BMW teases Z4 roadster replacement

BMW’s Z4, a new flagship roadster, is approaching an official unveiling, with the German manufacturer beginning to leak out teaser images.

The first is a sketch of the car’s silhouette, which hints at a sleek, flowing body.

The BMW Z4 replacement is being developed in conjunction with Toyota and its reborn Supra.

It was originally thought the German manufacturer would call its new roadster the Z5, but reports suggest the Z4 name is here to stay.

The two vehicles will share the same platform, and are expected to have GT-esque proportions.

Reports claim the pair’s bodies will be constructed from the same lightweight materials as BMW’s i8 and i3.

Naturally, both will send power to the rear wheels, however powertrains are uncertain. Hybrids remain a persistent rumour, and it would be safe to bet on a full-blooded M version for BMW.

Both BMW and Toyota’s roadsters have been spotted testing in the wild, and have been spied lapping the famous Nurburgring Nordschliefe.

However, those development cars have been heavily camouflaged and adorned with cladding to disguise the body. This sketch is our first look at what the production car may look like.

In the sketch we see that the bootline of the Z4 rises, Jaguar D-Type style, to meet the roofline. It is unclear if this will be two individual pods behind each driver, or a larger buttress akin to the Mazda MX-5 RF.

Currently BMW’s Z4 has only been spotted testing in cabriolet form, while Toyota’s Supra has been papped only as a hardtop coupe. It is understood the two vehicles will launch in these respective forms, but BMW could reveal a coupe Z4 at a later date.

Judging from the styling of BMW’s 8-Series concept, the Z4 is likely to have large elongated kidney grille styling at the front. The final car is expected to be launched at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance next month.