"Much of the world may have expected the Z4 to be a direct successor to the hugely successful BMW Z3 roadster. Indeed, the Z3 has come to the end of its lifecycle this past June and the new Z4 has begun its career with a production start in September.

But there is more, much more, to the Z4's debut than just "successor replaces predecessor." The new Z4 roadster takes BMW and the roadster segment to another level.

Built on a longer wheelbase, the new Z4 is slightly wider and longer than the Z3. But so much more substance and stance has been built into a vehicle that has not grown significantly in size. The Z4 delivers everything roadster - two-seater, long and sweeping hood, short front and rear overhangs, low and rearward seating, and soft top - in a modern, athletic and assertive new design.

The Z4 places BMW squarely in the field of sophisticated, full-featured sport roadsters.

It comes exclusively with 6-cylinder power and offers a choice of four transmission types . Its chassis engineering is new, encompassing multi-link rear suspension, run-flat tires and wheel/tire diameters up to 18 inches. The Z4 offers amenities and options never before seen in a regular-production BMW roadster. Safety engineering and technology features have been further developed.

The Z4 Series is produced at BMW's Spartanburg, South Carolina manufacturing facility, employing the most advanced production equipment and processes. Production at Spartanburg began on September 3, 2002, and will serve all BMW markets.

Two models will be offered: the Z4 2.5i at $33,795 base price including destination; and the higher-performing, more extensively equipped Z4 3.0i at $40,945. These are modest increases not only in view of the new models' new technology and features: The Full Maintenance included in BMW base prices has been extended from 3 years/36,000 miles to 4 years/50,000 miles.

As new as it is, the Z4 represents a long-standing BMW tradition.

The roadster lineage begins in 1935 with the 315/1 and 319/1, two versions of an energetic little two-seater powered by engines that were small, yet had 6 cylinders. (Even then, engine smoothness and sound were BMW priorities.)

In 1936, the tradition became legend with the 328 roadster, which began as a successful racing car, went on to become a beloved sports car, and finally became one of the great collectibles of its era.

Another great BMW classic was the 507, of which only about 250 were built in the mid- to late 1950s. Today, this stunningly designed, V8-powered roadster commands high six-figure prices at collector-car auctions. Elvis Presley owned one while stationed in Germany with the U.S. military.

Virtually unknown in America, yet also important to BMW's roadster lineage, was the Z1 - conceptually amazing, with its fiberglass body and electrically retracting doors. The Z1 was expensive, built in small numbers, and only offered overseas.

In 1996, BMW introduced a roadster that would be accessible to many more customers: the Z3. The Z3 was an instant, international success. Over its seven-year production span, it evolved from a single 4-cylinder model to a line of 6-cylinder roadsters and a coupe. It will be remembered as a relatively simple, fun-to-drive machine of typically high BMW quality.

With its design inspired by the classic 507, the Z8 made its debut in 2000 as BMW's best-performing, leading-edge roadster. It continues to command the respect of enthusiasts, owners, and the media.
The new Z4 continues this successful roadster heritage by delivering BMW design and technological innovation in a new roadster sure to captivate the hearts of enthusiasts everywhere.