BMW Z4 Spied
Spotted on its latest round of the Nurburgring,
this is the previously-unidentified Z4 prototype, thought perhaps
with its thicker faux panels to be a Z6 or Z9 in the early stages
of development. But its Z4 status has now been confirmed on the
track, the removal of plastic panels in favour of ducktape chiefly
revealing the new car's wider kidney grille. Thick exterior
mouldings however remain plastered to the sides and rear.
Built off the new 3-Series chassis, the car grows in size for the
new generation, although these faux panels make it difficult to
judge just how much the new Z4 has grown. A softer, less assertive
bonnet, which may be designed for greater pedestrian safety,
culminates in the wider kidney grille for a more poised front end.
It is unclear as to whether the concave door surfaces feature will
remain, while camouflage at the rear reveals little, bar the
incling that new rear lamps may inherit styling cues from the new
1-Series Coupe or X5. A raised boot lid spoiler appears to
stay.
The present car's twin exhausts appear to be re-positioned for the
new generation Z4, moving from the left of the car to one either
side. BMW's new inline six-cylinder engine used in the new 3-Series
is likely to make its way to the new Z4, joining the Z4's present
2.2, 2.5 and 3.2-litre petrol unit line-up.
The Z4 will be produced in BMW's Regensburg plant from the end of
2009. Stay tuned for further spy shots and information.
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