BMW teases Z4 concept

BMW is planning to steal a generous chunk of the attention at the Pebble Beach automotive extravaganza this weekend, with a two-seater convertible concept that is expected to herald a new-generation Z4.

All will be revealed at the Concours d’Elegance in California on the 17th when the German car maker wheels out the flashy concept in full, but until then, this moody image, released via its social media pages, should keep sexy sportscar fans happy.

The single image shows a classic long-bonnet, short rear overhang and topless accommodation for two in keeping with the Z4 mantra of two generations previous, as well as an evolution of its trademark broad BMW kidney grille.

Other notable features include typical slender concept car door mirrors that will certainly not make the production cut, fibre-optic side lights similar to the i8’s, and aerodynamic shrouds behind each headrest for a touch of race car prestige.

All details including drivetrain specification, performance and dimensions will have to await the official reveal but, even then, just how much metal will make it to the production version will not be fully known until a reveal of the third-gen Z4.

When it arrives, the new Z4 will share a platform with Toyota’s similarly hyped Supra, in a technical collaboration similar to the deal between Mazda and Fiat to produce the mechanically related MX-5 and 124 Spider.

In the case of the Japanese version, the sportscar is expected to be offered with a hybrid powertrain and auto-only transmission, but the BMW is rumoured to kick off with a turbo four-cylinder petrol and manual option with a six-pot coming further down the line.

Also yet to be confirmed is the Z4’s return to classic fabric top, which if true, will be a departure from the second-gen version and its folding hard top.

Both the Toyota and BMW will be built by contract vehicle manufacturer Magna Steyr at its main production facility in Graz Austria.