[Ringleheim]

Just wondering if any 1 owners are monitoring developments with the new Z4, soon to be shown at the LA auto show.

It could be a very interesting alternative to a 1er for someone who wants to stay in the BMW family.

For those who haven't been following the spy news, the car will definitely have a folding metal hard top and looks to be a bit larger and probably heavier. That's the bad news.

The goods news is a soft top may be also available, and it looks like they are putting the 300 bhp turbo motor in the top of the line model. And the Bangle flame surfacing garbage is basically gone now....

I'll have to wait to see the photos of the totally undisguised car and the official specs/equipment sheet...but it is making me hold off on a 1 purchase for the time being.

[Oregon]

Is this it?

[Ringleheim]

Yep, that's one of the better photoshops floating around. I think that is a very accurate representation of what the car will look like.

I like this photo:

[ben14142001]

Was never a huge fan. Like the design and layout of the 1 series much better, but that's me.

-Ben

[BMW86]

I had my heart set on a Z4 3.0litre but then decided to wait until the new Z4 came out because the current Z4 has reached the end of its life cycle.

Anyways, without knowing exactly when the new Z4 is to come out in Australia I got impatient and ordered the 135i... I'm still waiting to take delivery of it but I think the 135i is a great car and alot more practical.

The 135i is no Z4 but I'm sure I'll make the change when it makes its debut here.

Love it or hate it - the Z4 will always be a head turner and I got alot of time for it. If BMW dump the N54 into the Z4 body I have no doubt it will be as quick or alot quicker than the 135i in a straight line... yea boi!!

[ptack]

There's something about the curves - it has a soft look - that just scream 'chick car'.

[BMW86]

Originally Posted by ptack

There's something about the curves - it has a soft look - that just scream 'chick car'.

Before you slander the upcoming Z4 as a "chick car" maybe you should look at what other people have said about the look of the 135i. The 135i has copped a fair bit of abuse with regards to its 'out there' appearance. A few nights ago on the Australian Top Gear they reviewed the 135i and the only negative thing they had to say was that it is a "girls car" and they raved on and on about it. Geez.

I think owners of the upcoming Z4 will experience what 135i owners are going through now. In my opinion, people will buy this car for the overall package just as people did when purchasing the 135i. I have no doubt the Z4 will have enough power under it's hood to make it purposeful car and I'm sure the person buying the car will think it's hot regardless.

I personally have been a big fan of Chris Bangle's funky designs and I feel as though BMW is taking a step in the right direction. Overall, I'm sure the new Z4 will get plenty of attention from women of all ages, and that's the only attention I care about. I couldn't be happier if I found out my car attracted women and made men look the other way. That's the kind of attention I'm looking for.

[123D-M]

If the new Z4 looks like that render I will be happy. Still looks like a Z4 but the dimensions and surfaces look more mature and just more 'finished'.

Definitely still got the flame surfacing but toned down a bit. Looks good. Hope they bring back the M-Coupe!

[BMW86]

Originally Posted by 123D-M

If the new Z4 looks like that render I will be happy. Still looks like a Z4 but the dimensions and surfaces look more mature and just more 'finished'.

Definitely still got the flame surfacing but toned down a bit. Looks good. Hope they bring back the M-Coupe!

Yes I agree with you. I feel as though the upcoming Z4 is more evolutionary than revolutionary. The same goes for the 370z replacing the outgoing 350z. The lines are very similar but distinct enough to tell the new Z4 and old Z4 apart. If these rendering are accurate I'm sure the Z4 will be very popular.

I think they will eventually come out with a Z4 M spec but I have a feeling it may come out maybe a little while after the base model Z4's come out.

[Ringleheim]

I don't perceive the Z4 as a chick car at all.

I am waiting to see just what it looks like without camouflage, and what exactly the options are.

I am not a fan of turbos so I am holding out for decent bhp but from a normally aspirated I6, and I really don't want the folding hard top.

Then there's the electronic parking brake "button" on the console in this new Z4 which is an outrage! Put it up there with no temp gauge, no oil level dipstick, runflats, and I-drive type computer screen garbage on the dash...all "advancements" I can do without...

Without knowing specifics, I still know this car will be superb as an overall package. I have no doubt of that.

[Ringleheim]

A few more shots...maybe it looks more masculine to some in these darker colors.

Note the cavern of dead space in the wheel wells on the blue one by the way...

And in all the photos I've seen to date, the A pillars are black, regardless of body color. Of course that could be more deception, but I really hope they don't go that route. Body colored A pillars please!

[Sephiroth]

Im waiting for some pics to leak or something.

[Ringleheim]

Those should be out any day now. Stuff will "leak" well before the LA auto show in late November for sure...

[BMW86]

I hope it takes a while before it gets to Australia. I want to enjoy my 135i first!!!

[Red Bread]

I've been watching pretty closely. If it's lighter than the 135i, and available with the N64, I may put it on the short list (along with a Caterham) to replace the M Coupe.

[ptack]

It still reminds me of a Miata. Maybe it's not so much a car for chicks as a car with a feminine form. I think it needs an edge of some kind like a sharper crease line from wheel to wheel. The nose is interesting, though it's comparitively dainty.

[Sephiroth]

^ Miatas are still some of the most fun to drive cars...to hell with looking feminine.

[QJS]

What will the M model have under the bonnet?

V8TT or the V8 N/A?

Are they gonna make the Hatchback version?

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by QJS

What will the M model have under the bonnet?

V8TT or the V8 N/A?

Are they gonna make the Hatchback version?

M's have never used the same engine as non-M's, so safe money is on the E9x M3 V8. Of course BMW will deny that they're going to make an M Roadster for a few years, so don't hold your breath.

Current speculation is that there won't be a coupe version, only the folding hardtop, and if there were to be a coupe, it would likely be on the yet unseen and unconfirmed Z2. Again, no telling what BMW is really up to.

[BForbes]

Times are tough. BMW needs to start focusing on their smaller cars. Not this X crap they've been so obsessed with lately.

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by BForbes

Times are tough. BMW needs to start focusing on their smaller cars. Not this X crap they've been so obsessed with lately.

No kidding, but we've also got to endure the V series too!

[ARES45]

Originally Posted by BForbes

Times are tough. BMW needs to start focusing on their smaller cars. Not this X crap they've been so obsessed with lately.

How is building a small SAV not focusing on their smaller cars? People still need utility but they would also like some economy while having the typical BMW driving characteristics. Also, last I talked with the dealer, the x6 was the only vehicle they were really selling. I think an x7 would be a bad move, but I think the x1 is a step in the right direction, I see CRV's and Rav4's and small kia's and hyundai's all the time now. The x3 is do to get bigger and pricier so there will be room for it. If you like the concept of a 1, why not an x1? I would like to see them throw either the 23d or 35d in it as well. Especially if they make it close to their target weight of 3400#s.

Also, what small car would you like them to build, they have a z4 and 1 series?