They are definetly aiming at the SLK market, but the new Z4 i tried knocks spots of the SLK, but the Z4 is somewhat pricer.
I owned an SLK a year ago and i have to admit as much as i loved the car, i did not have the roof down much. I tend to carry lots of stuff and do a lot of shopping and the fold down roof into the boot is really limiting. Now i have the roof down at every opportunity, if you love the roof down experience you might find the new one difficult in many circumstances. Boot space is very important to me, we went around the dealers when i was moving away from SLK with a large plastic box to see what would fit in. The old Z4 boot space is very small (well small opening anyway) compared to the TT, boxster etc. My plastic box would not go in the M boot :thumbsdown: but the drive was so lovely i overlooked it
I have been so surprised about the age range that drives the old Z4. The thing with the old one it has models to suit all ages and pockets and someone in their 20s looks as good as someone like me in their 40s even my Dad looks good in it. Personally the new one seems to be aiming more towards the older market.
Will i get one, maybe in a few years when i have got the M out my system, the interior and toys in the new one is far superior to the old one, but personally for me the new ones just do not quite have that thrill, but not everyone wants the ability to drive around sideways and do track days.
The new one is a stunning car, but do not think it has such a mass appeal over the age range the old one did. BMW have done their research and think they will get better sales from going for the older luxury market, which is far removed from how they marketed the old one. It remains to be seen whether they are right or not.
It is horses for courses, we all choose cars for different reasons, the old one has different benefits to the new one. Think the old one will turn into a real classic. I would be proud to own either, but currently prefer my M.