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.
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