All-new BMW Z4 convertible with 40 photos
15 December 2008
The first official details of the new longer and wider BMW Z4 have been revealed ahead of its global debut at January’s Detroit Motor Show.
On sale in May 2009, the new BMW Z4 keeps the sleek lines of the outgoing model but also gets a more aggressive design while the rear shares many similarities with the 6 Series convertible.
And for the first time in BMW’s history, the 2009 Z4 convertible gets a retractable hardtop roof which can open or close in 20 seconds.
The new BMW Z4 is also available with Adaptive M Suspension which electronically controls the stiffness of the car’s dampers and can lower the ride by 10mm.
Click on the image below to see 40 photos of the new Z4
Another first for the new Z4 is Drive Dynamic Control fitted as standard which allows the driver to specify the convertible’s throttle and steering, level of ride comfort, traction control response and gear change speeds for automatic and semi-auto gearbox.
At launch, the 2009 BMW Z4 will be available with the choice of three petrol engines; 2.5-litre, 3-litre and twin-turbocharged 3-litre engines developing 204bhp, 258bhp and 306bhp respectively.
The result is 0-62mph times of 6.6, 5.8 and 5.2 seconds and top speeds of 151mph for the entry-level model with the other two limited to 155mph.
As with all new BMWs, the Z4 gets the EfficientDynamics treatment meaning brake energy regeneration, electric power steering and reduced rolling resistance tyres.
As a result, fuel economy and CO2 emissions are impressive with the Z4 averaging between 30.1mpg and 33.2mpg for manual models and 31.4mpg and 34.4mpg on auto and semi-auto models.
CO2 emissions ranging from 192g/km to 219g/km will place the models in new tax bands J and K, meaning an annual tax bill of £215.
For the first time on a Z4, the new model gets a small 15.5-litre storage compartment behind the driver and passenger seats while the boot varies from 180-litres to 310-litres depending on whether the roof is up on down.
The new BMW Z4 makes its debut at next month’s Detroit Motor Show alongside the V10-powered Audi R8 with prices announced early next year.
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