The result of BMW’s collaboration with Toyota, which will of course result in the revived Supra, the Z4 measures 85mm longer than its predecessor at 4 324mm, with an wheelbase shorten by 26mm to 2 470mm, a height increased by 13mm to 1 304mm and width increase by 74mm to 1 864mm. Model-wise, the Z4 will go on sale with a choice of three trim levels; Sport Line, M Sport and M Performance, each bringing their own assortment of and exterior detailing.
Claimed to feature a driver focused cabin and sporting a 50/50 weight distribution, the Z4 comes underpinned by a new chassis said to be squarely aimed at the driver. As such, the steering has been adjusted for quicker response and input, while the rear axle is made from lightweight aluminium and steel to cut weight.
Featuring a 50-litre gain in boot space over the previous Z4 with 281-litres on offer regardless of the position of the soft-top, which can be closed and opened in 10 seconds, notable tech available includes the 10.25-inch iDrive infotainment system with 7.0 operating system, optional Heads-Up Display, BMW Digital Key, optional Adaptive Anti-Dazzle LED headlights, wheel sizes ranging from 17 to 19-inches, dual-zone climate control, interior ambient lighting and an optional 12-speaker, 464-watt Harman Kardon sound system.
Noteworthy driver assistance systems meanwhile consists of Collision Warning with Pedestrian Warning and City Braking, Active Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Collision Prevention and Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Change Warning, Active Park Distance Control, Parking and Reverse Assistant as well as Traffic Sign Recognition.
Whereas the M40i is reportedly only expected to arrive next year, power for the Z4, as indicated by previously leaked documents, will come from a single four-cylinder, 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine mated only to the sports-focused eight-speed Steptronic gearbox with paddle shifters.
Powering the sDrive20i, the blown four-pot produces 145kW/320Nm while in the sDrive 30i, it cranks out 190kW/400Nm. While no top speed figures were announced, BMW has confirmed that the 20i will complete the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.6 seconds, with the 30i taking 5.4 seconds. The M40i meanwhile utilises a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six that makes 250kW/500Nm, allowing for a limited top speed of 250km/h and 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds.
Like the Supra, production of the Z4 will take place at Magna Steyr’s plant in Graz, Austria, with South African availability yet to be confirmed.
