Your weight argument is fleeting, fact of the matter is we can't drive, especially the lightweight cars, so we need cars that are crash worthy, or safe (for the politically correct). I'm sure you knew all of this, but point being a lightweight car w/ a big, powerful engine, just isn't going to happen w/ mainstream product. You're better off coughing up a fortune for one of those specialty cars. So get to work Imhotep!!!

On topic: With the size and price of the next Z4. not to mention to two tops in one configuration I don't think a coupe will be necessary. They'll even have a harder time justifying the concept to the BOD, even as a limited run vehicle. So enjoy the current Z4 and M coupe while they're still here.

Youch! I can't say anything about how it drives, but I did like sitting in it recently at that auto show. It really is vintage sports car feeling, tight and all.

M

This is true, now if someone could get the U.S. government to understand this! The simple solution is for us to all driver race-worthy cars, lightweight, exotic materials, and unaffordable for all but the top 1 percent of the population! Gee or we could come down to something like a SLR with diesel engine...lol!!

M

Aren't you forgeting electronics & software aid system.

The reason tanks like the X5 and Cayenne act all sporty is because of all these sophisticated systems developed in the late 80s to early 90s in Formula 1, NOT because of their weight. And they aren't cheap either.

And if most people can't drive them, than thank goodness, cause some cars shouldn't be made for 99,99% of people who can't drive then AND won't take advanced driving lessons to learn to. Ofcourse there always the aids to make them user friendly.

But first and foremost, most people can't afford the Z4 (M)/Coupe and/or Cayman/Boxter. So they weren't intended for the majority in the first place.

SPY PHOTOS: BMW Z4 with Roof Down
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.

Source: WCF

So, it's a folding hardtop, not a soft-top, right..?

Is the current Z4 based on the 3er or does it have a chassis of its own?

Get me if I'm wrong - I'm pretty sure the Z4 makes use of the E46 chassis.

I believe yo're right on that one Osna!

As for the spypics we're seeing..I think it's the Z6, which will replace the Z4 as a bigger car with folding metal roof to make space for a smaller E81 1er based Z2. Am I right Eni?