BMW Roadster Concept for Pebble Beach Teases Front End
A glimpse at the upcoming Z4 successor?
BMW is getting ready to show off a new roadster at this year's Pebble Beach festivities. The shapely sports car, whose identity is still shrouded in mystery, debuts August 17.
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At this point, it's unclear what this new vehicle is. But it's likely to be the Z4 successor that shares the same platform as the upcoming Toyota Supra. These cars are expected to feature rear-wheel drive and be built by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria.
As previously reported, BMW's sports car is expected to offer four- and six-cylinder variants for the U.S. Our model will also likely feature a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission and possibly a row-your-own option. The Z4 successor will ditch the complex power retractable hard top in favor of a simpler soft top roof that will help keep weight down.
Judging from the teaser photo, BMW pulled out all the stops on whatever this car is. Dramatic creases on the hood and body, reimagined dual kidney grilles, and oversized wheels should make for a good show car. Not to be outdone, Mercedes-Benz isshowing off a Maybach concept that is likely to be a convertible version of last year's stunning Vision 6 concept vehicle.
Source: BMW via Instagram
When I tell people I write about cars, the most common reply I receive is “Really?” I guess I never strike people as a car type as I drive down the freeway in the right lane going 60 mph in my old SUV. My gripes about driving in city traffic and fast drivers don’t help my case, either. For a time, the only cars I liked were old cars. Not old as in "classic" or "vintage," but as in well-worn. My first appreciation of cars came when I drove a very old Ford pickup. It wasn't perfect: I used a booster seat to reach the gas pedal, and the turn signal once fell off in my hand as I was learning to drive. But the thing I valued most was the memories. It took several years for me to truly become a "car person." Being a long-time writer and an avid reader has helped me develop a healthy curiosity and a desire to know how things work. This has made cars one of the most fascinating points of study for me because they are such intricate machines. I am interested in how cars can reach 200 mph, how they can run on hydrogen, and how they can drive and park on their own. I also enjoy learning how cars can solve problems whether it be in the form of reducing pollution, minimizing traffic, or helping people stay connected on the road. Yes, maybe I’m not a gearhead. Perhaps I’m a car nerd. Either way, I very much enjoy writing about cars and helping people stay in tune with the automotive industry. I wouldn't want to be writing about anything else. And don’t get me wrong: I know how to drool over a hot car. I am fascinated by the Tesla Model S, awed by the Lamborghini Veneno, and am hopelessly obsessed with the Audi R8.
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