This past Thursday the final BMW Z4 of the current generation rolled off the production line at BMW's Spartanburg manufacturing plant in North Carolina. It marks the end of an era for the facility which has built more than 200,000 Z4s over the past seven years with production being shifted over to Germany for the new model.
“It’s been a great car for the plant and although the BMW Z4 put us on the map, it doesn't define us” said Bobby Hitt, BMW Manufacturing spokesman referring to the future plans of the facility.
The plant is currently undergoing a massive $750 million expansion which will add a 1.2 million square foot assembly facility as well as expand the paint shop. The results will see the X5, X6 and the next generation X3 assembled at the plant.
The next generation model is expected to debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November, it may be unveiled as a concept version initially but as with previous BMW concepts (M3,X6), styling would not differ much come production time.
BMW will continue to offer a large range of engines which will include the twin-turbo 3.0-liter from the 335i and the Z4 M is set to get the new 4.0 liter V8 from the M3. There are also rumours of a diesel being available.
September 2, 2008 5:00 PM by Clinton Deacon
Filed Under: Corporate/Financial BMW