New BMW Z4 revealed

(Credit: BMW of America)

BMW has released details and photos of its upcoming refresh of the Z4 Roadster, which is scheduled to bow at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show.

(Credit: BMW of America)

The latest victim of BMW's awkward naming scheme, the Z4 sDrive30i features the same 3.0-liter, inline-six engine as the current model, outputting the same 255 horsepower. The more powerful Z4 sDrive35i uses twin turbochargers and direct injection to breathe 45 more ponies into the same 3.0-liter block for a total of 300 horsepower. Connecting the engine to the wheels is a six-speed manual transmission or, in the case of the Z4 sDrive35i, an optional seven-speed double clutch transmission (DCT). Equipped with the DCT, the Z4 sDrive35i can rip off 0-60 runs in five seconds flat and continues all the way to an electronically-limited 130 mph (150 mph when equipped with the optional Sport Package).

The Z4's styling has evolved slightly, now featuring more swept-back headlamps and front air dam details and hood creases that make the new model seem as though it's grown more than the 5.8 inches that it's stretched. Out back, new tail-lamps and a less aggressive ducktail complete the new long and lean look.

The most obvious change is the new power hardtop. This new, two-piece aluminum roof opens or closes in 20 seconds at the push of a button. Trunk space is still at a minimum, but a new through-loading system allows long items, such as golf bags to intrude into the cabin when the top is up.

(Credit: BMW of America)

In the cabin, the new Z4 can be equipped with an 80 GB hard drive-based navigation system which features the new generation of iDrive. The system feature the new iDrive controller mounted on the center console and a huge 8.8-inch widescreen monitor situated beneath a motorized door on the dash. Up to 15 GB of the hard drive's space can be used for storing digitally ripped music.

The Z4 can also be equipped with an optional 14 speaker plus two subwoofers, for a total of 16 drivers, hi-fi system that outputs 650-watts. An aux-in jack and an MP3-compatible CD-player complete the standard digital audio options. There's no word yet on iPod capabilities, but if BMW's other offerings are any indicator, it can be assumed that there will be an optional adapter. While Bluetooth handsfree is available as an option, we'd like to see that as standard.

View more photos of the new Z4 Roadster.