Z4 Roadster Will Hit the Road March 2019, M40i Coming 2020

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BMW Z4 Roadster

M Performance model drivetrain

The Adaptive M Sport suspension, M Sport brakes and M Sport differential, standard on the all-new BMW Z4 M40i Roadster and optional on the Z4 sDrive30i, raise the car’s already impressive handling bar to even greater heights. With these chassis systems on board, the differences in the car’s responses between the COMFORT, SPORT and SPORT+ modes, selected with the Driving Experience Control switch, are particularly noticeable. Featuring a 10 mm lower ride height, the Adaptive M Sport suspension includes electronically controlled dampers, which offer both comfortable and more aggressive ride and handling dynamics.

BMW Z4 Roadster

The electronically controlled M Sport rear differential gives the handling of the new BMW Z4 an even sharper sporting edge. An electric motor generates a locking effect in the differential that equalizes torque distribution between the inside and outside rear wheels when cornering, making it possible to power out of bends with greater momentum. The active differential lock also works effectively in reducing both understeer and oversteer.

The standard 18-inch light-alloy wheels and optional 19-inch items are all shod with mixed-size tires. The wider rear tires’ increased potential for directional control was factored into the chassis tuning for all variants of the all-new Z4 Roadster.

BMW Z4 Roadster

The new BMW Z4 Roadster isn’t just about classical roadster proportions and spirited driving – it is imbued with state-of-the-art features to pamper both driver and passenger alike. The options list contains a myriad of ways to customize the all-new BMW Z4 Roadster to suit the owner’s personal style.

The array of cutting-edge driver assistance systems available for the Z4 Roadster is unrivaled in this segment. They are designed to optimize specific aspects of comfort and safety and relieve the strain on the driver during both long-distance journeys and in city traffic. The list of options includes Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, the Lane Change and Lane Departure Warning systems, as well as a Parking Assistant including Back-Up Assistant. The new BMW Z4 is also the first Roadster to be made available with an optional BMW Head-Up Display.

BMW Z4 Roadster

Exterior: a new design language

A number of signature details form the defining features of the all-new BMW Z4 Roadster. The combination of very notable lines and a clean-cut surface design create a very distinctive take on sporting roadster. A sculpted front end with large air intakes, a low, broad BMW kidney grill and headlights positioned at the outer edges showcase BMW’s new design direction. The new mesh-design BMW kidney grill combines a track-inspired honeycomb pattern with a three-dimensional structure, whose elements have a vertical arrangement reminiscent of traditional BMW kidney grill bars. The design of the headlight units are a first for the brand, with the two light sources positioned one above the other. The vertical design is cut off at the top by a diagonal accent strip with integral direction indicator. The new BMW Z4 Roadster is equipped with LED headlights as standard and Adaptive LED headlights available as an option.

The long hood with arrow-shaped contour lines directed at the kidney grill straddles the wheel arches in a “clamshell” style characteristic of classical sports cars of the past. An upper character line runs from the bottom of the hood to the tail lights. A second, lower character line emerges from the large air vents behind the front wheel arches. This interplay of surfaces mimics the flow of air sweeping along the new Z4.

The trunk lid’s integrated spoiler and the slender, horizontally arranged light assemblies in the BMW brand’s customary L-shape help to give the tail of the new BMW Z4 Roadster a wide, road-hugging appearance. The rear end’s powerful look is strengthened by the side surrounds and the trapezoidal exhaust tailpipes flanking the eye-catching diffuser.

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Derin Richardson is a seasoned editor who's worked in print and digital media since 2008. He earned his Bachelor of Arts at California State University, Fullerton, and is an avid fan of American muscle. He oversees content for The Mustang Source, Mustang Forums, Dodge Forum, MB World, JK-Forum and 5Series.

As the grandson of a former L.A. Fire Department mechanic, he's grown up around cars and trucks most of his life. Some of his fondest memories are the times he helped wrench on his grandfather's 1941 Ford Pickup, which he endearingly nicknamed "High Yeller."

He currently drives a Red Hot 2018 Chevrolet Camaro SS but appreciates anything with four wheels and a little rumble.

Derin can be reached at derin.richardson@internetbrands.com


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