Yahoo Autos 2019 BMW Z4: This Is Finally It
For years we've seen BMW testing the new Z4 using camouflaged test mules. Then, at Monterey car week in 2017, the company revealed a Z4 concept with radical new styling. Now, exactly one year later, we finally get our first look at the production Z4.
Revealed today at Monterey, the new production 2019 BMW Z4 shares much of the same design language as its concept sibling. A pointy sharknose-like face compliments the wide kidney grilles, flanked by headlights with vertically stacked halo daytime running light accents. The long-nose proportions echo previous Z3/Z4 models. The dashboard and instrument panel face the driver's seat. Unlike the previous-generation car, this new Z4 features a power-operated cloth convertible top rather than a metal hard top.
In addition to the new looks, the 2019 BMW Z4 gets an updated 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine. This engine is rumored to also power the new Toyota Supra; BMW has yet to release power output figures for this engine. Sending that power to the rear wheels is an automatic transmission, though BMW doesn't specify what kind-the company says more details will be released in September. It's almost assuredly a version of ZF's torque-converter eight-speed automatic, used in pretty much every other new BMW today-though we can't confirm that just yet. It's unclear whether there will be a manual option. Weight distribution is 50:50-the mark of any truly fun sports car.
The Z4 being shown today at Monterey is an M140i "First Edition." In addition to the Frozen Orange Metallic paint and Shadow Line trim, this model gets the aforementioned straight-six engine, along with M-tuned electronically controlled suspension, M sport brakes, and an M sport differential. The wheels are 19-inch alloys. BMW estimates it can get from 0-60 mph in less than 4.4 seconds.
First Edition cars will arrive in dealerships in the second quarter of 2019, while the base-model four-cylinder Z4 30i will arrive in spring. BMW has yet to reveal pricing or additional performance specifications for the 2019 Z4, promising that this information will come in September.
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