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

The 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?

If 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. -Continued

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.

Photo Copyright: AR

BMW to Present X1 SUV Concept at Paris, Z4 Roadster at Detroit Show

Updating our previous report on BMW’s forthcoming presentations –see what we said in June by clicking here, we’ve received official confirmation that the Bavarian automaker will indeed present an X1 SUV Concept at the Paris Auto Show in October. The prototype model will give us an idea of how the production version of BMW’s 1-Series based SUV/Crossover will look like when it enters the market at the end of 2009 or early 2010. -Continued

Although we knew that BMW was getting ready to present the Z4 roadster’s successor, up until now, we weren’t sure where the unveiling would take place and if it would be a concept or the production model.

Now we can reveal to you that BMW will take the wraps off the actual production version at next January’s 2009 Detroit Auto Show. However, from what we learnt, we won’t have to wait until January as BMW will give us a sneak-peek of its new roadster just before the end of the year. Unlike the current Z4 that is built in the U.S., BMW’s new two-seater will be manufactured in the company’s German plant in Regensburg.

G-Power G4 3.0i EVO III: Supercharged BMW Z4 3.0i with 375Hp

German tuner G-Power has introduced a new performance kit for the BMW Z4 3.0i (231Hp) that adds an ASA T1-12 supercharger to the 3.0-liter straight-six engine. Along with the new ECU system and a complete exhaust system with racing-headers and catalysts, the result 375 hp at 6.450 rpm and 420 Nm torque at 4.650 rpm.

With a sprint time from rest to 100 km/h (62mph) of 4.9 sec and to 200 km/h (124mph) in 15.1 sec the G-POWER G4 is at par with the BMW Z4M. The roadster’s top speed is an impressive 300 km/h or 187mph. The conversion of the standard engine to the G-POWER EVO III configuration is €18,850 or $29,900 including installation. -Continued

In addition to the engine kit, G-Power offers a complete tuning program for the Bavarian roadster consisting of: aerodynamic body kit, 20-inch light-alloy wheels, suspension modifications, high-performance brake system with eight-piston fixed callipers and 380 x 34mm brake discs on the front axle and exclusive interior components.