2009 Detroit Auto Show: 2009 BMW Z4

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DETROIT — BMW will pull the wraps off its redesigned 2009 Z4 roadster in mid-January at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. The new model should arrive at U.S. dealers "in time for summer," with prices starting in the mid $40s, the company says.

No surprises in terms of the exterior shape and styling: The third-generation Z4 is purely evolutionary, but not nearly as edgy or controversial as its predecessor. The rear-wheel-drive two-seater continues to sport classic roadster proportions, including a long hood and short rear overhang, accentuated by meaty rear haunches.

The big news is the addition of a retractable aluminum hardtop that raises or lowers automatically in 20 seconds and stows in the trunk. BMW says the addition of a hardtop means the new Z4 can function as either a roadster or a coupe, or both.

BMW is offering two versions of the car — the Z4 sDrive30i and the Z4 sDrive35i. The standard model is fitted with a 3.0-liter DOHC inline six-cylinder engine rated at 255 horsepower and 220 pound-feet of torque. The uplevel variant gets BMW's sensational twin-turbo, direct-injection 3.0-liter six that delivers 300 hp and 300 lb-ft. Both engines come with a standard six-speed manual gearbox. The Z4 sDrive30i can be equipped with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic, while the Z4 sDrive35i can be ordered with a new seven-speed twin-clutch box; both automatics feature paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel.

The ultimate kit is the Z4 sDrive35i with the seven-speed and the optional Sport Package. The speed governor is lifted from 130 to 150 mph, and 0-60 acceleration takes 5.0 seconds flat.

Among the standard hardware on both models is Dynamic Drive Control, which enables the driver to choose among three driveline and suspension settings at the touch of a button; electromechanical power steering; dynamic stability control; and 17-inch run-flat tires with a tire pressure monitor. An extra-cost option is Adaptive M Suspension with Electronic Damping Control, which comes as part of the Sport Package.

As usual, BMW is offering a wide range of exterior colors and interior trim combinations, with such accents as satin silver matte, brushed aluminum and ash grain wood.

Production of the Z4 has shifted from South Carolina to BMW's plant in Regensburg, Germany.

Inside Line says: Hopefully, the latest design will quell some of the controversy over the second-generation model's "flame surfacing." — Paul Lienert, Correspondent