BMW is discontinuing one of its most enduring enthusiast initiatives.
The German car manufacturer revealed at the end of last month that the 2026 Z4, its two-seater open-top sports car, will cease manufacturing in April.
For fans, it marks the conclusion for a legendary figure.
The Z series gained significant popularity in the mid-1990s, when the Spartanburg-built Z3 was introduced.James Bond film GoldenEye, became a Matchbox collectible, and changed hands among top-tier collectors.
The Z4 emerged in the early 2000s as its more refined and contemporary counterpart — and ultimately served as BMW’s enduring motorsport representative.
Its end also aligns with aincreasing number of sports cars being discontinued as sales of anything besides SUVs continue to slide.
So, are Roadsters completely pointless these days?” an angry fan asked on Reddit regarding the Z4’s final days. “It just isn’t right, the Z4 has been a legend for years.
BMW’s Z cars have has always lived just to the left of logic— entertaining devices that seemed to have been approved by someone within the company who had refined preferences and a craving for continuous excitement.
It began with a unique model. The Z1, manufactured in Germany, appeared in the late ’80s featuring doors that descended into the car’s frame rather than opening sideways on hinges.
The ’90s Z3 got its Bond moment. The Z8 from the early 2000s is regarded as one of the most aesthetically pleasing cars by automotive designers.
And the Z4—particularly this model—maintained that heritage as one of the final straightforward, rear-wheel-drive, two-seater convertibles that an average individual could still purchase.
The Last Version is BMW’s farewell message to the roadster.
BMW coated the body in matte black paint to get ready for the funeral, yet sewed the seats with striking red thread as a last touch of athleticism.
No other color choices are available.
Buyers have just one genuine option: an eight-speed automatic transmission that reaches 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, or a six-speed manual that takes 30 percent more time to do so.
BMW engraved the phrase ‘Z4 Final Edition’ onto the door sills. Pricing begins at $78,675, regardless of the transmission type, and deliveries will start next year.
The production is scheduled to take place only between February and April of 2026, meaning the quantity produced will be very limited.
The car manufacturer did not provide a statement to the Daily Mail’s inquiry.
BMW’s convertible is not the only unrealistic, enjoyable vehicle being phased out.
Toyota will also close the Supra in 2026, marking the end of the sports car’s second stint in the United States.
The Japanese automaker collaborated with BMW’s racing divisionon the engine, so it has comparable characteristics to the Z model. However, similar to the current versions of the BMW, Toyota’s sales did not gain momentum.
In 2023, Chevy stopped its most recent effort with the Camaromuscle car as well. Ford also discontinued the GT in 2022 and the Focus RS in 2018.
- Is the legendary Boxster, often referred to as Porsche’s “poor man’s Porsche,” completing its last race with production orders currently suspended?
- Is the legendary Audi R8 set for a return, or has it genuinely exited the supercar scene in 2024?
- Are sports cars facing disappearance, or could there be a revival of these legendary open-air vehicles?
- Is this the tragic conclusion for popular fuel-hungry performance hatchbacks as iconic models are set to be discontinued due to stricter rules?
- Will luxury and exclusive supercars be the final remaining option for the prestigious gear lever after 2030?
jasdooit 
Leave a comment