2009 BMW Z4

2010 BMW Z4
2010 BMW Z4
BMW's Z4 roadster grows up for 2009 with a new, two piece power-retractable hardtop, a Z4 first. BMW's smallest car returns for 2009 solely in convertible form with exterior styling revisions and more power. It shares platform and powertrains with the 3-Series premium compact car.

The 2009 Z4 gets power from a pair of inline 6-cylinder engines. sDrive35i models have a 300 horsepower twin-turbo direct-injection 3.0 liter, up 45 horsepower from the previous non-turbo 3.0. Z4 in sDrive30i trim gets power from a normally aspirated 255 horsepower 3.0-liter power plant, up from the previous base engine's 215 horsepower.     

Other enhancements to the third-generation roadster include a larger heated rear window and 40 percent larger side windows for increased visibility, optional iDrive vehicle control system, and a dynamic driving control system that allows drivers to change suspension settings.

The 2009 Z4 won't be produced in Spartanburg, South Carolina, like its predecessor. Rather, Z4 will be manufactured alongside the 3-Series in Regensburg, Germany. Look for it on sale later this year.

BMW ActiveHybrid Concepts 

2009 BMW 7-Series Hybrid
2009 BMW 7-Series Hybrid
Thus far, BMW's alternative-fuel strategy has involved developing its diesel technology and creating fuel-cell concept studies. However, two concepts unveiled at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show illustrate that BMW is aiming to color its lineup a shade greener. The 7-Series ActiveHybrid Concept (pictured) and X6 ActiveHybrid Concept illustrate two types of hybrid technology in the German automaker's near-term production plans. 

CG Says...
Like Lexus, BMW plans to offer hybrid versions of its flagship sedan and midsize SUV. While Lexus chose to make a gas-electric version of its popular RX SUV, however, BMW is straying from that formula in choosing its slow-selling, hard-to-pigeonhole X6 "Sport Activity Coupe." Wouldn't X5 have been a more popular and lucrative choice?
The hybrid version of BMW's redesigned-for-2009 7-Series sedan is a mild hybrid, meaning that it cannot be driven on electric power alone. Rather, it shuts off at stops and gets an electric assist during starts. It also uses regenerative brakes to capture and store lost braking energy. The X6 ActiveHybrid pairs BMW's new 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 with a 20 horsepower electric motor and a lithium-ion battery. BMW claims a fuel economy savings of around 15 percent over gasoline models. 

The X6 ActiveHybrid concept uses two-mode technology, shared with General Motors and Chrysler. It allows the vehicle to operate using solely the gas engine, solely the electric engine, or a combination of the two depending on the driving situation. The X6 ActiveHybrid also gets power from the new turbo V8 and is expected to deliver a 20-percent increase in fuel economy over conventionally powered models.

The 7-Series ActiveHybrid Concept and X6 ActiveHybrid Concept will be the first hybrids offered by BMW when the production versions go on sale in late 2009 as 2010 models.

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