Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Review: 2009 BMW Z4 sDrive30i is an easy lover]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/2009-bmw-z4-sdrive30i-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/2009-bmw-z4-sdrive30i-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/2009-bmw-z4-sdrive30i-review/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2009 BMW Z4 sDrive30i - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW's storied history of building roadsters dates back to the original 328 of the 1930s. However, there have been gaps in the brand's open-top lineage, including one extended stretch through the '60s, '70s and '80s. After a dalliance with the bizarre European market Z1, BMW finally got serious about roadsters again in the '90s with the introduction of the Z3.

Earlier this year, the Munich brand introduced what's essentially the third generation of its modern mainline roadster (discounting the aforementioned low-volume Z1 and the Z8) in the shape of its all-new Z4. Upon its introduction, the esteemed Mr. Harley took our first crack at the new "E89" at its Southern California launch last spring and came away with mixed feelings.

To be fair, whenever an automaker builds a new model, there's always a distinction between what the engineers and designers expect of it and what consumers bank on. There's also a big difference between spending a few hours on a prescribed driving route under controlled conditions versus living with a car as a daily driver for a week or longer. So we wanted to spend time with the Z4 on more familiar turf to see what life is like with BMW's newest roadster.


Gallery: Review: 2010 BMW Z4 sDrive35i


Photos by Sam Abuelsamid / Max Abuelsamid / Copyright (C)2009 Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2009 BMW Z4 sDrive30i is an easy lover

Review: 2009 BMW Z4 sDrive30i is an easy lover originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 BMW Z42009 BMW Z4 sDrive30i2009BmwZ42009BmwZ4Sdrive30iBimmerbmwBMW reviewBMW Z4BMW Z4 reviewBmwReviewBmwZ4BmwZ4Reviewconvertiblefeaturedfolding hardtopFoldingHardtopreviewreviewsroadstersDrive30Z4Z4 ReviewZ4ReviewWed, 23 Dec 2009 11:57:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW Z4 GT3 coming in 2010 with M3 powerplant]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/bmw-z4-gt3-coming-in-2010-with-m3-powerplant/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/bmw-z4-gt3-coming-in-2010-with-m3-powerplant/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/bmw-z4-gt3-coming-in-2010-with-m3-powerplant/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW Motorsport has announced a lust-worthy addition to its growing line of customer racing offerings in the form of the BMW Z4 GT3.

Although BMW hasn't released pics yet, the factory-built Z4 will be powered by an uprated version of the M3's 4.0-liter V8 currently fitted to the race-ready M3 GT2. Controlled by a Type-408 ECU and Power400 control unit, the 4.0-liter V8 is good for a claimed 480 horsepower and sends its ample grunt through a standard six-speed sequential gearbox. Central-locking wheels, ABS and a host of other kit will allow the Z4 GT3 to campaign in a number of sanctioned events, including the FIA GT3 European Championship, International GT Open, ADAC GT Masters and several 24-hour enduros.

Deliveries begin in the second quarter of 2010, with an estimated price of 298,000 euro, or over $425,000 on a straight exchange. Full details and ordering information available in the press release below the fold.


Gallery: 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is


[Source: BMW Motorsport]

Continue reading BMW Z4 GT3 coming in 2010 with M3 powerplant

BMW Z4 GT3 coming in 2010 with M3 powerplant originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw motorsportbmw z4 gt3BmwMotorsportBmwZ4Gt3fiagt3z4Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW plant in Spartanburg, SC produces 1.5 millionth vehicle]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/10/bmw-plant-in-spartanburg-sc-produces-1-5-millionth-vehicle/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/10/bmw-plant-in-spartanburg-sc-produces-1-5-millionth-vehicle/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/10/bmw-plant-in-spartanburg-sc-produces-1-5-millionth-vehicle/#commentsFiled under: ,



BMW invaded the South in 1993, and it's first U.S.-made product was popped out in September a year later. Fifteen years after that there have been five factory expansions, 5,000 jobs created, a methane gas pipeline installed, a center for automotive research created, a golf tournament started, and 1.5 million combined versions of the 318i, Z3, Z4, X5 and X6 run over the factory threshold. The 1.5 millionth vehicle was an Oyster Blue and Ivory X6 for a Hong Kong customer. Just goes to show those Confederates might have been right: the South is rising again... You can read all about it in the presser after the jump.

