New BMW Z4 (almost) unveiled

Out goes the folding metal hardtop and in comes a simpler and lighter fabric top. An all-new body with fresh proportions – more long-bonnet, short-overhang – are underpinned by a stiffer new platform. M Sport suspension and brakes deliver the expected boost to handling while twin-turbo straight six power delivering 350bhp to the rear wheels provides the motive power.

Stiffer, lighter and aiming to be more dynamic than any Z before it, the new two-seat Porsche Boxster-chaser will be out to mark a watershed moment in BMW’s sports car reputation. And already first reports from journalists who have driven the prototype sound encouraging, and in line with BMW’s assertion that the only thing carried over from the outgoing model has been the badge.

Other new details confirmed for the top Z4 M40i model include its electronically controlled dampers, a newly developed front axle, M light alloy wheels with mixed tyres and an electronically controlled lock in the rear differential. As well as the M40i it is expected there will be a full range of new Z4s down to an entry level 2.0-litre car.

The Z4, popular but regarded as a bit of a softie in the past, is a watershed in other ways too, the new one marking the debut of vehicle architecture that has been co-developed with Toyota. The joint project yields not just the new Z4 roadster but also the new Toyota Supra coupe, itself to be unveiled soon.

The covers are expected finally to come off the new Z4 at Pebble Beach on August 26^th, a year after the Concept Z4 was first shown at the exclusive Californian Concours d’Elegance. Like the reborn new Supra, sales are expected to get under way in 2019.