stevehayes01
06-14-2005, 09:44 AM
EDMUNDS Article (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=106046)
MUNICH, Germany — BMW is said to be preparing a new hardtop variant of its Z4 roadster to pit against competitors such as Porsche's upcoming Cayman.
Earlier BMW did a Z3 coupe, as well as a high-performance M coupe, but dropped the hardtop models when it introduced the successor Z4 roadster.
Now rumors are flying through the European press, including enthusiast publications such as Autocar and Autobild, that a Z4 hardtop is in the pipeline and could get M badging in its most potent trim. The top model, however, probably won't feature the earlier-rumored V8 engine, but instead may be powered by a 333-horsepower, dual-overhead-cam, 3.2-liter inline six. A less powerful 3.0-liter variant, producing about 265 hp, will anchor the line.
The current Z4 roadster is slated for a significant face-lift this fall, with the new coupe reportedly being readied for introduction in late 2006. Both models would be assembled at BMW's U.S. plant in Greer, South Carolina. A full redesign isn't expected until 2009 or 2010.
What this means to you: Those elusive fans of the Z3 coupe may get their prayers answered when a hardtop Z4 arrives in late 2006
MUNICH, Germany — BMW is said to be preparing a new hardtop variant of its Z4 roadster to pit against competitors such as Porsche's upcoming Cayman.
Earlier BMW did a Z3 coupe, as well as a high-performance M coupe, but dropped the hardtop models when it introduced the successor Z4 roadster.
Now rumors are flying through the European press, including enthusiast publications such as Autocar and Autobild, that a Z4 hardtop is in the pipeline and could get M badging in its most potent trim. The top model, however, probably won't feature the earlier-rumored V8 engine, but instead may be powered by a 333-horsepower, dual-overhead-cam, 3.2-liter inline six. A less powerful 3.0-liter variant, producing about 265 hp, will anchor the line.
The current Z4 roadster is slated for a significant face-lift this fall, with the new coupe reportedly being readied for introduction in late 2006. Both models would be assembled at BMW's U.S. plant in Greer, South Carolina. A full redesign isn't expected until 2009 or 2010.
What this means to you: Those elusive fans of the Z3 coupe may get their prayers answered when a hardtop Z4 arrives in late 2006