BMW Debuts Gorgeously Hot Concept Z4 Roadster At Pebble Beach
For better or worse, the Concept Z4 shows no real stylistic links with the current vehicle, save for its two-door convertible layout. Even the super-long hood proportions of the last two generations of Z4 have been pared down somewhat.
The front of the Concept Z4 is dominated by low and wide twin nostrils (a BMW signature) and large air intakes beneath the LED headlights. The sides of the roadster are heavily sculpted, and the large vent behind the front wheels forms the basis for body creases that extend to the rear wheels. Out back, the lights and overall design mimic that of the Concept 8 Series, only on a smaller scale.
“The BMW Concept Z4 in an all-out driving machine,” said Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design. “Stripping the car back to the bare essentials allows the driver to experience all the ingredients of motoring pleasure with supreme directness. This is total freedom on four wheels.
“The BMW Concept Z4 expresses the new BMW design language from all perspectives and in all details. From the dynamic looking front to the striking flanks to the clean-cut tail end: a few lines and the subtle interplay between surfaces are enough to generate a sense of power and emotion.”
Leaked documents confirm that the production Z4, which should launch in mid-2018, will be available in rear-wheel drive (of course) and can be had with either automatic or manual (YES!) transmissions. In addition, the Z4 will continue to be powered by four- or six-cylinder engines. More specifically, there will be a Z4 sDrive 30i, which has a turbocharged inline-4 rated at around 250 horsepower. There will also be the Z4 M40i powered by a turbocharged inline-6 generating in excess of 350 horsepower.
We should also mention that the Z4 will form the basis for the next generation Toyota Supra (MKV). Yes, you heard that right; BMW and Toyota are jointly developing the vehicles, combining their engineering resources. The Supra is expected to use the same engines as the Z4, but will only be available with an automatic transmission. It will also only be available as a coupe.
