Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertibles, BMW
2010 BMW Z4 moons the camera
We're waiting with bated breath for the December 15 unveiling of the all-new BMW Z4, but as we inch closer to Z-day we're getting a clearer picture of how the redesigned roadster will look. On Wednesday we caught a glimpse of the Z4 that revealed much smoother, very un-Bangle-looking side panels. Above is the newest Z4 teaser, and as you can see, its a booty shot. The first thing we noticed was the bulging rear wheel arch, which gives the Z4 a more sporting personality than its predecessor. BMW designers also added a strong character line that starts from the inside of the headlamp and continues back to the very BMW-looking tail lamps, complete with white LED accent lights. Two healthy-sized exhaust tips reside out back to keep the Z4's naturally aspirated or turbocharged 3.0L in-line six breathing freely.
If you see the hard top and assume that you're looking at the Z4 coupe, you're likely wrong. The new Z4 will come as a hard-top convertible for 2009, with a soft-top variant rumored to be arriving one year later. Future Zs could also include an M-inspired variant with the M3's 4.0L V8 and a smaller Z2 roadster. The new Z4 looks very promising, but we'll hold off on final judgment until we can check out the high-res photos on the 15th.[Source: BMW Blog]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
what? 7:03PM (12/04/2008)
that may be the flattest backside i've ever seen
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Mason 7:11PM (12/04/2008)
Think the C5 Corvette still holds that title. Not that it's a bad thing...
jg 8:02PM (12/04/2008)
First came the Mustang, then the Camaro and Challenger. Finally, a retro future reimagined Corvette. Better have a V8.
Eddie 7:08PM (12/04/2008)
I will reserve judgement until I see an official picture, but so far... yikes.
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s13hybrid 7:09PM (12/04/2008)
The rear actually looks really good, it is the front that bothers me.
The rear looks kind of viperish in this picture.
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Kumail 7:14PM (12/04/2008)
i think the slk is getting a redesign soon, should be a huge hit...
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Carlos 7:17PM (12/04/2008)
It has some Karma in it
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Torrent 7:36PM (12/04/2008)
It has some ugly in it.
happy_penguin 7:39PM (12/04/2008)
More than just "some", Torrent. ;)
Sid 7:19PM (12/04/2008)
It's official. BMW has ruined the design of the only BMW I would ever buy...the Z4. I used to LOVE that design. It was tightly drawn and small and sexy.
This one is just another sports coupe.
Audi TT-S, here I come.
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Dan 7:27PM (12/04/2008)
Much better than the previous incarnation, that's for sure
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Mobius_1 9:10PM (12/04/2008)
Much better than the Z3, that's for sure. As for whether it is better than the current Z4...
Dan 9:49PM (12/04/2008)
Naw, the Z3 was great. The Z4 with its flame surfacing and duck tail and slash on the front quarter panel was odd, especially as a convertible, though it made a lil more sense as a coupe.
Mobius_1 11:55AM (12/05/2008)
Well, beauty is really in the eye of the beholder, and I think the Z3 is a little soft and feminine (fine for girls, but not my style) and OTOH the Z4 is the only use of flame surfacing that I actually really liked right from the start. The lines are powerful, especially from rear 3/4s. (Especially the Z4 roadster, I'm sorry).
But then again, the more people dislike the current Z4 the better, I'll just be able to get them for cheaper 2nd hand :)
M 11:59PM (12/06/2008)
I agree with Mobius on this one. the z3 was very classic but bland styling. The e85 z4 is agressive, but has the sharp lines in the right places, and proportionally looks better than most convertibles with the top down.
The grille of this new z4 is similar to the one on the f01 7series, it's way too big (atleast per the concept pic above)
MajorGeek 7:31PM (12/04/2008)
Love it.
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Jake B 7:37PM (12/04/2008)
Turd sandwich
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SPF 11:03PM (12/04/2008)
Giant douche
Franz 7:49PM (12/04/2008)
As usual, a polarizing design coming out of BMW. Most will either love it or hate it. Me, I'm still kinda on the fence.
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Gardiner Westbound 7:49PM (12/04/2008)
Don't like the current Z4 and don't trust artist's concepts, but what I see looks good.
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