BMW will use the 2009 NAIAS to debut their all-new Z4 sports car. The new Z-car (sorry Nissan) has grown a bit, softened the styling a tad, and has added a folding hardtop. Power will come from the existing 3.0 6-cylinder engines. The naturally-aspirated sDrive30i puts out 255 hp, and the twin-turbo sDrive35i offers 300 hp. The base model (I hate those silly names) will come with either a 6-speed manual of 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. The twin-turbo will be offered with the 6-speed manual and a 7-speed dual-clutch tranny.
I've never been a fan of the Z3 or Z4 in terms of styling. This one, now with numerous 7-Series styling cues, is better than the past models, but it's still not my cup of tea. Hopefully my mind will be changed once I see it in the flesh.
Full story here, including a bunch of images.
Here's Inside Line's take: 2009 Detroit Auto Show: 2009 BMW Z4
dougtheeng says:
09:21 AM, 12/15/08
It sort of looks like a gimped 6 series....I get the whole "car lineup" styling, but I think this is a move in the wrong direction. Z3 was better looking then the Z4.
roar02ram says:
11:21 AM, 12/15/08
Oddly enough, I actually think the old car looked better. Same goes for the 7 (at least the touched up version, not the original). The old cars were controversial, but they made sense and were definitely modern. These watered-down versions aren't as controversial, but they don't look as cohesive or as modern as their forebearers. Just a thought.
estreka says:
03:28 PM, 12/15/08
Looks leaps and bounds ahead of the old one.
carfreak8394 says:
07:26 PM, 12/15/08
I agree with estreka. The hardtop makes it look very nice.
blueguydotcom says:
09:45 PM, 12/15/08
The front end looks like a Chrysler Crossfire.