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW plant in Spartanburg, SC produces 1.5 millionth vehicle

BMW plant in Spartanburg, SC produces 1.5 millionth vehicle originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw x5bmw x6bmw z3bmw z4BmwX5BmwX6BmwZ3BmwZ4factoriesmanufacturingmilestonesplantssouth carolinaSouthCarolinaspartanburgx5x6z3z4Thu, 10 Sep 2009 09:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Manhart Racing drops the BMW V10 into the Z4 roadster]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/27/manhart-racing-drops-the-bmw-v10-into-the-z4-roadster/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/27/manhart-racing-drops-the-bmw-v10-into-the-z4-roadster/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/27/manhart-racing-drops-the-bmw-v10-into-the-z4-roadster/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Manhart BMW Z4 V10 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The first snow? A pastel sunset? Come on, we're car guys and there are few things we love more than a big engine in a small roadster. It's the formula that put Carroll Shelby on the map, and it's very much alive today thanks to a small cadre of niche manufacturers and aftermarket tuners, a disproportionate share of them residing in Germany.

Just a few days ago we brought you news of the Wiesmann MF5 Roadster, set to debut at the upcoming Frankfurt show with a BMW M5 ten-cylinder engine packed into a little retro roadster. But if your taste veers more towards the modern than the throwback, Manhart Racing may have just the thing for you. The German tuning firm has shoehorned that same 500-hp, 5.0-liter DOHC 40-valve V10 - known in Bavaria as the SB85B50 - into the BMW Z4.

The mod job wasn't finished with the engine swap, however. Manhart also switched the transmission and differential, installed an AC Schnitzer exhaust, HJS cats and in the process just happened to have disabled the electronic speed limiter. The resultant 550 hp output in a 1450-kg package gives the ten-cylinder roadster a power-to-weight ratio of 2.6kg per HP, which places it firmly in supercar territory. (The flyweight Ferrari 430 Scuderia, for reference, packs 2.45 kg/hp.) 0-60 comes in a claimed 3.9 seconds, and we have little reason to doubt it. That is, assuming you can get all that power down through the upgraded 285/30ZR19 rear tires and keep it in a straight line with the 235/35ZR19 mounted on blacked-out BBS Challenge rims. We just hope they've upgraded the brakes to go along with the extra power. Details in the press release after the jump.


Gallery: Manhart Racing BMW Z4 V10

01_z4-v10-manhart-racing02_z4-v10-manhart-racing03_z4-v10-manhart-racing08_z4-v10-manhart-racing04_z4-v10-manhart-racing

[Source: Manhart Racing]


Continue reading Manhart Racing drops the BMW V10 into the Z4 roadster

Manhart Racing drops the BMW V10 into the Z4 roadster originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw z4bmw z4 mBmwZ4BmwZ4Mmanhartmanhart bmw z4 v10manhart racingManhartBmwZ4V10ManhartRacingz4z4mThu, 27 Aug 2009 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW says no to new Z4 M]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/20/bmw-says-no-to-new-z4-m/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/20/bmw-says-no-to-new-z4-m/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/20/bmw-says-no-to-new-z4-m/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2010 BMW Z4 - Click above for a high-res gallery

According to a report by iMotor, the financial downturn has claimed its latest victim: the BMW Z4 M. A BMW spokesperson told the pub that "Given the current economic crisis there is no business case for a full-on M version of the Z4." Although that's bad news for enthusiasts, there might be a silver lining. Coinciding with an earlier story, BMW may begin offering software upgrades for models fitted with the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six. The remapped ECU would increase output by around 20 horsepower (for a net of 326 hp) and a slight bump in torque, and will almost certainly be offered on the new Z4.

There's also talk of a M Sport package for the 135i that would include a new body kit, larger wheels, a retuned suspension and an M-branded steering wheel.

While we're disappointed about the still-born Z4 M, the obvious question is why is BMW developing M models of the X5 and X6? According to the same source, both of the hotted-up CUVs were signed off before the auto market tanked.


Gallery: 2009 BMW Z4


[Source: IMotorMag]

BMW says no to new Z4 M originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Mar 2009 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 bmw z4 m2010BmwZ4M2011 bmw z4 m2011BmwZ4Mbmwmz4Fri, 20 Mar 2009 15:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit 2009: BMW pulls the cover off the new Z4]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/11/detroit-2009-bmw-pulls-the-cover-off-the-new-z4/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/11/detroit-2009-bmw-pulls-the-cover-off-the-new-z4/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/11/detroit-2009-bmw-pulls-the-cover-off-the-new-z4/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


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

BMW had a Cirque du Soleil wannabe hanging upside down from a curtain to pull the sheets off of the 2010 BMW Z4 at the Detroit Auto Show. The Z4 is the third generation of BMW's small roadster since the original Z3 debuted in the mid-90s. This time around, the company is moving production from South Carolina to Europe to make room for the next gen X3 at Spartanburg. The new Z4 gets a retractable hardtop in place of the soft top, and with only two seats to cover, the proportions don't look as goofy as other hard top convertibles.

