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These latest spy shots of the 2009 BMW Z4 caught testing in Germany clearly show that the new two-seat roadster will be getting a folding metal roof in place of the current car’s fabric item.

The next Z4 will make its debut at the LA motor show in November before going on sale in the last quarter of next year.

Aimed squarely at the Audi TT, the new Z4 will come with a comprehensive range of engine, all common to 3-Series on which it’s based.

We’re expecting that line-up to ...Read the full article

This looks a step in the right direction, and in addition to the TT, might deal a blow to SLK and Boxster / Cayman sales too.  Never said this for a few years, (and I won't mention the B word), but well done BMW.  Just keep the I-drive out of it and continue to offer a manual option please.

BMW reckon is was Chris Bangles design that alienated women from the car.  I disagree.

I would suggest that it more related to the entire design of this car, particularly the long phallic bonnet, which has been carried across on to the new car.

Think about the various vehicle designs that appeal to women.  Traditionally (and of course I am generalising) they are short nosed neat and tidy cars.  Cars such as the Nissan Figaro, Audi TT, VW Beetle and the like.

I ended up in a similar discussion with my mum a couple of years ago whilst she was looking for (her words) "a girly car".  After going through several options, the short list ended up with typically short nosed neat cars.

As a thought, I tried the same with some female friends and my wife, all of whom pretty much came up with the sort of answers.

Think about it, traditionally, how many women choose Corvette's, Z4's and TVR's when they are looking for their ideal car?  Not many.

Does this mean the end of the Z4 Coupe then? Or will they continue with it as a separate model, much like the 3 series Coupe and 3 series convertible?

Is it just me, or does this just look like a mild evolution of the current design?

The overall shape looks identical to the current model.

Diesel :-(

 

Like it so far, neat, elegant and well balanced and the engine options sound good.

Now all they have to do is make sure that the transmission is manual and works and isn't a clunker like the Z4's, keep the traction/stability control discreet so it doesn't get in the way like the Z3's and can we get rid of that awful electric steering please.

i couldnt agree more

 

why is it most likely to be the 2.0 twin turbo diesel?  why not the twin turbo 3.0 litre as well?  that would be awesome!

re: the styling, hopefully these mules are just mules for the mechanical bits and styling changes will be more pronounced from the old model.