BMW Z4 could cost less than $70,000
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BMW Z4 could cost less than $70,000

The facelifted BMW Z4 Roadster will arrive around the time the new fiscal year ends. Which could be good news for those who got it right in 2012/13, because the new entry-level model, the BMW Z4 sDrive18i, will be one of the most anticipated models in delivery.

VALUE

BMW Australia won't reveal pricing closer to launch, but can we assume it will be somewhere in the $60 range? This will be a significant reduction from the current starting price of $77,500 for the BMW Z4 sDrive20i, making the BMW Z4 more affordable for many buyers.

ENGINES

The new BMW Z4 sDrive18i (why does BMW insist on such unusually complicated model names?) is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with high-performance BMW TwinPower turbo technology. The maximum output power is 115 kW. Peak torque of 240 Nm is excellent, spreading from just 1250 rpm and sustaining all the way to 4400 rpm.

As befits a purely sporty model, the Z4 sDrive18i is fitted with a six-speed manual transmission as standard. An eight-speed sports automatic is available as an option.

The 18i sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds with the six-speed manual transmission (the automatic is slightly slower at 8.1 seconds).

The BMW TwinPower Turbo technology package for the new BMW Z4 sDrive18i includes twin-scroll turbocharging, high-precision gasoline direct injection, fully variable valve control VALVETRONIC and continuously variable camshaft control Double-Vanos.

TECHNOLOGY

Available in non-metallic black and glacier silver metallic, the optional BMW Individual hardtop completes the look of the person who wants to stand out from the crowd of stylish designers. The hardtop can be opened while the Z4 is moving at speeds up to 40 km/h, further enhancing its practicality. If rain is coming, you can keep your car topless, knowing you only have to slow down, hit the button, and be safe again.

The standard bi-xenon headlights of the facelifted BMW Z4 have a very slim design and extend far into the front guards. There are LED daytime running lights. Integrated turn signals now have chrome trim.

Changes to the standard interior include glossy black surrounds for the center air vents and a foldable iDrive Control Display (if equipped).

The BMW Z4 sDrive28i, BMW Z4 sDrive35i and BMW Z4 sDrive35is are offered with Kansas leather trim, which is available as an option on the other two models.

Styling

With a body facelift, interior upgrades and what BMW calls its new Design Pure Traction equipment package, all Z4 variants are interesting sports cars.

The BMW Z4 is a real roadster thanks to its long bonnet, short tail and low seating position right on the rear axle. It's strictly a two-seater and we admire it for that.

BMW's "Design Pure Traction" option is a flashy new equipment package that will appeal to those who are bored with the same black-on-black too many new cars.

The equipped Z4 will have bespoke Alcantara door upholstery and an orange-colored lower dash. The black leather seats feature Valencia Orange contrasting stitching and an accent strip running down the center of the backrest and seat cushions. This band is also orange and is surrounded by two thin white lines.

Another exclusive element of the Design Pure Traction package is the metal-weave decorative strip, which can be combined with other high-gloss black decorative elements for the door openers and gear lever or selector lever.

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