No future BMW Z4 M planned?

The next-generation BMW Z4 will be built in cooperation with Toyota and the upcoming Toyota Supra in the near future. A joint-venture in the past between Subaru and Toyota produced the Toyobaru twins which were almost identical with each other. This will not be the same case for Toyota and BMW’s collaboration. In fact, BMW plans to make the Z4 as different from the Toyota Supra as possible. The BMW Z4 will be fitted with a chassis designation of G29. This begins a new generation of new ‘G’ named BMW cars. On the other hand, the Toyota Supra will wear a J29 chassis code.

Past reports already hinted a top-of-the-line Z4 M model delivering 450 horsepower from an inline-six engine. However, a report today by Road & Track contradicts that. The publication cites a BMW M2 project leader as the source of the information. The source says that the upcoming G29 Z4 won’t get a full M treatment.

A closer possibility would be a Z4 M40i powered by the new B58 3.0 liter turbocharged I6 engine. This M40i variant will likely be far sportier and more aggressive than the current Z4 sDrive35is, with a few tweaks done to the chassis as well.

The BMW Z4 Roadster M40i will be competing directly with the Porsche 718 Boxster S. Research from Toyota, a soft top roof, and new lightweight chassis techniques will make the BMW Z4 closer to the famous Porsche Boxster than ever.