MONTEREY, CA – The third-generation BMW Z4 roadster will take direct aim at the Porsche 718 Boxster from the very outset of sales later this year, with an M40i M Performance First Edition model featuring a 335-hp turbocharged 3.0L inline 6-cyl. gasoline engine set to initially lead the new lineup, the German automaker has confirmed.
Pictured in a series of official photographs following its unveiling ahead of the 2018 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance here, the new roadster is set to make a formal debut at the Paris auto show in late September, where BMW intends to reveal more about its mechanical package, prior to a planned start to U.S. deliveries early next year.
Previewed in lightly veiled concept car guise at last year’s Pebble Beach Concours, the new Z4 has been newly conceived from the ground up in a move BMW hopes will reignite buyer interest in its sole two-seat model despite dwindling sales of roadsters in many markets, including North America, in recent years.
As well as boasting a completely new look with more distinctive proportions, the ’19 model adopts an automatically controlled fabric roof. The new structure is claimed to weigh about 130 lbs. (59 kg) less than the folding hardtop of the second-generation Z4 while providing the basis for a lower center of gravity.
Further developments brought to the Porsche 718 Boxster rival is a new platform shared with the resurrected Toyota Supra, alongside which the new Z4 has been developed in a joint engineering program. Magna Steyr will produce the Z4 at its contract assembly plant in Graz, Austria.
The design of the steel and aluminum structure is described as being unique, although it adopts chassis, suspension and electrical components from BMW’s CLAR (cluster architecture) platform, as used by the latest 7- and 5-Series sedans as well as the new X3, X4 and X5 utility vehicles and the upcoming seventh-generation 3-Series due out later this year.
Intended to deliver more dynamic driving qualities than its predecessor, the new platform incorporates extra-wide sill elements said to contribute to a more than 30% increase in torsional rigidity over the structure used by its predecessor.
During an early drive of a prototype back in May, BMW described the new Z4 as the stiffest open-top car it has yet produced, claiming it to be stiffer even than the fixed-roof M4 coupe.
Despite increased dimensions, including a 2.8-in. (71-mm) increase in width over the model it replaces, and higher levels of standard equipment, the new Z4 also is claimed to be about 110 lbs. (50 kg) lighter than before, suggesting the Z4 M40i will tip the scales at under 3,300 lbs. (1,497 kg).
BMW has confirmed one initial engine for the new Z4, the carryover 3.0L turbo-6 offered in a variety of existing BMW models. With 335 hp and 332 lb.-ft. (450 Nm) of torque in the limited volume M40i M-Performance First Edition model, it is claimed to propel the new two-seater from 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.6 seconds on the way to a limited top speed of 155 mph (249 km/h).
By comparison, the 718 Boxster S runs a turbocharged 2.5L horizontally opposed 4-cyl. delivering 350 hp and 309 lb.-ft. (419 Nm) of torque.
Known internally under the codename G29, the new Z4 also is set to be sold with a turbocharged 2.0L 4-cyl. gasoline engine claimed to be rated at up to 261 hp in a midrange Z4 sDrive30i model.
While full details are yet to be revealed, WardsAuto confirms the base Z4 sDrive20i sold in certain markets will offer the choice between a standard 6-speed manual and optional 8-speed automatic transmission, while the remaining Z4 models all will be fitted with a standard 8-speed automatic.
The M40i M-Performance also comes with a standard electronically controlled M Sport rear differential.
Despite early rumors suggesting the new BMW roadster could offer optional all-wheel drive, this is denied by Munich officials, who say it will be sold exclusively in rear-wheel-drive guise.
In a move that would take it into direct competition with the likes of the Jaguar F-Type 3.0, BMW also is said to be developing a Z4 M variant featuring the same turbocharged 3.0L inline-6 launched in the new M2 Competition with more than 400 hp.
With its engine mounted well back in the engine bay, the new Z4 is claimed to boast a 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution. In initial M40i M-Performance First Edition trim, its suspension, which uses a combination of double wishbones up front and a five-link arrangement at the rear, receives 19-in. wheels and tires as well as electronically controlled dampers. An M Sport braking system also is standard on the launch model.
The Z4 interior features a new driver-orientated instrument panel (see photo, upper left) with digital controls and a touchscreen infotainment monitor, as well as newly designed seats and unique controls within a broad center console.
Among a long list of options is a head-up display and Harman Kardon sound system, both of which are featured on the M40i M-Performance First Edition.
Seats newly redesigned for next-generation Z4.
