Update: April 18, 2018
The G29 Z4 is now baring nearly all of its exterior and interior design in these lastest spy photos. The interior photos are particularly revealing as it shows nearly the entire dash and interior layout. Revealed here is the optional digital instrument cluster which will likely run BMW Operating System 7.0.
The all new BMW Z4 will have its world debut at this year's Pebble Beach Concourse Week in August, followed by a public debut a the Paris Auto Show in October.
Update: February 13, 2018
With the all new G29 Z4 debut set to debut later this year, prototypes are no longer being shy, which gives us this best and closest look yet at the next Z4, spotted here next to the upcoming G20 3 Series and Toyota Supra.
Update: February 6, 2018
Here are some of the most detailed information yet on the Supra (and in effect, the G29 Z4),
just posted by trusty source ynguldyn.
• Three engines (EU-only 195hp 20i, 255hp 30i, and 335hp 40i - and this means the 380hp Z4 M40i will be offered only by BMW and only in North America and a few other non-EU markets).
• Intro later this year, common sense suggests it will be simultaneous with Z4.
• It will be Toyota in name and body design only - everything inside the car is the same familiar BMW stuff: same options, same colors, same interior materials.
• Speaking of colors, it feels almost like a throwback to the 00s: Glacier Silver, Atacama Yellow, and Crimson Red are coming back, though there'll also be a new matte gray.
• For the interior, you'll be able to choose between fabric, alcantara, and leather, and (the gods have heard us!) all of these choices will be available in the U.S.
• Wheels: 17" standard with 18" and 19" optional on 20i and 30i, 18" standard and 19" optional on 40i.
• 40i gets standard M sport diff, while on 30i it will be optional in something that BMW would call "ZMP".
• Market positioning for the car seems to be distinctly lower than BMW, for example, the barebones 30i will have manual seat adjustments and no nav system.
• And, finally (que the sad trombone): all models are automatic only.
Update: January 16, 2018
2019 BMW Z4 prototype looking more production than ever. Comparison vs concept Z4.
Update: November 5, 2017
Video of the Z4 tearing around Nurburgring.
Update: September 29, 2017
The Z4 finally reveals its production-bound lights! Both the headlights and tail lights stay reasonably faithful to the lights seen on the Z4 Concept. The tail lights especially are very future looking as a mix of Z4 Concept and i8 tail lights.
Update: August 31, 2017
Update: July 31, 2017
Shortly ahead of its concept reveal, here is a rare look at the G29 Z4 with its top-down.
Update: July 18, 2017
The latest G29 Z4 prototype spotted today testing on the Nurburgring is now wearing less camouflage than ever, revealing much of its front end design and shape.
Update: May 23, 2017
We now have the best look ever at the G29 Z4 interior, showing manual transmission (yay!), large screen and slick all digital gauges. This model happens to reveal its model and power output. It's an s20i powered by the B48 engine, outputting 195hp / 236 lb-ft.
Update: March 31, 2017
The G29 Z4 prototype takes to the Nurburgring, this time wearing four cannards on the front bumper. While canards are doubtful for a regular Z4 version, but perhaps a preview of what we may see on a Z4 M?
Update: February 20, 2017
BMW test drivers decided to take advantage of a balmy -14 C Swedish winter day and finally give us a look at the Z4 convertible with its soft top down.
Update: January 23, 2017
The Z4 hits the snow for cold climate testing, showing the same tail light design as seen in the previously spied prototype from the German Autobahn.
Update: December 30, 2016
Z4 prototype sightings have been scarce in recent months, but a more revealing prototype
was just spotted on the German Autobahn. The rear has dropped some camouflage, exposing the tail light design for the first time. Finished exhaust tips can now also be seen, along with a rear diffuser. Compared to earlier prototypes, this one likely sports a larger air vent behind the front wheels as the camouflage covering it now flares out dramatically.
One oddity is that this prototype is RHD.
Update: September 20, 2016
Testing for the
BMW Z4 has advanced to the Nurburgring! The prototype also now appears to either wear a subtle trunk spoiler or have a slightly raised / curved trunk lid, as well as wheels very similar to the M3/M4 Competition wheels (Style 666M). We also get a first decent look at the new Z4 interior.
Update: June 30, 2016
The
BMW Z5 prototype has been spotted again, this time in more revealing form. These latest spy shots reveal for the first time the rear window in the soft top, which earlier prototypes did not show. Some front shots also gives a peek at the front grille design underneath the camouflage.
From yesterday's post about the G29 Z4, with info on the Z4 from BMW insider Scott26:
Quote:
The best thing about BMW Z5 is that it so well disguised that there are virtually no clues to how it will actually appear.
But close up photography shows such details to reflect its now intentions. Such as very low nose and wide kidney grille.
But yes Z5 will be a serious sports car. It will have a Carbon content that will shame high end sports cars as well as a weight advantage. Hence why a soft top roof has now been adapted.
A benefit of pooling resources between BMW and Toyota in which costs shared over materials allows increased implementation.
The car exercises a very light and minimalistic cockpit, important for a sports car but still current with modern technology and luxuries.
Of course as for this car engines will be familiar,but the outputs will be exclusive and a manual will be available for the more enthusiastic driver. The Z5 will receive a four cylinder and a six cylinder but the output will be exclusive to this model. Therefore retaining the lightweight philosophy but for high performance. That is what the new Z cars will offer.
Z5 M Version?
Z5 is an unknown quantity as its being placed a little higher than the current car, mainly against the Jaguar F-Type. So it is a full relaunch of a new model aimed at enticing more Sports car owners from the more accessible Z4. That is why there is an advanced programme of development with Toyota on the new car as both companies can pool resources on one car. BMW see the relaunch of the Z series similar to the BMWi cars with a new genre of sports cars using a lightweight philosophy although aimed at performance rather than sustainability. Should the car initially be successful? Then we will see progress.
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Original Post
We give you a first look at the long rumored G29 Z4, successor to the current Z4.
The G29 Z4 rides on a platform which is
being co-developed by BMW and Toyota. Toyota is also expected to build its own sports car based on the joint platform.
The Z4 is supposed to spearhead a revival of the Z model lineup which will feature more dynamically impressive and exciting roadsters. The return to a soft-top as seen on this prototype represents a focus on lighter weight, which in addition to the car's mix of lightweight composite construction, should see the Z5 come in at a lighter weight and provide better performance than the Z4.
The future Z lineup is rumored to also including a Z3 and a Z1 roadster. The Z3 will share the Z4's modular RWD platform and the Z1 will be based on BMW's UKL FWD/AWD platform.