SPY PICS: CC for Z4?

Sometimes it’s worth taking a closer look...

These spy shots snapped by Carparazzi lensmen at the Nurburgring in Germany indicate BMW is doing some work on what looks like an upgrade of the existing Z4.

But zoom in closer and there appear to be telltale signs the Z4 rework is more than just cosmetic.

In fact a full examination reveals a whole lot more -- the BMW sportster is about to go coupe-convertible.

In the same style as the recently launched 3 Series convertible (more here) which aped the theme originally established by Mercedes-Benz in the 1990s SLK two-seater, BMW’s Z4 is about to combine the benefits of open-top and coupe motoring with a retractable steel roof that folds electrically into a compartment above the boot..

Although the Nurburgring car remains well clad in plastic disguise panels, the shape and details of the convertible hardtop roof look pretty clear, from the apparently three-piece construction to the added rear side window -- complete with mini Hoffmeister kick -- longer, raked-back side glass similar to the Z4 coupe, and the decent-size rear glass.

The roof on the test mule circulating the Nurburgring also shows signs of a version of the ribbed roofline already seen in the Z4 coupe.

The question is whether the upcoming coupe-convertible means the company would scrap the existing Roadster soft-top, or maintain it alongside the CC version, as Mazda has done with its MX-5.

If BMW chose to add it to the existing range, it would mean three versions of the Z4 -- two convertibles and the hatchback coupe.

The disguise precludes any other suppositions about the next Z4 model, except it’s a pretty sure bet that if there were any facelift modifications to come with its introduction, they would be largely superficial.

For Australia, it could be assumed the engine lineup would remain unchanged, offering 2.5si and 3.0si versions, along with the choice of manual or automatic six-speed transmissions – although a new version of the Z4 could be a chance to offer the twin-turbo 3.0-litre engine seen in 335i BMWs.

As a coupe-convertible of the Z4 would undoubtedly be heavier than both the existing Roadster and the trim coupe, it would be interesting to know whether or not BMW plans an M version...

-- with Carparazzi