Topping the new range is the Z4 3.0si, featuring BMW's innovative magnesium alloy in-line six-cylinder engine. Featuring Valvetronic valve lift and VANOS valve timing, the Z4 3.0si develops 265hp at 6,600rpm and 315Nm of torque at 2,750rpm. These impressive statistics help power the car from zero to 62mph in 5.7 seconds and, if left unchecked, continues to a maximum electronically limited top speed of 155mph. However, these levels of performance aren't at the expense of economy, with the 3.0si delivering 32.8mpg over the combined cycle.
Two in-line six-cylinder 2.5-litre variants will be offered - the Z4 2.5si and 2.5i. Based on the same engine, but differentiated by output, the 2.5si offers 218hp and 250Nm of torque from its 2,497cc powerplant. This gives the power to sprint from standstill to 62mph in 6.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 149mph, while still delivering 33.6mpg on the combined cycle. By contrast, the 2.5i delivers 177hp and 230Nm of torque.
The only engine carried over from the out-going range is the four-cylinder Z4 2.0i that was launched in April 2005. Produced at BMW's Hams Hall plant near Coventry, the 1,995cc engine features BMW's Valvetronic and VANOS technologies to develop 150hp at 6,200rpm and 200Nm of torque at 3,600rpm. The lighter weight of this engine helps deliver sharp performance, with the Z4 2.0i dispatching the zero to 62mph sprint in 8.2 seconds before hitting a top speed of 137mph.
Transmission:
Like the Z4 M Roadster, all new Z4 models come as standard with a six-speed gearbox. Alternatively, customers purchasing 2.5si and 3.0si models can specify a six-speed automatic gearbox which, for the first time, features paddles on the rear of the steering wheel to select the appropriate gear manually.
Sport models:
Sport models are available to enhance the 'standard' Z4 line-up, featuring 18-inch M double spoke or optional composite alloy wheel, M Sports seats covered in Active Sports leather upholstery, three-spoke M leather steering wheel and M Sports suspension. Sport models will add further appeal to those demanding a particularly sporting drive.
Design:
At launch in 2003, the BMW Z4 instantly became one of the company's most distinctive designs. This design positioned the car as much more of a driver's car dynamically than the Z3 it replaced. This performance focus remains, with subtle enhancements rather than wholesale changes.
From the front, the shoulder line extends all the way to the front air dam rather than stopping at the bonnet edge, a wider air intake dominates the lower valance and the kidney grille receives minor changes. Additionally, the headlights have been re-designed and now include corona light rings as standard on all cars specified with Xenon lamps (standard on M Roadster models).
From the side, US-style side reflectors are integrated into the front wheel arches that also house new alloy wheel designs.
From the rear, all-new tail lamps feature Z8-style horizontal light conductor rods and BMW's Brake Force Display braking system while a second spoiler lip adorns the rear air dam. Finally, all Z4 Roadster models feature a new colour choice including Monaco Blue, Flamenco Red, Silver Grey and Deep Green.