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https://www.bimmertoday.de/2018/08/2...-im-interview/

BMW does not want to reveal any details about the new Z4 G29 even after the premiere of the First Edition in Pebble Beach , but in our interview, product manager Andreas Ederer at least provides some further pointers to the positioning and the technology package of the new Roadster. Of course, this is also about the cooperation with Toyota and the proximity to the Supra J29, which was completely developed by BMW for the Japanese.

The next big info portion to the BMW Z4 G29 want to publish the Munich on 19 September, a few days before the European premiere at the Paris Motor Show 2018th What may be said today, is in our interview.

BimmerToday.de: In front of us is the third generation of the BMW Z4. The previous generations were very differently positioned - initially sporty-spicy, then rather sporty-comfortable. Where do you see the suspension tuning of the new G29 in such a view?
Andreas Ederer: The new BMW Z4 has become a real sports car, but also masters the comfortable pace. He is not just the roadster for the trip on Sunday afternoon, but especially for Sunday morning, without any restrictions.

BimmerToday.de: The predecessor E89 had to plug in the trade press often criticism for lack of momentum. Was there such feedback from the customers?
Andreas Ederer: Among the sporting customers who knew the first Z4, there were quite a few critical voices. But most of them were satisfied with the tuning and positioning of the Roadster.

BimmerToday.de: Can you name some measures that directly contribute to increasing the driving dynamics of the new BMW Z4 G29?
Andreas Ederer: These are the geometric orientation of the front axle and rear axle, but also the wheel diameter and tires. For example, in the BMW Z4 M40i with M Sport Differential, Adaptive M Sport Suspension, M Sport Brake and high-performance tires, we have compiled an extremely sports-oriented package in terms of driving dynamics.

BimmerToday.de: The BMW Z4 M40i, driven a few months ago and now presented in Pebble Beach, is an M Performance car. Up to now, M Performance has stood for high everyday usability, but now numerous M components are used in the chassis. How is this change of course?
Andreas Ederer: That is basically due to the general positioning of the new Z4. The alignment is simply very sporty from the ground up, which is why the M Performance model has to offer a little more sportiness.

BimmerToday.de: Unlike the direct predecessor, the new Z4 Roadster carries just like the first generation again a fabric hood. How is this constant back and forth?
Andreas Ederer: The BMW Roadsters since the 1990s have always stood for the pure interpretation of the Roadster. We started with the Z3 with a soft top, the first Z4 had also a soft top, then we changed the predecessor for different reasons to the hard top. This offers advantages, but reduces luggage space volume and increases the weight. After moving back into the sportier direction with the overall direction of the new BMW Z4, the soft top is the better choice. In addition, modern BMW fabric roofs have become significantly higher in quality and comfort in terms of materiality and properties. We also have a very nice and dynamic shape when closed.

BimmerToday.de: Now you have already addressed the subject of weight. Can you say anything about the overall weight of the new Z4 M40i compared to the Z4 sDrive35is of the predecessor generation?
Andreas Ederer: As an order of magnitude, one can speak of 50 kilograms less weight.

BimmerToday.de: Could the center of gravity be lowered next to the weight?
Andreas Ederer: Yes, thanks in part to the lighter top, the center of gravity is even lower than its predecessor.

BimmerToday.de: It is known that the BMW Z4 G29 was developed together with the new Toyota Supra J29. How did this partnership, which was very unusual for BMW, come about?
Andreas Ederer: This is part of the well-known cooperation with Toyota. Toyota ordered a sports car as a coupe from us, which we developed according to our order.

BimmerToday.de: How independent will the two vehicles be? Do I get a Z4 in the Toyota dress with the Supra de facto?
Andreas Ederer: As I said, we have developed a vehicle for Toyota. What exactly Toyota does with it, is in the hands of colleagues from Japan.

BimmerToday.de: It's very obvious that the Toyota Supra will hit the market as a coupé while the Z4 is a roadster. Is it conceivable that one day we will see a remake of the BMW Z4 Coupé?
Andreas Ederer: That's not planned at the moment.

BimmerToday.de: An important question for purist drivers is also the transmission. Will there continue to be hand controls or do you rely on automatic transmissions everywhere?
Andreas Ederer: We will definitely offer all models with the familiar 8-speed Sport Steptronic transmission. The topic of handset brings too many disadvantages in terms of consumption as well as sportiness.

BimmerToday.de: What do you say to readers who are hoping for a new edition of the BMW Z4 M Roadster?
Andreas Ederer: We start with the BMW Z4 M40i at first, but we can not talk about other variants at the moment.

BimmerToday.de: In general, the roadster segment has not been blessed with large quantities for years, the sales figures are developing more down than up. Does this make any sense in bringing a new roadster onto the market?
Andreas Ederer: The actual numbers are one thing. But we certainly notice a trend that many customers want to reward with their vehicle. A roadster fits so well in this modern mindset. In addition, for many generations of roadsters we have a clientele that we want to keep on board with attractive products in the future. And with the very dynamic driving orientation of the Z4 fits perfectly with the BMW brand and the much-praised joy of driving.

BimmerToday.de: So you expect a larger number of units than the predecessor?
Andreas Ederer: Basically we are not talking about future sales figures, but we are very confident thanks to the sporty realignment of the BMW Z4 and its outstanding product substance.

BimmerToday.de: Plug-in hybrids, electric cars and autonomous driving are currently driving many car headlines. To what extent do these major topics of the time also play a role in the roadster segment - or is it completely decoupled?
Andreas Ederer: At the moment it is too early to talk about further variants.

BimmerToday.de: But in the area of ​​assistance systems even a purist car like the Z4 moves on the stand of a completely different positioned vehicle, say an X3?
Andreas Ederer: Of course we have important driver assistance systems on board. The offer includes Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Lane Change and Lane Departure Warning, as well as a Parking Assistant including Reversing Assistant. The new BMW Z4 is also the first roadster to be equipped with a head-up display.

BimmerToday.de: In your opinion, who is the most important competitor of the new Z4? The Supra, Mercedes SLC, Audi TT or Porsche Boxster?
Andreas Ederer: There are only a small number of competitors in the premium segment. Among them is also one or the other mentioned by you vehicle.

BimmerToday.de: Pricing will also move the BMW Z4 G29 at this level?
Andreas Ederer: Please understand that we can not say anything about the prices at the moment because the vehicle will only have its market launch in March 2019.

BimmerToday.de: That's a shame, but understandable. Thank you for the informative conversation!