Next-Gen Z4 Teased; BMW Says It'll Be Sportier

The third-gen model will also get an M variant, unlike its predecessor

Almost a decade after BMW debuted the second-gen model in 2009, the Z4 is set to undergo a generation change. BMW has teased a camouflaged third-gen Z4 undergoing driving dynamics tests in its roadster form. And unlike the second-gen Z4 that was only available with a hardtop retractable roof, the upcoming Z4 will get a soft top too.

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BMW has also confirmed that the third-gen Z4 will get an M40i variant as the top-spec iteration. Powered by a new 3.0-litre, in-line 6-cylinder petrol engine, the Z4 M40i makes 340PS of maximum power and 400Nm of peak torque. BMW says that in some markets the Z4 will make 387PS of power, thanks to less stringent emission norms. Also, the Z4 will get more engine options depending on the variants and the market. However, all the engines will be mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission only.

The new Z4 is based on a new platform that it shares with upcoming Toyota Supra. In its M40i iteration, it gets new sports suspension with electronically controlled dampers, a newly developed front axle, M light alloy wheels with mixed tyres, an M sports brake system and an electronic limited slip differential to offer better agility and drivability, claims BMW. The German carmaker says that the new Z4’s suspension has been tuned on the stiffer side in order to provide sportscar-like performance in terms of steering precision and longitudinal and transverse acceleration.

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As far as the design is concerned, the production-spec Z4 will look quite similar to the concept showcased in 2017. At the front, it features a clamshell bonnet and an all-new headlight design. The signature ‘Kidney Grille’ has been retained but has been updated with a mesh pattern instead of the traditional vertical slats. At the rear, it gets slim L-shaped tail lamps and a swooping integrated spoiler.

India Launch

BMW will launch the third-gen Z4 internationally by the end of 2018. We expect it to land in India in 2019 only. Like the current gen Z4, the third-gen model is also expected to be imported to India as a CBU. The current second-gen BMW Z4 is priced at Rs 81.8 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

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