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● "The Surprising Popularity of Manual Sports Cars"... BMW Z4 M40i's Discontinuation Postponed
● The GR Supra also survives... Joint production expected to continue until May 2026
● There will be no successor to the Z4, while the Supra prepares for its next generation... The diverging paths of the two brands
Hello.
I'm Uniji, an automotive influencer (Yuka Post).
BMW and Toyota's collaborative sports cars, the Z4 and GR Supra, will likely see production extended beyond the originally planned discontinuation date, lasting until May 2026. The main reason for this extension is the exceptional increase in demand in the U.S. market, with both vehicles being assembled at Magna Steyr's plant in Austria.
The U.S. market's unexpected influence... Z4 Manual M40i gains surprising popularity
The U.S. market's unexpected influence... Z4 Manual M40i gains surprising popularity
Originally, the BMW Z4 was set to be discontinued around March to April 2026. However, recent internal decisions at BMW indicate that only the U.S. specification Z4 M40i model will continue production until May 2026. This marks a delay of about two months in the planned discontinuation.
BMW has yet to issue an official statement, but analysts suggest that the steady increase in domestic demand led to this decision. In fact, Z4 sales in the U.S. are set to reach 2,129 units in 2024, an 89.8% increase from the previous year, and sales in the first quarter of 2025 have already risen by 29% to 503 units. The Z4 M40i manual transmission model, which is at the center of this extension, is especially popular among enthusiasts. This reflects a 'last-minute demand' from fans seeking the driving pleasure of internal combustion sports cars, which are gradually disappearing. Additionally, BMW has officially stated that there are no plans for a successor to the Z4, making May 2026 the likely end of Z4 production.
The GR Supra also sees an extension... Continuing production until after the final 'Final Edition'
The GR Supra also sees an extension... Continuing production until after the final 'Final Edition'
Interestingly, the Toyota GR Supra, produced alongside the BMW Z4, will also see its production extended until May 2026. Previously, Toyota announced a 'Final Edition' for the Supra in the European and U.S. markets, suggesting a phase-out for the model. However, this production extension opens the possibility for continued production of the standard model.
BMW Z4 M40i VS Porsche 718
The BMW Z4 M40i features a 3.0L inline-six turbo engine that delivers a maximum output of 382 horsepower, maximizing driving enjoyment through its manual transmission option. This 'driver-centric' characteristic makes it an attractive option compared to the Porsche 718. However, as Porsche gradually shifts toward electrification, the Z4 and Supra emphasize their rarity as "one of the few remaining rear-wheel-drive, manual sports cars."
The Last Flicker of Internal Combustion Sports Cars
The Last Flicker of Internal Combustion Sports Cars
Despite the increasing environmental regulations and pressures for electrification leading to the gradual disappearance of internal combustion sports cars, the news of the production extension for the BMW Z4 and GR Supra seems to be a temporary response from manufacturers to the strong demand from enthusiasts.
Especially due to the demand in the U.S. market, the Z4 M40i manual model, which has been extended until May 2026, is gaining attention among domestic consumers for its rarity and value. However, the extension of sales in the domestic market has not yet been confirmed, and the decision will depend on what import strategy BMW Korea adopts, determining how much longer domestic consumers will be able to enjoy the Z4.
As interest in manual sports cars resurfaces in the domestic market, I believe we should also pay attention to the possibility of extending the Z4's availability in Korea. I appreciate your valuable opinions in the comments, and I hope you have a joyful and happy day. This concludes my post.
#BMWZ4 #GRSupra #Z4M40i #BMWKorea #ToyotaSupra #SportsCar #Convertible #Z4Discontinuation #SupraDiscontinuation #NewCarNews #Automobile #Uniji #CarIssues #CarNews
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