BMW has unveiled a stunning concept which previews the third generation BMW Z4. The concept was presented by BMW Group head of design, Adrian Van Hooydonk. The car previews the production roadster out in 2018. The production Z4 is a joint project between BMW and Toyota. The platform will also underpin a Toyota sports car that’s expected to be the long-awaited successor to the Supra.
Like every new rear-wheel-drive BMW, the next Z4 is underpinned by the CLAR architecture which offers a lightweight platform, so important for great driving dynamics. Therefore, an AWD system will not be offered. Under the hood, sources say the Z4 will be powered by four and six-cylinder engines. The base model is the Z4 sDrive20i, powered by a 2.0 liter four-cylinder unit rated at 180 hp and 200 lb-ft of torque. The s30i features the same engine in 248 hp, 258 lb-ft guise, with the Z4 M40i using a version of the 320 hp, 340 lb-ft straight-six from the 340i. A Competition Package could be offered for the high-end Z4 which will offer an additional 40 hp and 30 lb-ft of torque.
Wheel sizes should range from standard 17-inches to an optional 19-inch package offered in a bundle with bigger brakes. Price wise, expect the new Z4 to sell for around the same price as the last-generation model at just north of $50,000 and move up from there when it hits the streets, likely late next year.
