Autoblog

VIDEO: Best possible way to win a BMW Z4?

Chris Shunk — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Etc., Videos, BMW, Canada

2009 BMW Z4 - Click above for high-res image gallery

PGA golfer Leif Olson has only made $19,512 so far in 2009, and, we're just guessing here when we say that his portfolio and his golf game probably isn't going to approach Tiger Woods status any time soon. At the same time, Olson has done something that Woods hasn't done on tour in a long time; hit a hole-in-one when it counts. Not only did Olson gain two strokes on the competition as a reward for his improbable shot, but he also received a $51,512 bonus in the form of a spanking new 2009 BMW Z4.

Hit the jump to see Olson's totally ridiculous hole-in-one shot this past weekend at the Canadian Open. The ball lands about 10 feet past the hole, roles back, hits another ball, then goes in the hole. Even better is the genuine expression of joy on the face of Olson when he gets in his new, 300 horsepower Bimmer convertible. Usually the big-dollar athletes aren't as excited to win a car that isn't as nice as the 10 they already have, but in Olson's case, there's a decent chance this Zed will be his new daily driver.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 BMW Z4

[Source:ESPN via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Best possible way to win a BMW Z4?

VIDEO: Best possible way to win a BMW Z4? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: 2009 BMW Z4

Alex Nunez — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 20:30:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, Performance, BMW

Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 BMW Z4

BMW will unveil the all-new Z4 roadster at the Detroit Auto Show next month, but there's no need to wait for the show in Motown to see the car in non-spyshot form, as all the Euro-spec details were officially released when the clock struck midnight in Munich. We're into the new bodywork, which is pretty voluptuous compared to the preceding model, with a hint of 507 lineage evident in the car's lines. Follow the jump for the rest of the skinny.

Gallery: 2009 BMW Z4

Continue reading Officially Official: 2009 BMW Z4

Officially Official: 2009 BMW Z4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Dec 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 BMW Z4 moons the camera

Chris Shunk — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, BMW

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]

2010 BMW Z4 moons the camera originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Dec 2008 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: 2009 BMW Z4 rumored to debut next month, Z2 on the way

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, BMW, Rumormill

One of the vehicles that was teased in the run-up to the LA Auto Show, but never made it to the floor, was the redesigned 2009 BMW Z4. Rumors of the Z4's impending arrival have been circulating for months, and according to a source inside BMW, the automaker might reveal the restyled coupe and convertible next month.

Drivetrain choices will include either a naturally aspirated or twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, found in the 328i and 335i, respectively, with an M version packing the M3's V8 and a carbon fiber roof. In addition to new front and rear fascias, a lower roofline and a ducktail spoiler, BMW is expected to employ a handful of stylistic differences to separate the Z4 coupe from its folding hardtop sibling. For 2009, BMW is expected to drop the soft-top Z4 and only offer the folding hardtop.

The rumored Z2 is currently in the works and could be available in both coupe and cabrio variants, and equipped with some form of BMW's EfficientDynamics system. The 1-series-based two-door is expected to be powered by either a naturally aspirated or turbocharged 2.0-liter four, and there's also talk of a hybrid version utilizing BMW's eDrive system.

UPDATE: BMW has put together a Dexter-inspired teaser site for a new model set to be revealed in 19 days. We'll know what's up on December 14th.

Gallery: BMW Z4 and 7 series - spy shots

[Source: GermanCarZone via BMWBlog]

Rumormill: 2009 BMW Z4 rumored to debut next month, Z2 on the way originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Nov 2008 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW X1, 7 Series hybrid headed to Paris; Z4 to debut in LA

Alex Nunez — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Europe, Paris Motor Show

Inside Line has the skinny on BMW's new product unveils for the upcoming show season. Paris and L.A. are the headliners, with the City of Light chosen as the backdrop for the official public debuts of the all-new 7 series (including an ActiveHybrid variant) and facelifted 3 Series. While those cars will get their fair share of attention, all eyes will likely to be on the concept X1, which will also make its world debut in Paris.

The baby ute should be to the X3 what the 1 Series is to the 3. As for its "concept" status, if Bimmer concepts in recent years are any indication (think M5, Z4 Coupe, and M3), the X1 show car and production vehicle should be essentially one and the same. The next major unveiling involving a roundel-wearing car will take place this November in Los Angeles, where the redesigned Z4 will be introduced. According to Inside Line, it'll go on sale in January. As for the X1? Time will tell. Details on if and/or when it'll be offered in the States aren't available yet.

[Source: Inside Line]

BMW X1, 7 Series hybrid headed to Paris; Z4 to debut in LA originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: V8-powered BMW Z4 hardtop

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 19:04:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, BMW, Rendered Speculation

AutoExpress' artists worked their magic on the next generation BMW Z4 and even though the exterior is more appealing than its predecessor, what lies beneath the evolved flame-surfacing has us aching to get behind the wheel.

As reported before, the next Z4 will feature a retractable hard top, but a cloth roof will continue to be offered on entry-level models. Motivation will come in several different flavors, beginning with naturally aspirated four- and six-cylinder powerplants. A diesel is also being considered - a first for the Z4 - and there's no doubt that the 3-series-based roadster will come packing the twin-turbocharged, 3.0-liter inline six that's proliferated throughout BMW's lineup. More importantly, rumors are beginning to swirl that the M version will be equipped with the 4.0-liter V8 currently found in the M3. If that happens, it's all but guaranteed that the twin-clutch gearbox will find a happy home in the transmission tunnel.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Rendered Speculation: V8-powered BMW Z4 hardtop originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Jul 2008 19:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 BMW Z4 to be offered with either soft- or hard-top

John Neff — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, BMW, Rumormill

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]

2009 BMW Z4 to be offered with either soft- or hard-top originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Apr 2008 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next generation BMW Z4 to get folding hard top, possibly M3's V8

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 06:57:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, BMW

We're seen the spy shots, so the revelation that BMW's next generation Z4 will be equipped with a folding hard top isn't much of a surprise. The mules undergoing testing show a two-piece metal unit that should be able to fold neatly into the trunk, while not infringing too heavily on luggage space.

More importantly, the new Z4 will be sporting a range of engine offerings, including an array of four- and six-cylinder mills, including the much-loved twin-turbo, 3.0-liter six found in the 135i, 335i and 535i. Additionally, AutoExpress dropped the bomb that a diesel engine will be fitted to the Z4 for the first time and that BMW might try to squeeze the 4.0-liter V8 found in the M3 into the Z4's lengthy hood.

All new Z4s will come equipped with BMW's Efficient Dynamics systems, featuring start/stop engine technology and some form of regenerative braking to boost electrical efficiency while reducing C02 emissions. The Z4's length is expected to increase by around an inch and it's due to hit dealers sometime in late 2009.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Next generation BMW Z4 to get folding hard top, possibly M3's V8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Apr 2008 06:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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