Rendered Speculation: V8-powered BMW Z4 hardtop
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CL Community Team
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 30,271
Likes: 349
From: Canada
Rendered Speculation: V8-powered BMW Z4 hardtop
New Z4 joins the hard-top fold
Roadster gets choice of metal or soft-tops and diesel engine could join range for first time.
Auto Express Car ReviewsBy Sam Hardy21st July 2008Feast your eyes on BMW’s all-new sports car: the Z4. Due to go on sale at the end of next year, the Porsche Boxster rival is being given a fresh look, with a bulging bonnet hump, larger twin kidney grilles and wide stance.
The original ‘flame surfacing’ styling, pioneered by former BMW design chief Chris Bangle, is still present, but it’s been toned down with a simpler, more athletic shape.
And the newcomer has a big trick up its sleeve: a folding metal roof. This retractable steel top will be similar in design to that on the company’s latest 3-Series Convertible, and will be offered alongside a traditional soft-top model. The Z4 will also feature a new range of powerful engines, including a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six. There’s also the possibility of diesel power – which would be a first for the range.
A flagship M model could get the new 4.0-litre V8 from the M3 – although most versions will still be sold with four-cylinder and normally aspirated six-cylinder petrol powerplants. BMW’s new seven-speed SMG DCT twin-clutch transmission will also be available in the roadster for the first time.
All models will benefit from the manufacturer’s Efficient Dynamics programme, which uses stop/start technology to reduce emissions and improve fuel economy.
Under the skin, the platform is shared with the latest 3-Series, so the rear-wheel-drive Z4 will continue to offer sharp handling.
Roadster gets choice of metal or soft-tops and diesel engine could join range for first time.
Auto Express Car ReviewsBy Sam Hardy21st July 2008Feast your eyes on BMW’s all-new sports car: the Z4. Due to go on sale at the end of next year, the Porsche Boxster rival is being given a fresh look, with a bulging bonnet hump, larger twin kidney grilles and wide stance.
The original ‘flame surfacing’ styling, pioneered by former BMW design chief Chris Bangle, is still present, but it’s been toned down with a simpler, more athletic shape.
And the newcomer has a big trick up its sleeve: a folding metal roof. This retractable steel top will be similar in design to that on the company’s latest 3-Series Convertible, and will be offered alongside a traditional soft-top model. The Z4 will also feature a new range of powerful engines, including a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six. There’s also the possibility of diesel power – which would be a first for the range.
A flagship M model could get the new 4.0-litre V8 from the M3 – although most versions will still be sold with four-cylinder and normally aspirated six-cylinder petrol powerplants. BMW’s new seven-speed SMG DCT twin-clutch transmission will also be available in the roadster for the first time.
All models will benefit from the manufacturer’s Efficient Dynamics programme, which uses stop/start technology to reduce emissions and improve fuel economy.
Under the skin, the platform is shared with the latest 3-Series, so the rear-wheel-drive Z4 will continue to offer sharp handling.
Pole Position
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 2,221
Likes: 2
From: CA
"Under the skin, the platform is shared with the latest 3-Series, so the rear-wheel-drive Z4 will continue to offer sharp handling."
Should say "...so the rear-wheel-drive Z4 will continue to be the God-awful ugliest roadster on sale today."
Should say "...so the rear-wheel-drive Z4 will continue to be the God-awful ugliest roadster on sale today."
Lead Lap
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,534
Likes: 0
From: MD
1. Why was the Z8 cancelled. Too expensive cause of the V8 I thought.
2. I drove a 330ci and I was not impressed by the handling. I prefer the handling our 330xi much better. But then I don't care for the handling of my bro's IS300 either. I guess I'm just used to AWD and being able to floor it through corners and even from a dead stop without sacraficing traction.
2. I drove a 330ci and I was not impressed by the handling. I prefer the handling our 330xi much better. But then I don't care for the handling of my bro's IS300 either. I guess I'm just used to AWD and being able to floor it through corners and even from a dead stop without sacraficing traction.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,468
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, BC
i like folding hardtops i must say ... very pacific north west coast friendly 
...
i want a shot from the back & a test drive to see how i feel about the car in practical application but folding hardtop is a good step
...i want a shot from the back & a test drive to see how i feel about the car in practical application but folding hardtop is a good step
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