BMW lifts lid on new Z4 roadster

Dec 15 2008 Steve Hughes

BMW lifts lid on new Z4 roadster

BMW has revealed its forthcoming new Z4 roadster, which will come with a retractable hard-top roof rather than a canvas one for the first time.

Following the lead set by the rival Mercedes SLK, the Z4's roof goes up or down in 20 seconds and significantly increases the all-round visibility that is so restricted in the case of rag-tops.

It also means more space in the boot, which now ranges from 180 litres to 310 litres according to whether the roof is up or down.

With the roof up a single set of golf clubs can be carried and there will be an optional through-loading system to accommodate a second set via a hatch between the seats.

Unlike the SLK, there is also storage space behind the seats, stretching the full width of the interior to create a load compartment of 15.5 litres with the contents held in place by netting.

When the newcomer goes on sale in May it will initially be offered with a choice of three powerful six-cylinder petrol engines but no diesel.

A 2.3-litre version will generate 204bhp for a top speed of 150mph, acceleration to 60mph in 6.6 seconds, economy of 33mpg and a CO2 rating of 199g/km.

The 3.0-litre model has a power output of 258bhp, a top speed limited to 155mph, acceleration to 60mph in 5.8 seconds, economy of 33mpg and a CO2 figure of 199g/km.

The twin-turbo 3.0-litre version raises power to 306bhp to enable the car to accelerate to 60mph in just 5.2 seconds with a 155mph limited top speed, economy of 30mpg and a CO2 rating of 219g/km.

The latest Z4 will be the first to be offered with adaptive M suspension, which uses electronically-controlled dampers with three different configurations to lower the ride height for a more dynamic drive.

The standard BMW Drive Dynamic Control function is another first and allows the driver to alter the throttle and steering response, the level of ride comfort, Dynamic Stability Control response and, on automatic or double-clutch transmission models, gear-change times.

Transmissions are six-speed manual or automatic with steering wheel paddles for the 2.4 and 3.0-litre auto versions plus the option of a seven-speed gearbox with paddles for the sDrive35i model.

The new Z4 is 148mm longer at 4,239mm and 9mm wider at 1,790mm than the current model and with the roof up headroom has been increased by 44mm.

Prices will be announced when the order book opens in a couple of months.