BMW unveils Z4 ahead of 2009 Detroit Auto Show

The German automobile manufacturer Bavarian Motor Works German (BMW) has showcased their updated Z4 model variants.

Throughout the car's development, styling was expected to feature cues derived from the CS concept including a wider and more pronounced grille and larger intakes up front. Though the final product doesn't seem nearly as extreme as the CS Concept, there is a hint of the controversial design in the new Z4.

The 2008 Z4 is a 2-door, 2-passenger luxury sports car, or convertible sports car, available in 3 trims, ranging from the Roadster 3.0i to the Coupe 3.0si.

The Roadster 3.0i is equipped with a standard 3.0-liter, I6, 215-horsepower engine that achieves 18-mpg in the city and 28-mpg on the highway. The Coupe 3.0si is equipped with a standard 3.0-liter, I6, 255-horsepower engine that achieves 18-mpg in the city and 28-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims, and a 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional.

BMW's next-generation Z4 Roadster is due for its first public outing at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, but the new spy shots have revealed the car about a month ahead of the show. As hinted at by the spy photos and confirmed with the newly leaked images, the car features fewer Bangle-born styling cues and a smoother, more rounded appearance than the outgoing version.

The new Z4 is tipped to receive a folding metal hardtop to bring it into line with the Mercedes Benz SLK and Mazda MX5 (Miata). For BMW, the benefits of the folding hardtop (security and reliability) outweighed the disadvantages of increased weight and less trunk space. However, there is also the possibility that both a hard-top and a traditional soft-top could also be offered.

The BMW Z4 sDrive30i would feature the similar engine as their current model.

Another variant Z4 sDrive35i would feature a twin turbochargers and direct injection to enhance the performance from the engine. It would also have an optional seven-speed double clutch transmission (DCT).

BMW added that the car can be ordered with an 80 GB hard drive-based navigation system which features the new generation of iDrive. It comes loaded with a huge 8.8-inch wide-screen monitor.15 GB space on this hard drive can be used by the driver to store media for personal use.