BMW Z4 development continues

The new BMW Z4 will be the first fruit of BMW’s sportscar collaboration with Toyota, which will also produce the next iteration of the Scion FR-S. 

While the Toyota sportscar will come with a hardtop, the BMW Z4 roadster – as seen in our spy-shots taken near the Arctic Circle – will sport a soft top. The new sportscar architecture that serves both models is a highly scalable matrix that revolves around a single fixed point, the front firewall. From Japan comes support with the electronics and optional hybrid drive for the Z4, while BMW will provide their expertise in lightweight materials and engines.

The engines range from 190bhp to probably the top engine with 425bhp in the Z4 M. In addition, there is an optional hybrid engine with up to 204 bhp in Power mode.

BMW and Toyota are reportedly targeting different audiences. The new Z4 would be a pure sports car rather than the outgoing model’s more luxurious position. The Supra would be at the top of the Toyota's lineup and could feature cutting-edge technology in addition to the bold styling.  

Design-wise, BMW will stay true to their roadster characteristics while adding a polarizing and futuristic design. We expect the BMW Z4 to be unveiled in the first half of 2018 with sales starting shortly thereafter.