The current Z4 (E89) looks the part, but a prevailing sentiment among auto enthusiasts seems to be that its performance and driving dynamics do not quite live up to its sporty looks.

This may be changing in the next generation Z4 as Insideline is reporting that the third generation Z4 will feature a sportier and more engaging driving experience.

Besides the obvious mechanical changes which will occur, some of the styling is also said to be changing to help achieve this - by shortening the front hood just a bit, while still keeping the proportionately longer front end look. Don’t expect too radical of a change or styling however, as it will still conform with the BMW design group’s late policy of creating more timeless designs which look … CONTINUED

Is an M Performance Z4 model coming? Yes, if BMW insider Scott26’s response to our M related interview at the 2012 NYIAS actually comes to fruition.

This is what he had to say on the matter: “The forthcoming Z4 Life Cycle Impulse will see the Z4 35iS absorbed into the BMW M Performance Automobiles line.”

North America will not be getting diesel M Performance models with the current generation of cars, so this rumored Z4 M35i model (or “Z4 sDriveM35i”) could possibly join the rumored X1 M35i xDrive as the first M Performance Automobiles to be available for the North American market. Both would feature the same 320hp version of the N55 3.0-liter inline 6 from the upcoming F20 M135i.

When is the Z4 LCI refresh due you may … CONTINUED

We bring some news directly from the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. We had an opportunity to chat with BMW M President Dr. Friedrich Nitschke earlier today at the show and contrary to earlier reports from BMW insider SCOTT26, Dr. Nitschke ruled out M versions of the current X3 or Z4 for the current generation.

When asked about a possible Z4M, Dr. Nitschke said: “In the current generation we won’t bring a Z4M, but for the successor we’re thinking about it.” Dr. Nitschke went on to say in regards to the X3M: “Also, with the current X3, we won’t bring an M version, but with the successor generation we’ll see.”

The F11 M5 Touring was also ruled out. Again, coming directly from Dr. Nitschke: “with the current M5 we … CONTINUED

Happy New Year to the entire BIMMERPOST community! As we cross over to a new year it’s a fitting time for a recap of the past year. It was an amazing year for BMW, with the company hitting sales records and many new important models making their debuts. 2012 should prove to be as successful, if not more. And we’ll be seeing some new models and facelifts coming. We recap the BMW 2011 year for you inside.

With the Z2/Z1’s move to the FWD UKL platform, the return of the BMW Z3 (RWD) is currently being considered. The new Z3 would come in traditional soft-top and coupe versions and would be based on the F20 1-series generation’s modular platform.

But it doesn’t end there for BMW’s roadster lineup changes. The Z4 would be renamed the Z5 which would allow it to grow in size and for the smaller Z3 to slot in under it in the roadster lineup. The Z5 would utilize the F30 3-series generation platform.

The next few years look to be potentially exciting for fans of BMW roadster fans, as the potential lineup could look like:

BMW Z1: UKL FWD platform, soft top roadster
BMW Z3: F20 1-series generation platform, soft top and … CONTINUED

All auto manufacturer tries to keep new models they’re working on a secret. Yet, there are cars virtually everyone knows about based on speculation or inside information. One of these cars is the BMW Z2 roadster. The Z4 has long abandoned the niche the BMW Z3 was once designed for. So it’s only reasonable that BMW is looking to re-enter that niche again — a small and pure roadster, affordable, light, fun. We’ve reported earlier about BMW working on a Z2 offering such a package. There was some silence on this car as of late, but now there’s more information coming from Autobild.

According to this report, BMW is considering two drivetrain options for the Z2. Details inside…

On the heels of the big BMW turbo 4-cylinder news yesterday, SCOTT26 has provided some dates for the switchover of certain BMW models from the current inline 6-cylinder to the new twinpower turbo I4 motor, as well as the end of production of the current 3-series, M3 and 1-series.

Here is the I4 switchover and end of production schedule (inside).

Automobile has just tweeted some interesting news on the base Z4 which corroborates a recent report from a ZPOST member. If these reports are correct, the base BMW Z4 will soon be powered by two turbo 4-cylinder variants (sDrive20i and 28i) instead of the current naturally aspirated inline 6-cylinder. This would not come as a huge surprise as recent rhetoric from BMW has pointed to the likely use of turbo 4-cylinder engines in future BMW base models (i.e. next generation F30 3-series), especially with improvements in forced induction technology and the overall goal of increasing efficiency throughout its entire fleet.

The exact tweet states “BMW new 4-cyl coming this year in Z4 roadster. Replaces nat asp 6, so at least 200 hp” but according to the info … CONTINUED

According to insider Scott26, an M version of the current second generation Z4 is inevitable. By late 2012 there will be no compact-medium car for the M division as the 1M and current M3 will both have stopped production and new versions not yet here. That is why the Z4M may be back on the drawing board.