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The New Z4 BMW Blog

Posted: Wed Jun 22, 2016 12:02 am
by Maxsam
From Google News....
Five ways the next BMW Z4 should improve

http://www.bmwblog.com/2016/06/20/five- ... 4-improve/

The New Z4 BMW Blog

Posted: Wed Jun 22, 2016 3:06 am
by Mr Tidy
Interesting thread - I think BMW forgot the "Ultimate Driving Machine" approach with the Z4 and ended up targeting potential SLK buyers instead of potential Boxster/Cayman buyers!

Weight - well an E85 or E86 is significantly lighter than an equivalent E89.

Steering - they managed hydraulic PAS for the E85/E86 M models, so why not for the others?

Manual option - not looking promising given the demographic of potential buyers, and recent BMW history! No manual V10 M5 or M6 in the UK, but offered in the US where auto is normally the default option - who came up with that idea?

Bigger "trunk" space - well E86 had that sorted!

Better Sound Insulation - not a problem with an E86 as it has a proper roof.

So all we need is an updated E86 with the engine from a 140i/240i or even better M2, manual gearbox, hydraulic PAS and a proper roof!

Then I woke up! :roll:

The New Z4 BMW Blog

Posted: Wed Jun 22, 2016 8:00 am
by Ewazix
If the styling image is right then unfortunately it looks like a sophisticated GT convertible not a sports roadster. I'll hang on to my pennies and the E85 8)

The New Z4 BMW Blog

Posted: Wed Jun 22, 2016 8:41 am
by Angie4m
Whets with that rear? It looks off to me. To wide, too narrow in height and too long for such a car from the back picture but the camo could be making it look weird too.

The E89 sound insulation is better than a fabric roof job and unless they add lots near the wheels then you'll still get plenty road noise.

After driving a manual for two days, in a proper sporty feeling, quick set up......I forgot how much I missed it. I know the R32 we have is manual but it feels so much different to modern cars.

The New Z4 BMW Blog

Posted: Wed Jun 22, 2016 10:05 am
by PerryGunn
Angie4m wrote:Whets with that rear? It looks off to me. To wide, too narrow in height and too long for such a car from the back picture but the camo could be making it look weird too.
While test mules are dolled up in pattern disruptive vinyl the manufacturers often overlay additional false body panels to further hide the lines

The New Z4 BMW Blog

Posted: Wed Jun 22, 2016 10:56 pm
by john-e89
Bit early to be judging it when it has'nt broken cover yet no? :?

The New Z4 BMW Blog

Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2016 1:22 am
by Mr Tidy
john-e89 wrote:Bit early to be judging it when it has'nt broken cover yet no? :?
Well maybe, but in keeping with these teasers it may never break cover anyway (and will probably be a dieseasel/hybrid/any other POS imaginable) - so not looking good to be honest. But we'll see.......

The New Z4 BMW Blog

Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2016 11:08 am
by john-e89
Mr Tidy wrote:
john-e89 wrote:Bit early to be judging it when it has'nt broken cover yet no? :?
Well maybe, but in keeping with these teasers it may never break cover anyway (and will probably be a dieseasel/hybrid/any other POS imaginable) - so not looking good to be honest. But we'll see.......
Well if the blog is correct the engine range should be very good, mate them to a sharper, lighter chassis and it sounds like it'll be a very good roadster, still not enough to take on king Boxster but it has to be better than the E89 which I agree with the blog, is getting tired and run it's course for the cost of them. I'm looking forward to the new one, deposit being saved as we speak... :wink:

The New Z4 BMW Blog

Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2016 11:24 am
by Marlon
Ewazix wrote:If the styling image is right then unfortunately it looks like a sophisticated GT convertible not a sports roadster. I'll hang on to my pennies and the E85 8)
Yeah, this is the way BMW are going (and most other manufacturers of 2 seaters it seems). The 'sports roadster' is fast becoming a thing of the past as the new breed of 2 seaters all compete for the luxury GT market. Whether that's a good or bad thing is debatable; many members who have moved from an E85 to an E89 say they'd never go back - as for me I'm sticking with the roadster for as long as I can :driving:

The New Z4 BMW Blog

Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2016 11:57 am
by john-e89
Marlon wrote:
Ewazix wrote:If the styling image is right then unfortunately it looks like a sophisticated GT convertible not a sports roadster. I'll hang on to my pennies and the E85 8)
Yeah, this is the way BMW are going (and most other manufacturers of 2 seaters it seems). The 'sports roadster' is fast becoming a thing of the past as the new breed of 2 seaters all compete for the luxury GT market. Whether that's a good or bad thing is debatable; many members who have moved from an E85 to an E89 say they'd never go back - as for me I'm sticking with the roadster for as long as I can :driving:
They can't better the Porkers can they so I think this is simply a replacement for the E89 and keeping it as you say a luxury GT car albeit lighter and sharper hopefully, arguably the car the E89 should have been. If you want a pure sports car you'll have to look elsewhere than BMW.

The New Z4 BMW Blog

Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2016 2:04 pm
by stevo///m3
I don't understand why they don't want to offer an M car in the new range. Aside from the current 1 series, the 7 series and X variants, don't they do an M model for each series?
Stevo

The New Z4 BMW Blog

Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2016 2:18 pm
by Angie4m
stevo///m3 wrote:I don't understand why they don't want to offer an M car in the new range. Aside from the current 1 series, the 7 series and X variants, don't they do an M model for each series?
Stevo
Yes and the even do a ///M in the X5 and and the X6. So why not one in the Z4. It would sell. They sell M4 verts. I love the sound but honestly, I don't need the extra seats at the moment. I'd quite happily have a mad Z4.

John, if they never try to make something better than the boxter then what's the point? It's almost like the are aiming at a maturing car owning group, the kind who've been there, done that. Want some power but mostly a nice drive on long weekend away in turn pushing people like me to look elsewhere for their next slightly bonkers two seater.

The New Z4 BMW Blog

Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2016 2:36 pm
by DumfriesDik
Ewazix wrote:If the styling image is right then unfortunately it looks like a sophisticated GT convertible not a sports roadster. I'll hang on to my pennies and the E85 8)
Ditto

The New Z4 BMW Blog

Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2016 5:26 pm
by buzyg
Very little about the spy shots or rumoured spec sheet excites me at all. :cry: Here's hoping, if it ever turns up, it turns out better than the rumours. :wink:

The New Z4 BMW Blog

Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2016 8:08 pm
by skelters
Looks like it's to compete with the SLC with a hope to try and get E85 and E86 owners who didn't like the E89 or moved elsewhere to buy into the next generation Z4 or new Z5 as it may be called.

I remember when the E89 was finally revealed then the reviews started coming out. It was a disappointing time!

I know there's E89 owners on here that love the cars but to me it's really really hideous. This is probably going to be the same.

Time to start saving for a Boxster 718 S.