The 2010 BMW Z4 probably won't look dramatically different from the current version, which is shown here.

Consumer Guide’s Impressions of the 2010 BMW Z4

BMW’s two-seat roadster is redesigned with a first-time, power-fold hardtop, more power, and new fuel-saving features. But all this and a production shift to Germany seem certain to boost prices.

What We Know About the 2010 BMW Z4

A redesigned Z4 was on BMW’s schedule well before gas prices started skyrocketing, so it’s going ahead despite the current gloom-and-doom economic picture. And maybe just as well, as the current Z4 has been around for six model years, a long time in the car business. Besides, BMW has developed a few fuel-saving tricks that may make this two-seat sports car a better fit for suddenly difficult times.

Designated E89 and expected to start U.S. sale in late 2009, the 2010 BMW Z4 shares its basic platform with the brand’s latest 3-Series passenger cars, just as today’s Z4 was based on the prior-generation 3. Spy photos of test prototypes, inevitably circling the famed Nurburgring track in Germany, suggest the new model will wear evolutionary styling and gain an inch or two in wheelbase, length, and width. But the big news is a first-time, power-fold hardtop, which sources believe will be an option to a conventional fabric roof. The metal lid appears to be a three-piece affair that tucks beneath a rear-hinged trunklid to leave very little luggage space. On the other hand, the 2010 BMW Z4 could have a very compact hard top a la Mazda MX-5 that steals little cargo room. We’ll be interested to see how it stacks down.

The 2010 BMW Z4 will likely offer the pair of 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engines available in U.S.-market 3s. That means a normally aspirated unit with around 230 horsepower, up from the current base engine’s 215, and a twin-turbocharged version with at least 300, up from 255 on today’s non-turbo 3.0 option. However, with even BMW buyers aghast at soaring gas prices, there’s talk of reinstating a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine as on the 1997-99 Z3. This could be tuned for something like 200 horsepower, which should furnish good performance with likely better mpg versus the sixes. A 2.5-liter 6-cylinder with around 230 horsepower is also being rumored. At the other extreme, a new version of the high-performance M Roadster is expected around 2012 packing the 414-horsepower 4.0-liter V8 from the M3 coupe, sedan, and convertible. All engines should team with a 6-speed manual transmission or optional 6-speed automatic, though the latter could be replaced by BMW’s new 7-speed twin-clutch automated manual with steering-wheel shift paddles and no clutch pedal. Again, we’ll have to wait and see what transpires.

One thing we are sure of is that the 2010 BMW Z4 will be built at the 3-Series plant in Regensburg, Germany--logical, given the shared platform. (Regensburg also builds the 1-Series models.) The current Z4 (like the Z3 before it) is built at BMW’s Spartanburg, S.C., facility, but that plant is taking on the redesigned 2010 version of the heretofore Euro-sourced X3 premium-compact SUV. That will leave no space for the sports cars, as Spartanburg already turns out the X5 premium-midsize SUV, all-wheel-drive X6 “sports activity coupe,” and likely one or two new AWD Bimmers. Consolidating production of shared-platform models can help to lower manufacturing costs and boost quality, which is why BMW is shuffling things around.

Actually, BMW is now trying to cut costs everywhere it can, partly to offset the price-crippling and profit-sapping effects of the weak dollar. That’s telling for an automaker whose rip-roaring sales seem to defy market gravity, but being able to shift production in light of changing market demand and foreign-exchange fluctuations is now essential for most every automaker.

As for those fuel-saving tricks, the 2010 BMW Z4 is expected to offer one or more of the company’s new “Efficient Dynamics” features. The term refers to a suite of powertrain technologies designed to increase mpg and reduce greenhouse-gas emissions. See “Notable Feature” below for more details.

Sources also expect the 2010 BMW Z4 to adopt the brand’s iDrive infotainment-systems controller as another first-time feature. Past experience on other BMWs makes us hope that iDrive will be optional here, perhaps tied to an available navigation system, as on 3-Series models.

In addition, the 2010 BMW Z4 will offer all the control-freak electronic driving aids associated with this brand: Dynamic Traction and Stability Control, Dynamic Cornering Control, Dynamic Brake Control, and Dynamic Driving Control. BMW’s Active Steering, which quickens low-speed helm response, should be available. So, too, the inevitable Sport Package handling and cosmetic enhancements, as well as Premium Package luxuries including leather upholstery, heated power seats, and high-power, multi-speaker audio.

