BMW unveils Z4 ahead of 2009 Detroit Auto Show

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.

Contrary to numerous reports the new model is expected to grow in both size and price. 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.

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.

A long hood and a short rear decklid remain but the previous car’s circular taillights have been swapped with units that appear similar to those on the larger 6-series with including rows of LED detailing.

The engine lineup should include both twin-turbo and naturally-aspirated straight six engines, although there could be an entry-level model in Europe with a four-cylinder mill, though that won't be due until sometime around 2011. The naturally-aspirated six-cylinder is expected to be rated at about 272hp (203kW), an upgrade of 17hp (12kW) over the current sport model, while the flagship M Roadster - if it is built - is likely to get a brand new high-performance turbo six worth around 350hp (261kW).

This is to ensure the M-spec Z4 doesn’t step on the toes of the M3. The Z4 range is also expected to pick up BMW’s new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission as an option. A 6-speed manual will be standard.

With more equipment and a bigger powerplant, pricing is expected to rise to about €43,000 ($55,000) in Europe. The Z4 currently starts at around $36,700 in the U.S., but that can be expected to climb past $40,000 for the next model.

BMW M-Model Sales More Than 50% Up in the first 11 Months of 2008!

Crisis? What crisis? While most car manufactures around the world are seeing their sales plummet in 2008, BMW's M-Division is flourishing in this harsh economic environment having exceeded the previous year's equivalent figures during the first 11 months of 2008 by over 50 per cent! From January to November 2008, BMW has sold 22,340 M-Model cars worldwide compared to 14,092 vehicles in the same period in 2007. In November 2008 alone some 1,900 BMW M automobiles were delivered around the globe. As long ago as August 2008 the worldwide sales figures of BMW M GmbH reached 16,150 units, thus surpassing last year's total figure of 16,128 units.

"The fact that our dealers were able to supply significantly more vehicles than the average of the last nine months even in such dramatic times for the world economy demonstrates the fascination and attraction which BMW M automobiles exercise on our customers," said Ludwig Willisch, President of BMW M GmbH.

A major contribution to BMW M's runaway success in 2008 has been the introduction of the all-new M3 which is now offered in three body variations (Coupe, Sedan and Convertible). The high-performance sports car sold almost twice as well in its first year of production than its predecessor model did within the same period.

Currently, BMW M offers seven models that include three body types of the M3, the BMW M5 Sedan and Touring as well as the M6 Coupe and M6 Convertible.

Overall, BMW brand sales in 2008 for the first 11 months of the year, are down 3.5% compare to the same period in 2007 to 1,105,112 units.

New BMW Z4 to debut January ‘09?

Rumors about the arrival of a new BMW Z$ in 2009 have been buzzing for months. The rumors might just be true. According to a BMW insider, the automaker might debut a new, redesigned BMW Z4 next month. The new Z4 will offer drivertrain choices including either a naturally apspirated or twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, found in the 328i and 335i, respectively. An M verson with a V8 and a carbon fiber roof is also rumored to be available.

The 2009 BMW z4 is also expected to have new front and rear fascias, a lower roofline and ducktail spoilers as well as stylistic differences between the Z4 coupe and the folding hardtop variety. However, the soft-top Z4 is expected to be dropped from the mode lineup.

Meanwhile, a new Z2 is rumored to be currently in the works with coupe and cabrio variants and equipped with BMWs EfficientDynamics system. The two-door Z2, based on the 1-series, is expected to be powered either by a natrually aspirated or turbocharged 2.0-liter four with a possibe hybrid version using BMW’s eDrive system.