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.