Future Cars: 2019 BMW Z4 Roadster Flips Its Lid

BMW’s partnership with Toyota to co-develop an all-new Supra and BMW Z4 Roadster has car enthusiasts buzzing with excitement.

While there’s been too much hype surrounding the new Supra and its impending reveal, the limelight is now turning towards BMW’s Z4 Roadster after camo-clad prototypes were recently caught wearing significantly less disguise.

So let’s take off the tester’s camouflage and look at what’s altered from the Z4 concept, which was launched last summer at Pebble Beach, on the way to production.

Contemporary BMW Design

The outgoing Z4 has a sleek profile with classic rear-wheel-drive proportions. Luckily, its replacement retains that long hood and short deck appearance.

BMW’s twin kidney grille has become sharper at the outer edges and adaptive LED headlights mimic those from the concept. Sadly, the hood doesn’t quite retain those shapely vents from the show car and looks restrained in comparison.

Fender vents and scalloped lower doors add dynamism to the bodywork. Checking it out from the rear reveals unique LED taillights, angular bumper cutouts, dual exhausts and a ducktail-style deck lid.

Open Air Accommodation

Drivers will be treated to a much improved cabin combining luxurious with sporty touches. Styling elements of the Z4 concept remain, yet areas like the digital gauge cluster, infotainment display and switchgear will be familiar to anyone that has seen BMW’s latest crop of vehicles.

Technophiles should be impressed by a revamped iDrive setup incorporating gesture control and a large touchscreen. Wireless device charging, Apple CarPlay, Wi-Fi hotspot and BMW Connected services are also tipped to feature.

The Ultimate Driving Machine

Propelling the new Z4 will be a range of four- and six-cylinder engines. A turbocharged 2.0-litre four producing around 200 horses will kick off the lineup, at least in Europe and select markets around the world, while North America’s base model should get a 2.0L producing around 250 horses. Those wanting more oomph will have the option of a turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six in two states of tune, with 335hp and 385hp respectively.

Power will be sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. There will be a six speed manual option, although some reports claim it will be limited to the 2.0-liter engines.

Platform-sharing with the new Supra suggests it could have sportier handling compared to its predecessor, but it isn’t expected to be the hardcore corner carver like its Japanese promises to be.

Topless Rivals

The 2019 Z4 will go up against the usual crop of topless sports models such as Audi’s TT Roadster, Porsche’s 718 Boxster, the Mercedes-Benz SLC and Jaguar’s F-Type convertible.

While its Gazoo-branded Supra sibling will debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show on March 6, the Z4 is tipped for an official reveal later this year or in early 2019.

Photo Renderings Copyright Carscoops / Josh Byrnes