The flame surfacing of the last Z4 has been dramatically toned from the last generation, giving a much cleaner look overall. Under the hood, US versions of the Z4 are restricted to 3.0L six cylinder engines with and without turbochargers. No word yet on an M version, but given recent statements from BMW it seems more likely to get a more highly boosted version of the six rather than the M3's V8. The Z4 goes on sale this summer. Expect pricing to be released closer to the sale date.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: BMW Z4


Gallery: 2009 BMW Z4


Live Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Detroit 2009: BMW pulls the cover off the new Z4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Jan 2009 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20102010 bmw z42010BmwZ4bmwdetroitdetroit 2009detroit auto showDetroit2009DetroitAutoShownaiasz4Sun, 11 Jan 2009 14:05:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW's 2009 unveiling schedule?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/28/bmws-2009-unveiling-schedule/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/28/bmws-2009-unveiling-schedule/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/28/bmws-2009-unveiling-schedule/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

BMW Blog has trained its spyglass on what it says is a list of BMW rollouts for 2009, and it will begin next month with the brand spankin' new Z4 showcased at the Detroit Auto Show. It is March, though, that will bring year's first real bounty. At Geneva, BMW will be showing off a concept version of the Progressive Activity Vehicle (half 5 Series, half X6), the Concept eDrive (an electric 1 Series or 3 Series), a Z4 Individual, and the Rolls-Royce 102EX (otherwise known as the RR4). Then in April, BMW's taking the show to Shanghai with the 760Li.

Post-Shanghai, you'll get a few months to digest. Then at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, BMW is expected to have the production-ready Progressive Activity Vehicle on display and the MINI Crossover. It is there, perhaps, that they'll also trot out a show pony speedster they call the Vision-Z with eDrive, their idea of "progress of sports cars for the future." And sprinkled on top throughout the year come launches of the 7 Series xDrive, 7 Series Hybrid, X5 M, X6 M, and X6 Active Hybrid. For bimmer lovers, 2009 is going to be a jubilee year.

[Source: BMW Blog]

BMW's 2009 unveiling schedule? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 28 Dec 2008 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7 series7Seriesbmwdetroit auto showDetroitAutoShowedrivefrankfurt motor showFrankfurtMotorShowminimini crossoverMiniCrossoverrr4shanghai auto showShanghaiAutoShowvision zVisionZx5x5 mX5Mx6x6 mX6Mxdrivez2z4Sun, 28 Dec 2008 11:29:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW announces pricing for 2009 7 Series, raises prices on everything else]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/23/bmw-announces-pricing-for-2009-7-series-raises-prices-on-everyt/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/23/bmw-announces-pricing-for-2009-7-series-raises-prices-on-everyt/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/23/bmw-announces-pricing-for-2009-7-series-raises-prices-on-everyt/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2009 BMW 7 Series

The latest iteration of BMW's all-singing, all-dancing plutocrat limo will roll out the door starting at $81,125. That sum will get buyers the 2009 750i (including $825 for destination charges), but those who are looking for a bit more legroom in back will have to pay $85,025 for the 750Li. Production for these models began last month, but don't expect to see them on the forecourts of your local BMW Center until later this spring.

The rest of the BMW lineup is also getting a nudge on pricing, with the average MSRP climbing by 0.7 percent. All pricing increases are effective January 1, 2009; so if you're planning on gifting yourself a M5 or X6 for the holidays, make sure you do so before New Year's.

Click on the jump for BMW's official press release and full-line model pricing for 2009.

Gallery: 2009 BMW 7 Series


[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW announces pricing for 2009 7 Series, raises prices on everything else

BMW announces pricing for 2009 7 Series, raises prices on everything else originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Dec 2008 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1-Series3-SEries5-SEries7 Series7-series750i750Li7SeriesBavariaBavarianBimmerBMWPricingX3X5X6XDriveZ4Tue, 23 Dec 2008 15:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Officially Official: 2009 BMW Z4]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/13/officially-official-2010-bmw-z4/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/13/officially-official-2010-bmw-z4/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/13/officially-official-2010-bmw-z4/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20092009 BMW Z42009BmwZ420102010 z42010Z4bmwbreakingconvertiblehardtopnew z4NewZ4roadstersdrive23isdrive301sdrive35iz4Sat, 13 Dec 2008 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy shots: BMW Z4]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/17/spy-shots-bmw-z4/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/17/spy-shots-bmw-z4/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/17/spy-shots-bmw-z4/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The next gen BMW Z4 has been caught wearing black and white paisley instead of body armor, and much of the current car's drama definitely looks to have been toned down. The car hasn't been stripped of visual interest, but the angles-meeting-angles has been nixed for what looks like more gentle curves, swells, and strakes. The top is down in all of the shots, so we can't say anything more about the potential hardtop option, because it looks like the current car's cloth roof tucked in back. If not revolution, it looks to be a pretty serious evolution. Click the link to get more spy shots of the next Z4 topless. Thanks for the tip, Alex!

