguise is unusually thick, suggesting that the design might be more different than meets the eye under those same-again proportions. Some of the more unusual 'banana' swage lines could be toned down, but the E89 model will still be aimed squarely at the Porsche Boxster and Mercedes SLK.
The Z4 remains a soft-top (the folding metal roof is reserved for the 3-series Convertible) and our sources suggest it'll grow a bit too. As well as freeing up more space for passengers and their luggage, this creates room for a rumoured Z2 baby roadster in the range - BMW's MX-5 rival.
And what about under that long bonnet? Can we expect a whole slew of gadgets ?
Beneath the skin, we hear there will be active steering, adjustable dampers and a new twin-clutch transmission along the lines of VW's DSG box. We're told the chassis will be much stiffer, to the benefit of ride and handling.
Other goodies like BMW's Dynamic Drive and rumoured electro-hydraulic brakes are unlikely to feature in the next Z4, however.
Which engines will be in the next Z4 ?
Expect four different engines:
• 2.0-litre direct-injection four rated at 185bhp
• 231bhp direct-injection 2.5-litre straight six
• Turbocharged 3.0-litre direct-injection unit good for 321 bhp
• A high-revving normally aspirated 4.0-litre V8 with around 450bhp
BMW's direct-injection is spreading across the board, improving fuel consumption and emission despite significantly higher outputs.
Will there be a coupe Z4 again?
Sales of the Z4 haven't always been lived up to BMW's expectations and production was scaled back a couple of years ago; it's one of the reasons the Z4 Coupe was launched, to swell numbers. A tin-top is due next time around, too.
What's the new Z4 like inside ?
Although the roof is down on these photos, we sadly can't get a decent look inside the Z4 yet. BMW's iDrive multi-function controller will appear, materials are designed to be of higher quality, and engineers claim to have made the driving position more comfortable.
The roof will continue to be a fast-moving, electrically operated canvas affair, with fixed rollover hoops behind each seat, as witnessed here.
Words: Tim Pollard
Source : carmagazine
Last edited by Gojirra99; 03-04-07 at 05:27 PM.
03-04-07, 06:20 PM
#2
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those pictures make the car look awesome, hopefully the final results will be better than the z4 now, which i liked from the start but then grew to think it was unique but ugly.
03-05-07, 12:19 AM
#3
This car looks a lot better than the current Z4, thats for sure... I still wish, from looking at the side view, the hood and fenders had a little bit more downward slope and didnt look so flat.
03-05-07, 09:07 AM
#5
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Looking more like this hideous TVR POS.
03-05-07, 11:00 AM
#7
Beneath the skin, we hear there will be active steering, adjustable dampers and a new twin-clutch transmission along the lines of VW's DSG box.
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03-17-07, 11:39 AM
#8
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Z9, Z6 or Z4 ?
SPY PHOTOS: BMW Z4 with Roof Down
Text by Andreas Conradt
Copyright AUTOMEDIA
March 16, 2007
Z9, Z6 or Z4 ?
Earlier photos of another camouflaged prototype of a new BMW roadster have sparked quite a debate on the spy-community as to whether the model we’re seeing here is the next generation Z4 or a totally new roadster dubbed, by most, as the Z9 – though it could be called Z6. Fortunately, we’re here not directly confronted with the question whether the car will get a canvas soft-top or a retractable hardtop as these are the best shots yet of the new roadster with the roof laid down!
Both sides have strong talking points even though the camouflaged roadster that we’re seeing is obviously larger than the Z4. But then again, according to earlier reports, the next-generation Z4 would be doing a bit of growing up so as to make room for an entry-level roadster dubbed Z2 which will be based on the 1-series hatch. That would very well justify its larger dimensions.
On the other hand, noticing the side window covers and the folding metal roof, we’re probably talking about the Z9 as we highly doubt that the next-gen Z4 will be fitted with an electric hard-top. Whatever it may be – we’re here facing another exciting machine from the guys in Munich! Let’s look forward to it.
Text by Andreas Conradt
Copyright AUTOMEDIA
March 16, 2007
Z9, Z6 or Z4 ?
Earlier photos of another camouflaged prototype of a new BMW roadster have sparked quite a debate on the spy-community as to whether the model we’re seeing here is the next generation Z4 or a totally new roadster dubbed, by most, as the Z9 – though it could be called Z6. Fortunately, we’re here not directly confronted with the question whether the car will get a canvas soft-top or a retractable hardtop as these are the best shots yet of the new roadster with the roof laid down!
Both sides have strong talking points even though the camouflaged roadster that we’re seeing is obviously larger than the Z4. But then again, according to earlier reports, the next-generation Z4 would be doing a bit of growing up so as to make room for an entry-level roadster dubbed Z2 which will be based on the 1-series hatch. That would very well justify its larger dimensions.
On the other hand, noticing the side window covers and the folding metal roof, we’re probably talking about the Z9 as we highly doubt that the next-gen Z4 will be fitted with an electric hard-top. Whatever it may be – we’re here facing another exciting machine from the guys in Munich! Let’s look forward to it.
03-17-07, 11:59 AM
#9
I hear this car will indeed get the retractable hardtop, and looking at these shots, I agree. There is a second window behind the big window, which all retractable hardtops have and no canvas roof tops have. Also, the opening of the trunk is quite large, which makes me think that it has cuts all the way to the side in order to fit the top.
Remember, we saw soft top versions of the 3er hard top convertible too when it was in its testing stages
Remember, we saw soft top versions of the 3er hard top convertible too when it was in its testing stages
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