SPY PHOTOS: New BMW Roadster

Z9, Z6 or Z4?

Earlier photos of another camouflaged prototype of a new BMW roadster have sparked quite a debate on the spy-community as to whether the model we’re seeing here is the next generation Z4 or a totally new roadster dubbed, by most, as the Z9 -though it could be called Z6. And that prototype, snapped in Munich in January, had a fabric roof while we’re here seeing a solid retractable hardtop. If it’s really the Z9 (or Z6 if you prefer) then we have a future successor to the retro-styled BMW Z8 and a possible competitor to the Mercedes SL.

Both sides of the argument have strong points even though the camouflaged roadster that we’re seeing is obviously larger than the Z4. But then again, according to earlier reports, the next-generation Z4 would be doing a bit of growing up so as to make room for an entry-level roadster dubbed Z2 which will be based on the 1-series hatch. That would very well justify its larger dimensions.

On the other hand, noticing the side window covers and the folding metal roof, we’re probably talking about the Z9 as we highly doubt that the next-gen Z4 will be fitted with an electric hard-top. Whatever it may be – we’re here facing another exciting machine from the development team in Munich! Let’s look forward to it.