[Source: Z Post]

Spy shots: BMW Z4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Sep 2008 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw z4BmwZ4convertibleconvertiblesspy shotspy shotsSpyShotSpyShotsz4Wed, 17 Sep 2008 09:31:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW X1, 7 Series hybrid headed to Paris; Z4 to debut in LA]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/28/bmw-x1-7-series-hybrid-headed-to-paris-z4-to-debut-in-la/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/28/bmw-x1-7-series-hybrid-headed-to-paris-z4-to-debut-in-la/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/28/bmw-x1-7-series-hybrid-headed-to-paris-z4-to-debut-in-la/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

BMW Z4Inside 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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 BMW z42009BmwZ4bmwlos angelesLosAngelesparissuvx1z4Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: V8-powered BMW Z4 hardtop]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/21/rendered-speculation-v8-powered-bmw-z4-hardtop/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/21/rendered-speculation-v8-powered-bmw-z4-hardtop/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/21/rendered-speculation-v8-powered-bmw-z4-hardtop/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20092009 bmw z42009BmwZ420102010 bmw z42010BmwZ4bmwz4Mon, 21 Jul 2008 19:04:00 EST<![CDATA[G-Power aims to rival M with supercharged Z4]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/09/g-power-aims-to-rival-m-with-supercharged-z4/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/09/g-power-aims-to-rival-m-with-supercharged-z4/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/09/g-power-aims-to-rival-m-with-supercharged-z4/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a high resolution image

The M division is a natural choice for anyone who wants a high performance BMW, but that hasn't stopped G-Power from offering go-fast parts for Bimmer owners who want an extra kick in the pants. Their latest offering is the EVO III supercharger package for the Z4 3.0i that boosts horsepower from the standard 231 to a whopping 375. Good enough to run with the Z4 M Roadster, the G-Power Z4 can reach 60 mph in under five seconds and tops out at 186 mph. Other upgrades are available, including aerodynamic body panels, 20-inch wheels, adjustable coilovers, 15-inch brakes, and a quad exhaust system. More info on this M-fighter in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: G-Power G4 3.0i EVO III

[Source: G-Power]

Continue reading G-Power aims to rival M with supercharged Z4

G-Power aims to rival M with supercharged Z4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BMWBMW Z4 3.0iBmwZ43.0iG-PowerG-Power G4 3.0i EVO IIIG-powerG43.0iEvoIiiSupercharged BMW Z4SuperchargedBmwZ4Z4Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[2009 BMW Z4 to be offered with either soft- or hard-top]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/11/2009-bmw-z4-to-be-offered-with-either-a-soft-or-hard-top/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/11/2009-bmw-z4-to-be-offered-with-either-a-soft-or-hard-top/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/11/2009-bmw-z4-to-be-offered-with-either-a-soft-or-hard-top/#commentsFiled under: , ,

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 bmw z42009BmwZ4bmw z4bmw z4 hard topbmw z4 retractable r...BmwZ4BmwZ4HardTopBmwZ4RetractableR...z4z4 convertiblez4 hard topz4 hard top convertibleZ4ConvertibleZ4HardTopZ4HardTopConvertibleFri, 11 Apr 2008 10:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Next generation BMW Z4 to get folding hard top, possibly M3's V8]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/07/next-generation-bmw-z4-to-get-folding-hard-top-possibly-m3s-v8/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/07/next-generation-bmw-z4-to-get-folding-hard-top-possibly-m3s-v8/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/07/next-generation-bmw-z4-to-get-folding-hard-top-possibly-m3s-v8/#commentsFiled under: ,

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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This Monday, BMW will announce plans to expand its sole U.S. assembly plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina. This is more great news for Spartanburg, as BMW has increased production at the plant three times previously, and the facility is already running over capacity. Its stated capacity is 140,000 vehicles per year, but workers there cranked out 154,999 vehicles in 2007. BMW will reportedly expand its facilities in Spartanburg by 70,000 square feet, at a cost estimated at $27 million. This will bring the German automaker's total investment in Spartanburg to $4.83 billion since it opened in 1994. Clearly BMW has been a significant boost to the regional economy.

