BMW Z4, the third generation returns with a canvas roof
Some information on the new model: the six-cylinder will have 340 hp
A few weeks after the official presentation of the new Z4, the BMW company begins to reveal interesting details about the model, which came to its third generation. The German spider – immortalized with protective films that partially conceal the shape of the body – is finalising the final tests at the French Miramas, where there is a Bavarian brand test center.
“Conceptually, the new BMW Z4 is a vehicle that is geared towards agility and driving pleasure,” explains Jos van As, responsible for chassis development. “The high level of rigidity of the car body and the suspension provide the perfect basis for a set-up that guarantees the performance of a true sports car in terms of driving precision and longitudinal and transverse acceleration“.
Are you ready for the new BMW Z4?
The head office has also started to branch out the first technical notes of the BMW Z4 : the flagship version, the “M40i”, will be powered by a 6-liter turbo engine of 3 liters, with a maximum power in the order of 340 hp. The chassis will benefit from a lowered active set-up and a limited slip rear differential: devices that should, respectively, guarantee particularly stable road behavior and improve cornering traction. A high-performance braking system will also be part of the kit. Moreover, as abovementioned, BMW Z4 the third generation returns with a canvas roof. And, compared to the outgoing model, the new Z4 will have a setting more voted for sportiness: thanks to the new construction platform and a significant weight loss treatment. In the generational change, in fact, the Z4 will lose the retractable rigid roof to return to the classic (and fascinating) solution of the electric-powered canvas: a device that, by itself, will save several kilograms.
The new German sports car will be marketed also with smaller and thrifty engines: among them the 4-cylinder turbo 2 liters, which will probably be offered with power cuts of between 184 and 252 hp. The Z4 will also have a Japanese “sister”, the new Toyota Supra: the two cars will share the construction platform, engines and transmissions (however, Toyota will be offered exclusively with a coupé bodywork and will retain a sportier setting).
