In the US, the BMW Z4 comes in three versions: Z4 sDriveis, Z4 sDrive35i, and Z4 sDrive30i. The sDriver30i depends on a 3.0L inline 6-cylinder powerplant that gives out 255 horsepower. This will change next year with the BMW Z4 getting a 4-cylinder turbocharged engine to replace the six-cylinder powerplant. Insiders say that the new engine will deliver the same power as the old engine. The BMW 328i is also getting this 4-cylinder engine.

The German carmaker is not implementing major changes for the Z4′s interior and exterior. However, there are some rumors that it will borrow some elements from the CS Concept unveiled back in 2007.

The entry level Z4 will have a 4-cylinder heart giving out 255 horsepower for its 2012 upgrade but the output is expected to be pegged still at 255 horsepwoer. The sDrive35i will still depend on the inline six-cylinder powerplant with an output of 300 horsepwoer. Top speed will still be at 155 mph.

The 2012 Z4 is expected to debut before the end of the year but sales will start on the first quarter of 2012. The current model has a sticker price of $46,500 for the entry level Z4 and we can expect the 4-cylinder BMW Z4 next year to have a cheaper tag price.

As you can see, the car’s new design takes on a classic roadster feel, and it is now offered with a very lightweight, electrohydraulically retractable aluminum two piece hardtop. This is a first for the two seater car.

This design also serves to give the Z4 something in common with other BMW models. For example, check out the new headlamp and tail lamp, which are like those seen on larger scale BMWs. The car’s surface lines yearn towards an unseen but definitely felt target point.

The cockpit has all kinds of amenities on the offer, such as an instrument panel and a center console oriented towards the driver.

The foldable top retreats into a compartment that was specifically designed to meet the low-slung form and proportion of the BMW architecture.

The top model of the Z4 release, the sDrive35i will have a 3L direct injection, twin turbo power plant in its engine bay. It is capable of giving out 300 horsepower and a torque of 300 lb-ft. The sDrive30i, on the other hand, will sport a 255 horsepower, naturally aspirated 3.0L engine.

The two Z4 versions will come equipped with manual gearboxes with 6 speeds. The sDrive35i will have a dual clutch automatic transmission option that offers gut wrenching, seven speed experience. The sDrive30i will be offered with a six-speed automatic.

The sDrive35i version will blaze on the road from 0 to 60 mph n just 5 seconds.

Like its older brother Z3, the Z4 has an extended hood, marked wheel arches, and an excellent weight distribution at 50-50. The stock aluminum suspension can be boosted with a sport pack release that will give the car a better ride through adaptive suspension controlled by an electronic damping system.

TheZ4 is the first of its class to get the iDrive navigation system. The Z4 will come into production in Regensburg, Germany with the 3-series convertible with convertible hardtop.

The price tag for the sDrive35i starts at around $50K and the sDrive30i at $40K.

I’ll take one!

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