We’ve heard nothing yet about a next-generation Z4 coupe. It would seem to be unnecessary with the new folding-hard-top roadster, but a new fixed-roof coupe can’t be ruled out, if only because BMW seems intent on plugging every conceivable gap in its lineup, much as rivals Audi and Mercedes-Benz are doing.

It may not look radically different, but the 2010 BMW Z4 shapes up as a much-changed premium sporty/performance car--so much so that some moles think it will switch to the Z6 label, just so buyers get the message. Too bad the production shift to Europe is almost sure to boost prices, so we can only hope the improvements are worth the extra money.

The 2010 BMW Z4 will probably be available with a power-folding hardtop. The current Z4 Roadster is pictured here.

A Notable Feature of the 2010 BMW Z4

BMW has been talking up “Efficient Dynamics” since 2005, and has since applied some of these technologies for reducing emissions and fuel consumption to showroom models. Prime examples include direct fuel injection and the company’s Valvetronic variable-valve-timing system that uses “by-wire” electronic controls to eliminate the conventional mechanical throttle. The 2010 BMW Z4 is expected to get one or more additional features from the “Efficient Dynamics” suite. The most likely are an engine start/stop system, like that on many gasoline/electric hybrid vehicles, and a so-called Intelligent Alternator Control that de-couples the alternator drive except when coasting and braking to eliminate that drain on engine power. The redesign should also bring increased use of lighter-weight materials throughout the Z4--in part to offset the weight gain of the new power-fold hardtop--and perhaps an “active” suspension that lowers the car slightly at higher speeds to reduce fuel-wasting air drag.

Buying Advice for the 2010 BMW Z4

The premium sporty/performance class spans an unusually wide range of car designs and prices from the petite 4-cylinder and V6 Audi TT to the burly V10 Dodge Viper and Nissan’s tech-laden twin-turbo V6 GT-R. Even so, the V6 Mercedes-Benz SLK will remain the most direct competitor for the new Z4s in concept and maybe price, so buyers should again plan on comparing those two at least. The SLK doesn’t offer a fixed-roof body style, but Porsche’s Boxster convertible and related Cayman coupe can be viewed as other close Z4 alternatives. High-dollar brands dominate this field and none of the contestants are mass-produced models, so don’t expect much in the way of discounts, rebates, or other deal-sweeteners unless the U.S. economy sours a lot more than it already has.

2010 BMW Z4 Release Date: The guess here is that the 2010 BMW Z4 will start production by mid-2009 and reach U.S. dealers by September.

2010 BMW Z4 First Test Drive: The above timing suggests media previews will be held in spring or summer of 2009.

2010 BMW Z4 Prices: Moving production to the strong-currency Euro zone suggests the new Z4s will cost more than today’s American-built models, but how much more is hard to predict with any accuracy. BMW will no doubt do its best to hold the line and avoid causing sticker shock, perhaps by eliminating some standard frills and/or reinstating a 4-cylinder model as a more-affordable price leader. With non-M versions now starting in the $36,500-$42,500 range, we’d guess the 2010s will run $2,500-$3,500 higher. A 4-cylinder model, if there is one, might sneak in at just under $32,000.

For more inside information on hundreds of new cars of today and tomorrow, check out:

• C­onsumer Guide New Car Reviews and Prices: Road test results, photos, specifications, and prices for hundreds of new cars, trucks, minivans, and SUVs from the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide.
• BMW: Read Consumer Guide's full reports, including ratings, prices, specifications, and fuel economy.
• Premium Sporty/Performance Cars: The 2010 BMW Z4 will compete in the premium sporty/performance car class. Here's Consumer Guide's roundup of all the premium sporty/performance cars on sale today.
• 2008 Consumer Guide Best Buy and Recommended Award Winners: Check out which cars won our Best Buy and Recommended awards for 2008.
• Future Cars: Step into the automotive showroom of tomorrow with reviews, analysis, pictures, prices, and preliminary specifications on scores of vehicles that will be appearing next year and beyond.