These are the best spy photos yet inside the 2009 BMW Z4 – revealing the new-look cabin that will grace next year’s new roadster and confirming it will have a folding hard top. Although there is still a small amount of disguise clipped to the dashboard, most of the switchgear and layout is clear to see.
And just look at the size of that steering wheel! Perhaps BMW’s engineers have got their rim sizes confused between alloys and steering wheels – the new Z4’s steering wheel looks plump enough to roll straight and bake as a baguette…
Otherwise, it’s a clean, relatively minimalist and modern cabin, as you’d expect in a straightforwardly simple sports car. Unless it’s lurking under the remaining disguise panels, there is no sign of iDrive, either. Cue sighs of relief all round.
BMW Z4: gadgets galore
Close inspection of the spy photos reveals a smattering of new gadgets on board, including an electric parking brake, voice control for the telephone and what looks like a pop-up or high-mounted multimedia display at the top of the dashboard.
But BMW isn’t deserting its high-revving petrol engines just yet; this petrol Z4 prototype is redlined at 7000rpm, stirred through a six-speed manual gearbox.
Click ‘Next’ for more on the new 2009 BMW Z4The BMW Z4 follows the proven recipe of today’s model, but the big news is there will be a folding hard-top as standard this time. It spells the death knell for the Z4 Coupe – just a single Z4 CC will essentially replace the separate roadster and coupe models.
A folding hard-top Z4? Are you sure?
Our third photograph above is pretty conclusive proof; CAR has already broken the news that the next Z4 would get a metal-origami flip-top, and this latest image shows the hard top in decent detail. Expect it to gobble up more boot space than today’s canvas roof, however.
Other key engineering changes include the adoption of BMW’s controversial Efficient Dynamics package, which includes stop-start, intelligent alternator control and other tweaks to massage fuel economy.
We’ll see the new 2009 BMW Z4 at a motor show late in 2008, with production starting in the US in December 2008. Expect UK sales in spring 2009.
Click here for our previous scoops detailing the full lowdown on the 2009 BMW Z4