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BMW’s New Z4 To Get A Folding Metal Top

Agent009 submitted on 04/07/2008 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 10:13 AM
from: www.autoexpress.co.uk

[21] user comments | category: New Cars

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BMW’s New Z4 To Get A Folding Metal Top

Our spies have lifted the lid on the next-generation BMW Z4 – and the big news is that it’s getting a folding metal roof for the first time!

Look closely at these prototypes, and you’ll see that instead of a fabric affair, the new Z4 is following in the footsteps of its 3-Series Convertible big brother, plus its Mercedes SLK rival, with a retractable steel top.

As our artist’s impression shows, the car will also get a more muscular look. And the convertible has another trick up its sleeve. BMW isn’t content with raining on the SLK’s parade, as it will seek to outgun the Porsche Boxster with a new range of powerful engines for the car. These are likely to include the twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre straight six-cylinder unit. Read Article

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1995e34 - 4/7/2008 10:53:44 AM

+2 Boost

while i like the retractable metal roof instead of the hideous cloth roof, what this will do is kill the z4 coupe. that sucks.

bmw will no longer have a genuine sports car with a fixed roof. the only hope is that the 1 series, in some form loses its back seat and trunk, and fills the void.

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Kraut_god - 4/7/2008 12:38:09 PM

-2 Boost

Its going to take more then a metal roof.

DROOPYSAKK - 4/7/2008 11:08:54 AM

-1 Boost

im sure this folding metal roof will really help the performance numbers

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w209w114 - 4/7/2008 12:46:49 PMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

How so? They are a lot heavier than a traditional cloth roof.

jeffy210 - 4/7/2008 11:51:32 AM

+3 Boost

Granted that's only a 'shop, but that's a very nice evolution of the Z4.

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Homer008 - 4/7/2008 12:04:46 PM

-2 Boost

w209w114 - 4/7/2008 12:48:51 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

Although this isnt a bad looking design overall, Its definitely not as visually stunning as the current Z4 when it first came out.

That being said shouldnt it be called the Z5?

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Notjustlex - 4/7/2008 4:19:43 PM

-3 Boost

It should be called the size 12 so the F_t chicks are not confused on which car to buy....

zorbeeze - 4/7/2008 1:17:41 PM

-6 Boost

Although this will add weight and slow the Z4 down a little, it had to be done. Cloth tops are hideous and they are not that practical.
Though this metal top will do nothing to help the Z4 in the looks department. The Z4 is the most hideous Z ever created by BMW.

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kthor - 4/7/2008 2:10:14 PM

+2 Boost

Brilliant insights on a car that doesn't even exist yet, Zorbeeze. MY crystal ball says it will be lighter, faster, stunningly good looking, and be more efficient. The cloth top takes up very little space, goes up or down in ten seconds, is light weight and reliable, but you are right - so impractical.

Rupert - 4/7/2008 6:56:53 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

I prefer cloth tops, for all the reasons you mentioned kthor.

zorbeeze - 4/14/2008 1:07:27 PM

+1 Boost

"Brilliant insights on a car that doesn't even exist yet"
The Z4 does not exist?????
Wow considering i've modified about ten different ones.
I must be blind.

BimmerFan - 4/7/2008 1:27:46 PM

+1 Boost

Maybe the metal roof will actually be a carbon fibre/metal combo for weight reduction? I much prefer the traditional ragtop for a roadster.

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JRobUSC - 4/8/2008 11:02:03 AM

0 Boost

they're not even doing that for the M3 Convertible, there's no way they'll do it for the Z4.

JUGNU - 4/7/2008 2:04:43 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

Why hardtop convertible when there is already a Z4 coupe. Folding metal roof adds more weight and also it will clinch sales from 3 series hardtop convertible.

BMW should do cloth top as it will further separate it
from 3 series hardtop hence giving coustomers more options and variety.

JUGNU

reply to this comment

kthor - 4/7/2008 2:18:14 PM

-1 Boost

I would wager that a company as intelligent as BMW might have done just a little research before they chose a design direction for the next generation Z4. The Z4 and 3 Series convertibles don't really compete for the same customers. They have different layouts, and drive feel.

JRobUSC - 4/8/2008 11:06:04 AM

0 Boost

chances are it means there won't be a new Z4 Coupe, just like there isn't an SLK coupe (except for the SLK AMG Black). I really like the Z4/M Coupe, but they don't sell in nearly the numbers the convertibles do. It makes more sense to combine them into one car.

one222 - 4/7/2008 4:39:46 PM

-1 Boost

UGLU CREASES WILL NEVER SELL
YUKKK!

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AgentOrange - 4/7/2008 5:08:35 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

The hard top vert will also kill trunk space..
Dumb, idea all around, BMW..

reply to this comment

JRobUSC - 4/8/2008 11:08:54 AM

0 Boost

I understand trunk space can be a concern but if it was REALLY that important you don't buy a two seat roadster in the first place.

Besides, the hardtop looks cleaner, it's more upscale, and it's worked wonders for the 3-Series, SLK, and SL. I'm sure it'll do the same for the Z4.

bmwfan1513 - 4/7/2008 10:26:50 PM

+1 Boost

That would be nice. Nice picture.

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