The BMW Blog, which is fast becoming our main resource for news regarding the propellor brand, is reporting that the 2009 Z4 will be offered both as a soft-top convertible and a hard-top. Much like Mazda offers the MX-5 with a traditional softy and a separate model with a folding hard top, BMW will reportedly do the same for the Z4. In this competitive market for the upper middle class dollar, BMW will be able to satisfy traditionalists and performance purists who like the ease-of-use and lighter weight of a soft-top convertible, while also addressing the needs of buyers who want a Z4 that's useable all year round. The Z4's main competition, the Mercedes-Benz SLK, is only offered as a hard-top convertible, which also gives BMW a leg up on its main rival in this segment. It's hard to argue with an automaker offering customers more choice, and we're eager to see how the Z4's unique styling blends with a hard roof. We've already seen spy pics of the car wearing the metal roof, which led many of us to believe that the new hard top would be the only option. We'll have to wait and see whether BMW Blog got it right and the brand it favors will be offering both, but this blog has been right before. Thanks for the tip, Horatiu![Source: BMW Blog]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
tankd0g @ Apr 11th 2008 11:12AM
I thought the hard top Z4 was the M-Coupe.
albeik @ Apr 11th 2008 11:27AM
I think he meant hard-top convertible or soft-top convertible. The current Z4 ///M only comes in a soft-top convertible.
tankd0g @ Apr 11th 2008 11:29AM
Well I read the part about the folding metal roof but as far as needing spy shots as to what that would look like wouldn't one just look at an M?
mkM3 @ Apr 11th 2008 1:13PM
No tankd0g, since the M coupe (and the Z4 coupe in general) is still based on the current generation Z4. This article is about the new Z4 that's not out yet in any form, and who's M versions are still a couple years off. Furthermore, a folding hardtop convertible in not going to resemble a fixed roof coupe anyway. Just look at the current BMW 3 series for an example this, and how things necessarily differ.
tankd0g @ Apr 11th 2008 1:37PM
Variations on the same giant penis theme. Doens't look much different to me.
carsteve @ Apr 11th 2008 11:49AM
I cannot wait for this car to come out! I'm a big Porsche fan, but I love the BMW roadsters (Z3, Z4). I'm looking for a good excuse to get a Z4 over a Porsche. I hope there are some engine/suspension upgrades too?
Mika @ Apr 11th 2008 12:06PM
I CONVERTED MY CAR TO BURN WATER INSTEAD OF GAS! CHECK IT OUT!
http://water-auto.blogspot.com
felix @ Apr 11th 2008 12:50PM
will it come with the look alike bullit holes in the fender?
Cary G @ Apr 11th 2008 1:38PM
Call me crazy, but what are the odds that BMW will also offer X-drive AWD in the new Z4? Living in the northeast, I've been dreaming of a AWD convertible that will work for me year-round. Audi seems to be the only option, but I'm not a fan of the seats in the TT, and A4 is too boring.
LeRobert @ Apr 11th 2008 5:26PM
TT/R8 seats are really comfortable, though! What's there not to like?
vLane @ Apr 11th 2008 2:34PM
Where does it say anything about retaining the softtop? Both BMWBlog and embedded AutoExpress article imply a full-on conversion to hardtop.
Cary G @ Apr 11th 2008 7:36PM
I found the side bolsters in the TT seats too confining. Maybe I should test drive it again. Or maybe I should just go on a diet...
evan @ Apr 11th 2008 6:01PM
I really liked the current Z4 hardtop and thought that it was a much better looking car than the soft-top convertible.
Anyone here driven one that can comment on the ride and handling between the two?