After two generations starting with the E85 (introduced in 2002) and the E89 (introduced in 2009), the final example of the BMW signature multi-generational roadster, the Z4, has rolled off the production line.
The news comes reported from UK’s Autocar, who has confirmation from the German marque that its indeed lights out for the Z4. This, of course, is due to the fact that BMW and Toyota have been collaborating some joint projects over these past years. One of them being an all-new roadster to take the mantle.
It is a possibility that BMW will leverage some of Toyota’s hybrid technology to give the next-gen roadster some instant thrust by way of a lightweight electric motor. While no exact timeline has been confirmed, the news of the final Z4 does imply a introduction bracket of between late 2017 to mid-2018.
Little is still known about how much Toyota’s involvement will shape (literally or otherwise) the all-new BMW product. For its help, the Munich is also reported to be helping Toyota with their next sports coupe, the Supra.
There have been some spy photographs of the all-new Z5 prototype being driven on public roads in between stints at the proving grounds but the abundance of camouflage and false panels does make it awfully difficult to draw out specific details.
An interesting change to note would be that the car many claim to be the Z5 prototype did not have a folding metal roof like the E89 Z4 but rather reverted to a soft top like the E85 model.
This piece of information alone raises many questions and possibilities as to where BMW might take the Z5. To our minds, this move could mean they are repositioning their Z roadsters more as lightweight focused sports cars, ditching many of the comfort-oriented ornaments that were given to the second-generation Z4 to have it better compete with the Porsche Boxster and Mercedes-Benz SLK (now called the SLC).
Goodbye, Z4. We knew you well.
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