Zuffenhausen's new vehicle development motor is working at full pace these days, with the most recent example of this coming from the 2019 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4. Our spy shooters have recently crossed paths with the sharpest mid-engined Porscha around, which is now in its advanced development stages. Unlike the early 718 Cayman GT4 test cars, the one we have here sports dedicated front and rear fascias, with the new aprons showing just how aggressive the aero package of the newcomer will be. Interestingly, the 718 Boxster Spyder, which we spied earlier this week, still comes with the provisional Sport Design bumper, which, by the way, is standard on the freshly-revealed GTS models. When it comes to the tech side of the 2019 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4, the wildest rumors out there talk about the sportscar packing the new 4.0-liter flat-six introduced by the 2018 GT3. Of course, with the mill, which is based on the flat-six heart of the GT3 Cup racecar, delivering 500 horses on the 911 GT3, we're expecting the motor to be downtuned for the mid-engined animal. Since the now-retired Cayman GT4 packs 385 hp, extracted from the also-retired 991.1 Carrera S' 3.8-liter, the newcomer should deliver at least 400 ponies. Until we get our hands on more info, we can at least jump for joy knowing that the GT4 badge means that the mid-engined animal will maintain its naturally aspirated aura. And while we've already shown you a 2019 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 prototype packing a manual gearbox, forum chat also mentions the possibility of an optional PDK. Alas, we're expecting Porche to stick to the reverse-911-GT3-RS recipe (the recently-spied 991.2 Neunelfer won't follow the GT3 down the manual path) for the 718 GT4, which means the sportscar should only be offered in three-pedal form. Even so, expect the new GT4 to be a serious threat for its rear-engined big brother.
As BMW gears up for the official reveal of the new Z4 Roadster, a series of patent images allegedly showing the full production version of the new open-top two-seater sports car has found its way online. This is the first time we can clearly see what the brand new Z4 will look like. As expected, the production version borrows heavily from last year鈥檚 Z4 Concept which served as a preview. According to these patent images, the new Z4 will retain the classic long nose-short rear proportions and soft top, with the cabin sitting closer to the rear axle and the front end dominated by BMW鈥檚 wide kidney grille. BMW recently revealed a few details about the upcoming new Z4, mentioning that the range-topping version will be the M40i. The fastest derivative of the new Bavarian roadster -at least initially- will be powered by a new 鈥渆xtremely powerful鈥?six-cylinder engine. The most recent reports talk about a twin-turbo 3.0-liter unit making between 360 hp and 380 hp. The upcoming BMW Z4 M40i will also feature a lowered sports suspension with electronically controlled dampers, along with a new front axle and a locking rear differential. BMW promises that the new Z4 will be a 鈥減urebred roadster鈥? It will interesting to see if the new Bavarian Z will finally become a true Porsche Boxster rival, given that the chassis was co-developed with Toyota as it鈥檚 also going to be used in the new Supra.
The report said the next-generation M3 will lead the charge with a 2019 debut, potentially at the Frankfurt motor show. The plan's architect, Frank van Meel, head of BMW鈥檚 performance car division, called the M3 a cornerstone for the M division and cast the car as a guiding light forward for M Performance cars. BMW poached the executive from Audi in 2014, where he ran Audi Sport, formerly Quattro. BMW's next M3 will reportedly not go hybrid as previous reports have suggested. Instead, an upgraded version of BMW M鈥檚 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-6 engine will power the car. Better news: a 6-speed manual is on the table, as is an 8-speed automatic transmission. Power may rise to 472 horsepower with the upgrades, and the M3 will not offer BMW's latest xDrive all-wheel-drive system, per the report's sources. With the M3 holding down the fort, 15 M Performance cars will continue development, including versions of the X2 and forthcoming X7.
Current M Performance models include the M240i, M550i xDrive, M760i, and X4 M40i xDrive. These models aren't as sporting as true M cars, but they do have additional power, sporty suspensions, and upgraded brakes. These models should not be confused with BMW's M Sport models, which have M design cues but no extra power. For instance, the M Sport components on a 330i include an M sport suspension, unique 18-inch wheels, Shadowline exterior trim, an aero kit, a sunroof, satellite radio, an M steering wheel, keyless access and starting, and lumbar support adjustments. That'll improve performance, but only a bit. Have no fear, though, because BMW has 11 new true M cars cooking as well. While M Performance handles more mid-range cars, M will also take its talents to the top with more track-focused models. It began with the M4 CS, but an M3 CS will soon join the range. Next year, the report's sources added an M2 CS will arrive as well.