German Car Zone

2009 BMW Z4 Scooped in Germany – Gets 3.0L Twin Turbo and the M3’s 4.0L V8


BMW Z4 2009 Scoop PicturesThe next-generation BMW Z4 has been scooped driving in and around the Bavarian automaker’s central offices in Munich. If you check out the spy shots you can see that the prototype is equipped with a hardtop, and from the looks of it, it’s a two-piece folding metal roof. So do we need any more proof that the new Z4 will indeed be equipped with a retractable hardtop instead a conventional, but lighter soft top like today’s model?

BMW Z4 2009 Scoop PicturesIf it were any other automaker we’d say no, but since BMW is known to explore various solutions on its prototype test cars, we wouldn’t be too hasty to completely write off the canvas top. Who knows, maybe the Bavarian's will go both ways as Mazda did with the current generation Miata / MX-5. Leaving the roof options aside, the new Z4 will be built on the latest 3-Series underpinnings, remaining similar in dimensions to the current model growing on an inch or so in length and width. While the styling is reminiscent of its predecessor, the new Z4 appears to have a more aggressive stance.

Under the hood, we’ll see the new Z4 getting the latest powertrains from the 3-Series including BMW’s latest generation 3.0-liter bi-turbo straight six that develops 326 HP in the new 740i (from 306 HP in the 335i) and the M3’s 420 HP 4.0-liter V8 in the range topping Z4 M model. Just like the current Z4, the new Bavarian roadster will also be offered (at least in Europe), with an entry-level, no-frills 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine.

So when will we see the new Z4 arriving in BMW’s dealerships? Our sources report that the production BMW Z4 will make its first appearance at the Detroit Show in January 2009, but we wouldn’t be surprised if the Bavarian automaker presents a pre-production model the Los Angeles Motor Show this November. In any case, the new Z4 that will be made in Germany instead of the U.S. like the outgoing model will be available worldwide from spring 2009.

[Source: CarScoop]

So we will see a Z4M or not?

BTW, do we know what the base price of the 2L engine will be?

Yeah, in 2010/11, not sooner.
And of course we don't know the base price... Prices are given at least a month after official press release

I know that we can't know the exact price, but can't we speculate how much over the "old" Z4 will it cost?

About three days ago I saw two E89 prototypes going down Lassen street in Northridge. They were traveling in the opposite lane of traffic. The car looks to be marginally bigger than the E85, but I can definitely see a size up look to it. I'm looking forward to the worldwide debut in L.A.

Courtesy of ZPost.

The new car looks very very masculine. I like how you sit so incredibly low, which is a GREAT seating position for driving in a roadster. I also really REALLY like how well the wheels fill the arches. Sexy as hell.

Those wheels will be a pain to clean with the amount of brake dust we get in BMWs.

It really looks like my dad driving the Z4 in the last picture...

I have not noticed how tight the cabin looks...

This car is gonna be hhhhhhooooooooootttttt.