Not long after the first 8 Series Convertible rolled off the assembly line at BMW’s factory in Dingolfing, Germany, the brand new Z4 has now entered series production. Unlike the 8 Series Convertible, however, the Z4 isn’t being built by BMW. Instead, it’s being assembled by engineering firm Magna Steyr at its factory in Graz, Austria.
While production of the new Z4 is now underway, customers won’t have the pleasure of driving the beautiful roadster until next spring when it officially launches in March 2019.
As well as the body, both of the Z4’s engines are sourced from Austria. These include a 3.0-liter turbocharged B58 inline-six that produces 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft in the range-topping Z4 M40i and a 2.0-liter turbocharged B46 four-cylinder that delivers 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque in the base sDrive30i trim. Magna Steyr will also be assembling the highly anticipated reborn Toyota Supra, which will make its world debut at the 2019 Detroit Auto Show in January so we don’t have too long to wait.
As well as manufacturing the new Z4 and Supra, Magna Steyr has built the Mercedes G-Class at the Graz plant since the SUV's inception in 1979. It also produces the Jaguar I-Pace and E-Pace, as well as the new BMW 5 Series.
According to Automotive News, the company is considering building a new assembly plant either in North America or China. The company estimates it will assemble 200,000 cars by the end of this year, meaning the factory’s available production output will be nearly maxed out.
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