The German automaker is currently manufacturing the X5 SAV, Z4 Roadster and M Coupes, and the upcoming X6 SAV at the plant. In 2010, it plans to send the Z4 assembly to Germany, but bring all X3 SAV production to the States (some X3 production is currently done under contract assembly by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria).

[Source: Automotive News Europe, subs. req'd]

BMW to announce U.S. Spartanburg plant expansion originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Mar 2008 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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They've got it really well disguised, with extra padding down virtually every inch of the flanks hiding what lies underneath, but there's a new crop of spy shots of the 2009 BMW Z4 from Swedish website Sportbilen. The Svensk site for sports car enthusiasts jumped on three shots from Tommy Kristiansen of a passel of Bimmers in Goth costumes at a fuel stop. Not much is discernible, other than the fact that the long hood/short deck profile remains, and the on-again, off-again cloth top seems to have been replaced by a hard top. Perhaps someone who understands Swedish could shed some light about what the page actually says, too. The resolution of the shots isn't good enough to really make out whether it's a removeable hardtop or a folding unit, and whatever flame surfacing might run down the sides of this car have been hidden under totally faux quarter panels front and rear, and a door with a intentionally confusing bowl in the middle. So - you can make out the general lines, which stay pretty true to the BMW two-seater convention, but we're still waiting on more details.

[Source: Sportbilen.se]

Spy Shots: 2009 BMW Z4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 09 Feb 2008 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Despite slashing some 8,000 jobs worldwide, BMW plans to hire more workers to man its Spartanburg, S.C. production center, while simultaneously upping the night shift from eight hours to ten. The South Carolina plant currently produces the X5 and Z4, but with production of the X6 CUV beginning a few weeks back, BMW is looking to staff an additional 200 jobs to keep the assembly plant on boil. Although Z4 production is going to Regensburg, Germany in 2009, BMW plans to begin building the X3, which is overdue for a refresh, at the plant around the same time. Those of you looking for jobs in the Spartanburg area can apply through MAU Inc., BMW's U.S. staffing firm, and should expect to bring in $12.50 an hour during the day shift and additional buck if you're willing to toil away in the wee hours of the night.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

BMW's South Carolina plant to boost output, needs more workers originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Jan 2008 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW has officially thrown its hat in the performance parts game here in the U.S., likely rivaling the products available from aftermarket firms and coming complete with a factory-backed warranty.

Beginning with the 3-series and Z4, BMW is offering a host of components, from brake upgrades to engine kits, that will boost performance and not cause owners to fear a trip to the dealer for service. Some of the parts include carbon fiber and aluminum strut braces, 3.07:1 performance diffs, lowering kits, performance exhausts and a engine package for three-liter models that includes new camshafts and a modified ECU that boosts output to 235 HP and 222 lb.-ft. or torque.

All of the wonderful tidbits can be procured after the jump, and we'd suspect good things to come from the Bimmer boys when they release packages designed for the 335i and the upcoming 135i.

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW USA offering factory performance parts, with full warranty

BMW USA offering factory performance parts, with full warranty originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Sep 2007 08:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3 liter3-liter3-series3.0l3Literaftermarketaluminumbmwbwm 3-seriesBwm3-seriescamshaftscarbon fiberCarbonFiberdifferentialecuengineexhaustperformance partsPerformancePartsstrut bracesStrutBracesthree literthree-literThreeLiterz4Wed, 19 Sep 2007 08:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Rendered speculation: 2009 BMW Z4 Roadster]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/17/rendered-speculation-2009-bmw-z4-roadster/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/17/rendered-speculation-2009-bmw-z4-roadster/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/17/rendered-speculation-2009-bmw-z4-roadster/#commentsFiled under: , ,

On the heels of the news that production of the next generation BMW Z4 would shift to Germany, MotorAuthority has produced a rendering of what that new version might look like. The new roadster is expected to grow and move upmarket as it gains a retractable hard top that should consume what little luggage space it has now.

The new Z4 should add the new twin-turbo six cylinder from the 335i to the standard model while the next M Roadster may pick up the four-liter V8 from the new M3. As for the styling, the new roadster is likely to adopt some design cues from the CS four door coupe concept that debuted last spring at the Shanghai Motor Show. That will mean a cleaned up, more subdued version of the Bangle surface development of the current model, with a more aggressive front fascia.

[Source: MotorAuthority]

Rendered speculation: 2009 BMW Z4 Roadster originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Aug 2007 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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