Even before revealing the successor to its popular roadster, BMW has stopped production of the Z4 E85 roadsters and E86 coupes. Available as a roadster since 2002 and as a coupe since 2006, the model was assembled at the Spartanburg plant in South Carolina. The last car rolled off the line on August 27. Enthusiasts will henceforth have to make do with the leftover inventory.
The new roadster should be unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show, code name E89; it will be manufactured in the city of Regensburg, Germany. According to BMW, they had to free up assembly lines for the popular X5 and X6 SUVs, already produced at the South Carolina plant. The manufacturer is also planning on assembling its small X3 SUV there.
The Z4 was the first vehicle designed by Chris Bangle's team, introducing the controversial design language known as Flame Surface. During the Z4's seven-year run, 200 000 units were produced at the Spartanburg plant.
photo:Philippe Champoux
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The new roadster should be unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show, code name E89; it will be manufactured in the city of Regensburg, Germany. According to BMW, they had to free up assembly lines for the popular X5 and X6 SUVs, already produced at the South Carolina plant. The manufacturer is also planning on assembling its small X3 SUV there.
The Z4 was the first vehicle designed by Chris Bangle's team, introducing the controversial design language known as Flame Surface. During the Z4's seven-year run, 200 000 units were produced at the Spartanburg plant.
photo:Philippe Champoux