BMW’s partnership with Toyota to co-develop an
all-new Supra and BMW Z4 Roadster has car enthusiasts buzzing with excitement.
While there’s been too much hype surrounding the new Supra and its impending
reveal, the limelight is now turning towards BMW’s Z4 Roadster after camo-clad
prototypes were recently caught wearing significantly less disguise. So let’s
take off the tester’s camouflage and look at what’s altered from the Z4
concept, which was launched last summer at Pebble Beach, on the way to
production.
BMW’s twin kidney grille has become sharper at the
outer edges and adaptive LED headlights mimic those from the concept. Sadly,
the hood doesn’t quite retain those shapely vents from the show car and looks
restrained in comparison.
Fender vents and scalloped lower doors add dynamism
to the bodywork. Checking it out from the rear reveals unique LED taillights,
angular bumper cutouts, dual exhausts and a ducktail-style deck lid. Drivers
will be treated to a much improved cabin combining luxurious with sporty
touches. Styling elements of the Z4 concept remain, yet areas like the digital
gauge cluster, infotainment display and switchgear will be familiar to anyone
that has seen BMW’s latest crop of vehicles.
Technophiles should be impressed by a revamped
iDrive setup incorporating gesture control and a large touchscreen. Wireless
device charging, Apple CarPlay, Wi-Fi hotspot and BMW Connected services are
also tipped to feature.
Propelling the new Z4 will be a range of four- and
six-cylinder engines. A turbocharged 2.0-litre four producing around 200 horses
will kick off the lineup, at least in Europe and select markets around the
world, while North America’s base model should get a 2.0L producing around 250
horses. Those wanting more oomph will have the option of a turbocharged
3.0-litre straight-six in two states of tune, with 335hp and 385hp
respectively.
Power will be sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed ZF
automatic transmission. There will be a six speed manual option, although some
reports claim it will be limited to the 2.0-liter engines. Platform-sharing
with the new Supra suggests it could have sportier handling compared to its
predecessor, but it isn’t expected to be the hardcore corner carver like its
Japanese promises to be.
The 2019 Z4 will go up against the usual crop of
topless sports models such as Audi’s TT Roadster, Porsche’s 718 Boxster, the
Mercedes-Benz SLC and Jaguar’s F-Type convertible. While its Gazoo-branded
Supra sibling will debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show on March 6, the Z4
is tipped for an official reveal later this year or in early 2019.
