Thursday 4th December 2008

Revised Z4 Spotted On-Set

Lights, camera... spyshot

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The first undisguised image of BMW’s ‘de-Banglified’ Z4 has burst onto the web, courtesy of a bystander on the set of a new Michael Douglas movie being shot in the US.

The much-trailed Z4 replacement has been revealed in nearly all its naked glory by an internet mole, although an anonymous film crew member has thoughtlessly obstructed our view of the new car’s retractable metal hardtop.

In spite of that, it’s clear to see that the new Z4 has evolved to lose some of the ‘flame surface’ extravagances of the previous Chris Bangle design.

The new roadster will make its motor show debut in Detroit in January, although we expect official images of the car to be revealed some time this month.

Sales will start next year with a range of six cylinder motors, although it’s not unreasonable to expect a four cylinder starter model and a V8 powered M in years to come. Reports suggest we should also expect a price rise over the outgoing model, no doubt partly due to the additional cost of the metal robotised roof.

Meanwhile, media reports are also suggesting that BMW is poised to introduce a new ‘sDrive' moniker for its rear wheel drive vehicles – possibly including the new Z4.

A trawl of the US and UK trademark databases reveals that BMW has registered the trademark sDrive, along with the model specific sDrive35, sDrive30, sDrive20 and sDrive18.

[VladD]

Can't wait for the official photos. Just about any change has to be an improvement over the Bangle disaster, styling wise.

[Garlick]

Poor bloke appears to be falling over.....

[amglover]

Looks like a 5 from the front wonder what the back looks like

[magic torch]

VladD said:

Just about any change has to be an improvement over the Bangle disaster, styling wise.

I think the current car is one of the best looking cars currently for sale. That just looks like a watered down version.

[JB Rugby]

Garlick said:

Poor bloke appears to be falling over.....

You would too if you've just learned there was a new Micheal Douglas' movie on the way !

[VladD]

magic torch said:

VladD said:

Just about any change has to be an improvement over the Bangle disaster, styling wise.

I think the current car is one of the best looking cars currently for sale. That just looks like a watered down version.

For me the current car is too iffeminite from the front and I don't like the stupid dent in the doors. Looks good from the back though.

[IPAddis]

Do I spot the absence of the banana shaped sills? If so, this is a massive improvement!

Not sure I like the new 7-style headlight brows though.

Ian A.

[Ment-Al]

VladD said:

magic torch said:

VladD said:

Just about any change has to be an improvement over the Bangle disaster, styling wise.

I think the current car is one of the best looking cars currently for sale. That just looks like a watered down version.

For me the current car is too iffeminite from the front and I don't like the stupid dent in the doors. Looks good from the back though.

In my view they have given it the front from a rep-mobile 3 series and toned it down, which is completely different to how the Z4 should be.

The current Z4 is one of BMW's best designs, along with the E46 coupe.

It will prob grow on me but i dont like it on first glance.

[leon9191]

why have they even bothered does any one even buy or want one of these? then again I'm not a kept middle aged woman so maybe I've missed the point.

[Mr Gear]

magic torch said:

VladD said:

Just about any change has to be an improvement over the Bangle disaster, styling wise.

I think the current car is one of the best looking cars currently for sale. That just looks like a watered down version.

I agree. Bangle's work is always hard to take when first seen, but all his designs have grown on me very strongly.

Much like the TT, they have gone with the "safe" option and thrown all the flair and originality out of the window with the revised design.

That said, this is far from an offensive design, it looks nice.

Edited by Mr Gear on Thursday 4th December 12:41

[Crusoe]

do i get to say repost
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[Vlad.]

Crusoe said:

do i get to say repost
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Damn. You beat me by seconds!

[dele]

Dear god

I hope its just the way the photos taken but from that it looks fugly

[Ment-Al]

leon9191 said:

why have they even bothered does any one even buy or want one of these? then again I'm not a kept middle aged woman so maybe I've missed the point.

Out of interest what do you drive?

I know many people who drive a Z4, none of them kept middle aged women. The Z4 is a very capable, involved and rewarding drive with a lovely sounding smooth engine and good handling.

They are good cars and people buy them so yes, you have missed the point.

[Saab_of_Doom]

I think the original Z4 is one of the sexiest cars of recent years, the surfacing on the door and front wing are the essense of bangle's 'flame surfacing' IMO

The recent coupe, although a bit dumpy is an attractive car and the z4m coupe is on my current wish list.

That facelift is quite a minger.

[lionrampant]

The original Z4 was unique without being (entirely) ugly - and that's something very few cars manage to do these days. This does look slightly more mainstream and I suppose when you're fighting for every sale you can get you don't want a car that polarises the buying public.

[amglover]

How well did the original Z4 sell? Dont see that many in BMW infested West London I must admit

[kambites]

amglover said:

How well did the original Z4 sell? Dont see that many in BMW infested West London I must admit

There's loads of the ugly bds in the car park at work.

[amglover]

kambites said:

amglover said:

How well did the original Z4 sell? Dont see that many in BMW infested West London I must admit

There's loads of the ugly bds in the car park at work.

I feel for you! Would rather have the newer style SLK with the Merc Mac esq front end myself

[Crusoe]

kambites said:

amglover said:

How well did the original Z4 sell? Dont see that many in BMW infested West London I must admit

There's loads of the ugly bds in the car park at work.

not a very nice way to talk about your co-workers :P