BMW Z4 leaked on Instagram in production form

A CHINESE Instagrammer with a penchant for German cars has acquired undisguised pictures of BMW’s new Z4, due to be unveiled officially at Pebble Beach on August 23rd.

The post shows front, rear and profile views of a red Z4 M40i with its roof down, the pictures corresponding fairly closely to the rough patent application schematics that BMW had previously generated.

3

BMW’s ‘G29’ Z4 has been one of this year’s most eagerly awaited new entries, in part because it’ll share some of its underpinnings with Toyota’s Supra. The rakish surfacing of the Z4 Concept teased some time earlier has been toned down for production, with the hood vents and blade door mirrors being ditched, but it’s still a good looking thing, with gloss black vanes ahead of the front bumper bar, and no shortage of shape in its flanks.

3

The M40i is the more powerful of two launch powerplants for the Z4. It’s partnered by the four-cylinder 30i, but those looking for a more authentic six-pot experience will doubtless step up to the M40i, which uses much the same 3.0-litre twin-turbo lump found in the M240i. With 500Nm and up to 285kW (dependent on market), it also gets adaptive dampers and an electronic limited-slip differential as standard. An eight-speed automatic is the sole transmission choice.

The Z4 is set to assume even greater importance as Mercedes-Benz looks to pension off the ageing SLC. If you’ve yet to be convinced of the charms of the four-cylinder Porsche 718 Boxster, the Z4 M40i could pique your interest.