The next BMW Z4 will get its official reveal only this fall, but early images of the model, filed with the patent office in Japan, have been obtained and published by Dutch website Auto Week.nl. The sketches show what is likely the final design of the car.
The new edition will stay fairly close in terms of its styling to the Z4 concept introduced last year, although, as often is the case, the contours have been somewhat toned down in certain areas. The front nose and the headlights are less flashy than on the concept’s, and the flanks are also more moderate than the very aggressive lines of the prototype.
In back, meanwhile, the differences are less pronounced. The rear lights, for example, are as sharp and crisp as featured on the concept.
Overall, the Z4 adopts a muscular stance, again just like concept. The usual proportions of a classic roadster are present: long hood, short rear end, overhang reduced to a minimum. The biggest difference actually has to do with the exhaust pipes, now more rounded.
Details of the model
Before these images surfaced, BMW had announced a few details regarding the next generation of its roadster. The engineer in charge of the suspension system, Jos Van As, explained that the rigidity and stiffness of the chassis, allied with the car’s low centre of gravity, would make it a highly nimble performer.
Music to our ears
Under the hood, the expectation is that two powertrains will be offered. The most powerful variant, the Z4 M40i, will get a 3.0L 6-cylinder twin-turbo; it should generate 355 hp and 365 lb-ft of torque. The same engine, by the way, could end up powering the new Toyota Supra, set to be revealed in Detroit in January 2019.
The base variants should get a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo engine.
Despite being bigger in size, the new Z4 will be lighter by some 110 lbs, most of that loss attributed to the introduction of a soft-top roof instead of a hard top.
The model is currently being fine-tuned via testing by BMW engineers ahead of its official debut.
