I'm getting déjà vu...
That's not surprising, as we first revealed images of the 2019 BMW Z4 last month, ahead of the car's debut in Pebble Beach. Well, now we have another set of images and a few more details on what the Z4 line-up will look like.
So, what's the grey one?
Ah, actually, that's the same Z4 M40i that we revealed in August, painted in a more flattering colour. You can tell it's the M Performance Vehicle (that means it's not a full-on M car, by the way, so there may be one of those in the future) by the copious use of Cerium Grey trim, unique 19-inch wheels and trapezoidal exhaust outlets. This car is also wearing the optional Anthracite soft-top - it's black as standard.
Tell us more about the roof.
It stows away at the touch of a button in 10 seconds and doesn't eat into boot space. That can be done at speeds of up to about 30mph, as you'd hope in this day and age. That boot, incidentally, holds 281 litres of luggage, about 50 per cent more than the previous Z4 managed. No doubt the extra capacity has been made possible by an increase in the width and length of the Z4 over its predecessor. Nonetheless, BMW reduced the wheelbase by 26mm and at the same time increased the front and rear tracks, all in a bid to make the car more agile feeling. Naturally, it's rear-drive only and BMW says the weight is balanced front-to-rear, 50:50.
So, what powers it?
Well, other than the M40i variant, we know there will be two turbocharged four-cylinder engines offered. The Z4 sDrive30i puts out 258hp at 5,000-6,500rpm, along with 400Nm of torque at 1,550-4,400rpm. It's limited to 155mph and 0-62mph takes 5.4 seconds. For now, the entry-level Z4 is badged sDrive20i and it makes 197hp at 4,500-6,500rpm, along with 320Nm of torque at 1,450-4,200rpm. It tops 149mph and does 0-62mph in a respectable 6.6 seconds. All engines are paired with BMW's eight-speed 'Steptronic' automatic transmission.
Sounds good; when can I see more?
The BMW Z4 will be on display at next month's Paris Motor Show before going on sale in March 2019.
Shane O' Donoghue - 18 Sep 2018