BMW Z4 Roadster Concept Stuns...!
At the Pebble Beach car extravaganza this week, BMW has decided to showcase their latest topless 4-wheeler.
The Z4 Roadster Concept was unveiled, and what a stunner it is!
With design language reminiscent of the recently previewed 8-Series,
Senior VP of Design Adrian van Hooydonk and his team have crafted proper retro roadster
proportions with thoroughly modern lines that “…generate a sense of power and
emotion.” I tend to agree… The one feature that comes across a bit
un-Bimmer is the vertically-stacked headlights, although they do fit nicely
into the overall form.
Due for production next year as a 2019 model, there will likely
be minor aesthetic changes from this Concept version, with some front and rear cleanup
and a more restrained use of interior materials in the cockpit.
Strictly rear-wheel drive, the Z4 goes back to a fabric top,
as opposed to the previous gen folding hard structure. Available engines for the States will likely
start with the 4-cylinder found in other models producing just under 250
horsepower. A step up to the Z4 M40i
model will include the inline six-cylinder powerplant benching 320 horses with
340 lb-ft of torque. It will get up and
go, as the Z4 is expected to weigh in at just under 3,200 pounds.
Both a six-speed manual gearbox and an eight-speed auto box
from manufacturer ZF should be available for specification, depending on your
preference. Wheel sizes will likely top
out at 19” for that aggressively sporting look.
I love the wheels on the Concept and hope they make it to production.
The interior is being touted as substantially roomier than
the current Z4, and bristles with the latest in BMW tech. iDrive is present in its sixth-generation
version, and an “augmented-reality” head-up display will be available as
well. The overall feel is very modern,
but it appears to be laid out in a very driver-centric manner, which appropriately
harkens back to BMW’s roots.
When available next year, pricing will likely start at a
tick above $50,000 and can be optioned up from there. I look forward to the production version,
provided the bean counters don’t remove too much of the style from the Concept.
Well done, BMW..!
Cheers!
Marty Feldmann, The Connoisseur, is the
highly sought after consultant who assists businesses and individual clients
with the acquisition of the finer things life has to offer. Whether you are planning a weekend getaway to
wine country, selecting audio equipment to outfit your home, planning your
dream vacation or purchasing your ultimate transportation, Marty is your
personal connection to the good life…
Marty can be contacted at: 916.952.9529 Marty@ConnoisseurCorner.com