Exclusive pictures of the Z4 roadster in the current issue of Auto Express magazine hot weather testing with only minimal disguise show exactly how radical the new sports car will look – and it's the pert tail which is sure to cause the biggest controversy.

The Honda S2000 and Mercedes SLK rival is the work of design guru Chris Bangle, and its bizarre-looking lines and sharp curves have been heavily influenced by the X-Coupé concept seen at the 2000 Detroit Motor Show. The car caused a storm at its unveiling with its unusual exterior surface – described by Bangle as being like flames.



But it's not only the two-seater's styling that will get drivers hot under the collar. Underneath is an advanced chassis and range of high-performance engines which promise to give competitors a real fright. While the Z3 used parts from the original BMW Compact, the Z4 has been designed as a roadster from the ground up. Its ultra-stiff steel bodyshell will provide the perfect foundation for the new suspension system.

As well as promising to make the BMW roadster a real driver's car at last, the chassis will be better suited to a wide variety of powerplants. They'll range from the new British-built four-cylinder Valvetronic 2.0-litre to six-pot engines including the 231bhp 3.0-litre and the awesome new 3.2-litre M unit.



Drivers can expect the interior to reflect the Z4's move upmarket, but the real revelation will be the increase in practicality. The cabin will feel far less claustrophobic than the current model, and luggage space will be expanded, too. The boot will incorporate a collapsible hood bag similar to that of the 3-Series convertible, thus allowing extra space when the roof is raised. Inevitably, these changes come at a cost, with prices expected to start at £22,000.

 

so hot.

is that a "angel eye" turn signal i see around the BMW badge on the side?

 

That's Sweet, hope I can actually fit in this one and be comfortable. S2000 looking back. I hope the interior gets a little fancier though.

 

Dont the front lights look like those of the Audi TT? I see some TT in the front. Do you?

 

ya i see a lot of TT in it from the front.

and yet again, a styling cue has been taking from the Aston Martin Vanquish in the rear.

 

sorry, its not really Aston Martin in the rear... its Ferrari.

 

look realy hot, and it will sell

 

You can flame me if you want but I think that thing is ugly. But then again I am not a BMW fan. Has anyone seen the new 7 series. Now that car was beautiful until I saw the new one on the road and wanted to

 

Very nice! When's the release date?

 

I dunno, I keep seeing the last gen RX-7 in that Z4 rear shot.

 

Exactly... this is exactly what I was thinking when I saw the shots!!

It is pretty hot though, and ~$32k isn't too bad of a price.....

 

I love the new look BMW is taking on, although I'm not head-over-heals crazy for the 7-series. It looks more like a man's car than a women's car now, and it will be a rocket with the 315HP 3.2 liter I-6 from the M3.

 

I would not be surprised to see the full 333HP from that motor in the Z4. The reason it makes less power today is due to the fact that BMW had to use a different exhaust. I am guessing that since this is a new car they might have solved the routing issues of the exhaust and maybe the engine can now make the extra power it does in the M3.

 

First off, most full size luxo cars are directed at men. Second, car designers usually (with a few exceptions) try to make their cars appeal to men. the reason being, a woman would buy a man's car, but a man would not buy a woman's car.

Oh, and on the "Z4," if it's not based off another bimmer, then the price would go up, which is bad for me since I plan on getting one next summer! And why Z4 and not Z3?

EDIT: I just realized you were talking about the Z4 and not the 7. Sorry...