Strange things have appeared on what looks to be the next-generation BMW Z4 Roadster. No, not the fabric roof that will supplant the retractable hardtop of the late, great E89 Z4. We've known about that for some time and at least a soft top makes sense from a weight and trunk-space perspective. What is strange on one particular prototype are the odd, possibly aerodynamic appendages recently captured in spy photos of the car.
The Z4 in question was spotted on the Nürburgring as well as on streets near the track. As the spy photos show, BMW has added some sort of device extending from the edge of the front air scoops diagonally back to the leading edge of the wheel arch. Two on each side. They might be dive planes or air channels or both. If they were dive planes, that's about where they should go.
Farther back on the rear wheel arches are what appear to be partial fender lips or air scoops or... something. They don't cover the entire arch and are too high to be mud flaps.
Possibilities for these items range from aerodynamic pieces to camouflage to alien technology. Well, probably not alien technology. But camouflage is not entirely out of the question. BMW is well known for attaching fake panels to hide new body lines and features from the competition and the press.
For more views of the strange add-ons to the prototype Z4, check out this video:
Sharp-eyed readers may note the antenna on the roof. Although the Z4's lid is fabric-covered, it must have a fairly substantial steel frame to keep a magnetic-base antenna stuck to the top.
The most reliable intelligence has the new Z4 coming in 2018. Reports have surfaced recently that BMW will reveal a version of the new Z4 as a concept car at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance next month in Monterey, California. Both the G29 BMW Z4 and the Supra coupe co-developed with Toyota reportedly will be built by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria.—Scott Blazey
[Photos and video courtesy of Supercarsfromeu.]
