BMW (Kind Of) Announces Production-Spec Z4 Will Debut At Pebble Beach

The all-new M850i and M8 Gran Coupe Concept will also be making their North American debuts.

We figured this was a very likely possibility and now it’s been confirmed, for the most part. BMW has just announced it will unveil a world premiere production car next month at Pebble Beach during Monterey Car Week. A press conference will be held on Thursday, August 23 at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Reviewing Stand. Not only will the new M850i Coupe and Concept M8 Gran Coupe be making their North American debuts, but also something else: the next generation Z4 roadster in its full production glory.

However, BMW does not explicitly state the new Z4 will be the “world premiere,” but it’s a very fair assumption given past statements and direct hints from a few BMW executives. Also, it was at Pebble Beach last August when the stunning Z4 Concept debuted for the world to see, so it makes complete sense for the production version to do the same exactly a year later. Another clear indicator of the Z4’s very likely reveal is the fact that BMW President and CEO of North America, Bernhard Kuhnt, will be one of the speakers, along with BMW Design Head Jozef Kaban.

Having the new 8 Series Coupe and M8 Gran Coupe Concept make an appearance is also no mistake given that both are part of the flagship 8 Series. Pebble Beach draws an extremely wealthy crowd, many of whom will be anxious to see the reborn 8 Series in the flesh for the first time. If it’s out of one’s budget, then the all-new Z4 will be there as an alternative.

Production-Spec Lexus UX Could Debut This Spring

Wanted: a not so bland replacement for the CT200h.

It’s hard to forget something that looks like the Lexus UX, a subcompact crossover concept that debuted at the 2016 Paris Motor Show. While most concepts feature more outlandish styling than any potential production versions, the UX is, of course, a Lexus. As we were recently reminded at Detroit, that aggressive styling is here to stay. Car Magazine is now predicting Lexus will unveil a UX production version this March at Geneva, and chances are that styling will only be slightly toned down.

It actually makes complete sense for a production version because the sub-compact crossover segment, both luxury and non-luxury, is heating up. For example, there’s the BMW X1 and Audi Q3. Why would Lexus allow itself to be left high and dry when there’s money to be made? If the production-spec UX was greenlit, expect for it to ride on the same platform as the Toyota C-HR. Lexus is also looking to fill the void in its lineup recently left by the now discontinued CT200h. The UX would essentially serve as the brand’s new entry-level model. At the other end of this segment, is the possibility of an upcoming three-row crossover. This was just previewed a couple of weeks ago at Detroit with the LF-1 Limitless Concept.

If that were to make production, unlikely before 2020, then it would serve as the Lexus crossover flagship. During our recent conversations with Lexus, more than one official admitted the sedan segment is suffering because of crossovers, so the brand will adapt accordingly. This does not mean Lexus will toss in the towel for its sedans, but more niche models, mainly the RC and RC F coupes, could have a more unclear future. However, Lexus also told us an LFA successor is still a very real possibility. The LC is the Lexus halo car at the moment, but eventually it’ll need to be replaced. As far as the UX crossover goes, expect to see teaser images arrive very soon if that Geneva debut is indeed planned.