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BMW
BMW Z4
Check out these photos of the new BMW Z4 in its final testing stages
Details of the new car are shrouded in secrecy, but here’s what we know so far.
HIDDEN AWAY IN Miramas in the south of France is the BMW test centre, which has been used by BMW to develop and test new models for more than 30 years.
It’s where new models are perfected before hitting the mainstream market, including the third-generation BMW Z4 roadster, currently undergoing its final driving dynamics tests.
Although heavily disguised, from the prototype it’s clear the Z4 has a long bonnet, short overhangs and a soft top – like the original ‘Bangle’ version launched in 2003.
The sporty two-seater is the result of a joint venture with Toyota, which will base its Suprasports car on the same platform and underpinnings as the Z4.
BMW has said that the trials at the Autodrome de Miramas are focusing on fine-tuning of all drive and suspension systems.
So what else do we know? According to Jos van As, Head of Application Suspension:
The vehicle concept of the new BMW Z4 is geared consistently towards agility and driving dynamics. The high level of body stiffness and the very rigid suspension attachment… guarantee the performance qualities of a genuine sports car in terms of steering precision as well as longitudinal and transverse acceleration.
The BMW Z4 is expected to go into full series production in November this year, so it should hit our roads in early 2019.
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