BMW Z4

Zed goes CC

The Z4 becomes BMW's first roadster to get a folding tin-top to match the Merc SLK, but doesn't see an entry-level four-cylinder version as of yet

MOTORING

 

Design & Packaging

The "flame surfacing" design concept has been toned down in the second generation Z4, which now omits those banana-shaped lines along the sides of the car.

The front and rear lights have been enlarged to give the Z4 more balanced proportions which, Motoring thinks, give the car a better overall appearance than before.

The Z4 becomes BMW's first roadster to get a folding tin-top to match the Mercedes-Benz SLK; there won't be separate coupe ' and roadster bodies anymore leaving the two-model strategy to Audi TT, Nissan 370Z and Porsche Cayman/Boxster.

The two-piece roof of the Z4 can open in a claimed 20sec - which isn't the fastest around.

Like before, the Z4 is based on a modified 3-series platform retaining the classic front-engine, rear-drive format.

Cockpit sees iDrive function and 20Gb multi-media storage.

The body is 148mm longer at 4,239mm and 9mm wider at 1,790mm to ensure a more spacious cabin - an aspect where the SLK archrival scores.

New features for the Z4 include electronically controlled dampers that can lower the ride height by 10mm, iDrive function and 20Gb multi-media storage for the cabin, which has also been revamped in design.

Engines & Transmission

There are three petrol engines available initially with new badging policy like in BMW's SUV line-up:

- sDrive23i: 204hp 2.5-litre inline-six with 0-100kph time of 7.3sec.

- sDrive30i: 258hp 3.0-litre inline-six (6.1sec).

- sDrive35i: 306hp 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six (5.2sec).

Only the range-topper is offered with BMW's M-DCT twin-clutch automatic transmission, while the other two get a normal torque-convertor auto. The aforementioned performance figures apply to these gearboxes.

No four-cylinder engine has been announced for the Z4 to match the SLK in entry-level form, nor a diesel variant to go head-to-head with the TT.

Theoretical choices include the 320i's 2.0-litre petrol motor or an all-new turbocharged version of it. The diesel could be the 123d's twin-turbo 2.0-litre block.

As for the M version, sources say the M3's 420hp 4.0-litre V8 may not be considered. Instead, the Munich people could be looking at a highly tuned variation of the sDrive35i's blown six producing in excess of 350hp to gun the SLK55 AMG and the pending TT RS.

Market & Pricing

The new Z4 makes its world debut in Detroit next month, where car makers are likely to limit introductions of all-new models due to the global recession, before being available in right-hand drive in May. Pricing hasn't been disclosed, although expect Thai prices to land in the vicinity of the 3-series Coupe's ranging from some B5-7m.

No four-cylinder engine will leave the Z4 handicapped by the presence of the SLK200 and TT 2.0 TFSI whose prices are set at B4.5m and B4.698m respectively.

Compounding this is Nissan's new 370Z which is rumoured to arrive officially on Thai shores in the first quarter of next year. Armed with a 331hp 3.7-litre V6 and seven-speed automatic, the 370Z could cost around B5m (thanks to Thai-Japanese FTA terms) that is a substantial B2m cheaper than the sDrive35i in performance terms.

The only saving grace for the Z4 is the ambitiously priced Cayman/Boxster whose prices range from B7.9-12m.

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