Daily Archives: August 26, 2018
5 Things To Know About The New BMW Z4
The new BMW Z4 is scheduled to be released next spring and by the looks of it, the Z4 will bring a storm over. Developed in tandem with the new Toyota Supra, the Z4 is every bit similar to the prototype that was seen at the Pebble Beach event last year.
Though the two models will emerge from the same process, they could not be different: the BMW Z4 will be a convertible-only model while the Toyota Supra will be sold as a coupe.
The Z4’s looks and proportions are very similar to the concept previewed last year. There’s a short overhang at the front end and a visible decrease in wheelbase compared with the outgoing Z4.
1. It Has A Fabric Roof
The new Z4 will make use of a fabric roof, foregoing the aluminum hard-top of the outgoing model. The fabric roof can open and close in 10 seconds flat, and it was chosen to be one of the new Z4’s main features on grounds of complexity, cost, and weight. The new car’s total curb weight will be 50 kg lighter than its predecessor. That will give the car better aerodynamics power.
2. The New Lightweight Configuration Speeds Up The Car
At 50 kg lighter, the new BMW Z4 can go from 0 to 62 mph in just 4.6 seconds. That’s largely thanks to a 3.0-liter straight-six petrol engine that produces 340 horsepower. Other powertrains in the lineup include a 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol, at least one more version of the straight-six unit, a plug-in hybrid version, and a fully focused M version.
3. Its Cabin Has BMW’s Cockpit Layout
The cabin of the Z4 will show an evolved version of BMW’s cockpit layout. It would prominently feature a newly designed digital instrument panel and a “fared-in” infotainment system. The iDrive rotary controller is positioned on the center panel beside the controller.
4. Arrival
The Z4 will be on sale in the UK next spring.
5. Price
We expect the price range to be between $38,000 and $62,000.
Take A Long Look At These 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe Spy Shots
Ten years ago, BMW single-handedly introduced this weird coupe-SUV segment by launching the original X6 and following that up with the model’s third generation due next year. On the other side of the coin, Mercedes is doing a similar thing with its Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe.
Whatever this niche is called, we’re sure about one thing: it’s a premium segment and one that has attracted family-car-loving people. The higher seats plus the better legroom and headroom in the cabin make this car such an enticing prospect for families to have.
Mercedes, particularly, is going all the way with the production-bodied prototype of the GLE Coupe spotted at the Nurburgring just this week. The spy shots show the second-generation model dressed in full camo attire but we can make out its aggressive styling.
Though it’s completely wrapped in camouflage, we can see that there’s a large rear spoiler attached to the tester, which is likely part of an AMG Line styling package. Both LED headlights and taillights appear to have a sleeker shape.
The GLE Coupe is riding high based on the photos, but that’s likely because the air suspension is in the highest possible setting.
The vehicle will use Mercedes’ MHA modular platform that was designed for crossover SUVs, so we should expect similar proportions with its predecessor. This platform, which debuted in the 2016 GLC, is closely related to the German company’s MRA platform which is being used by the automaker’s sedans and coupes.
There are no details about the drivetrains yet, but we expect to see Mercedes’ latest inline-6 with mild-hybrid tech and a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 reserved for the Mercedes-AMG GLE63 Coupe. There should also be a plug-in hybrid version in the future.
These engines should be paired with a nine-speed automatic and rear-biased all-wheel-drive system for all trim models.
The GLE Coupe will likely be revealed next year as a 2020 model. But before that, we can expect the debut of the GLE late this year or early next year.
