Spy photographers have spotted different iterations of the upcoming Z4 over the past few months and, while heavy camouflage has always hidden the car’s details, there seemed to be enough evidence to determine that the road going version would sport a retractable hardtop. But that assumption has turned out to be incorrect — sort of. A new report indicates that the next-generation Z4 will actually be available with a hard or soft top.
Taking a page out of the Mazda MX-5’s book, the all-new Z4 will offer buyers a choice of a retractable hardtop or a conventional soft top, so say the BMW Blog. The choice would seem to make sense as it would cater to a wider fan base. Those in warmer climates might opt for the soft top to save on price, and the soft top will likely be the choice of driving enthusiasts for its lighter curb weight.
Meanwhile, the hardtop will likely appeal to those who live in cooler climates or have a larger budget.
The 2010 Z4 will likely have another first for the nameplate — a diesel engine option. However, it remains unclear if the diesel will make it to the U.S.
04/11, 11:50 AM
posted by:
xkr
Glad to see BMW is doing it, because when Jaguar and Aston Martin did it everyone was quick to criticize, the reality is a soft top saves a lot of weight.
04/11, 12:04 PM
posted by:
AmericanMade
^
LMAO!
04/11, 12:57 PM
posted by:
xkr
^ Douche bag
04/11, 1:15 PM
posted by:
Stinky007
Warning!
Sarcasm:
Wow, cool, a small diesel convertible! Because when you take that long slow drive along the coastline there’s nothing like the grinding noise a low-revving diesel makes!
/Sarcasm
Some might argue that today’s diesels are quiet, but that’s just because they have another 200 pounds of insulation to keep the noise out of the interior!
Sarcasm:
This being a convertible will allow people to fully enjoy the benefits of having an agricultural engine AND a direct path for that magnificent sound to reach their ears!
/Sarcasm
04/11, 3:56 PM
posted by:
global_lightning
Stinky007, you forget this will have BLUETEC technology, so it will be quieter but you’ll need to refill the urea tank through a strategically located hose in the seats
/sarcasm
04/11, 4:40 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Global, our company used to have a small Cessna Citation that had no Lav, only a ‘relief tube’ by the rear seats. We used to tell the rookie travellers it was there to talk to the pilots during a flight.
04/11, 5:48 PM
posted by:
F3INT))AP3X
LOL now THAT is a story, best **** I’ve heard all day Johnny!
04/11, 10:01 PM
posted by:
autonut
johnny, it’s funny.
BMW took a wrong page out of Mazda book. They need to learn how to build good looking small convertible. Z3 was, but now it’s a mess, a hell of a mistake not a car. Soft or hard top notwithstanding.
04/14, 1:33 AM
posted by:
Jason
Z4 sales have been horrible since it’s launch. It’s ugly exterior and cheap ****ty interior is to blame. BMW needs to make the replacement ATTRACTIVE (hint: outsource the design away from Hooeydonk and Bangle for this one), give it the new M3’s motor and they might actually sell this time around.