The BMW Z4 may have waited seven years between its first and second generation, but the two-door roadster will be seeing a few updates come 2012 when its scheduled to get a minor facelift at its early age. As of now, there isn't a lot of talk about exterior or interior updates, but the inner workings of the Z4 will surely get a dose of modernization with a new engine.

The current US line-up for the Z4 includes three models: Z4 sDrive30i, Z4 sDrive35i, and Z4 sDrive35is. The entry level model is powered by a 3.0-liter, inline 6-cylinder engine that delivers 255 HP, but that will be changing next year when the six-cylinder engine is dropped in favor of a turbocharged four-cylinder powerplant. BMW->ke178 has promised that this new engine will deliver the same amount of power as the engine it replaces. All that says to us is that the difference will be completely auditory as turbocharged engines always sounds better. This four cylinder is rumored to plant itself in the BMW 328i as well.

Hit the jump to read more about the 2012 BMW Z4.

**2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is pictured above.

2012 BMW Z4

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  • Model: 2012 BMW Z4
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Exterior and Interior

No major changes are expected for the 2012 Z4, but Cars.com reports that the Z4 may be seeing some design elements from the CS Concept revealed back in 2007. We don't know if there is much truth to that, but we see the Z4 carrying along with the same large, upright BMW kidney grille, wide air intake, and the dual round headlights, typical of the BMW brand.

The Engine

The entry level version will be powered by a new turbocharged four-cylinder powerplant, but the output will remain at 255hp. The Z4 sDrive35i, however, will remain unchanged. It will carry the same 3.0-liter, inline 6-cylinder engine that delivers 300 HP. The bad news is that the top speed will still be limited to 155 mph.

2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is

When Can I Buy One?

The 2012 BMW Z4 is expected to debut by late 2011, with sales beginning in early 2012. Expect the four-cylinder engine model to be much cheaper than the current model which starts at $46,500.

The Competition

The list of competitors for the BMW Z4 is quite long and includes models like the Porsche Boxster and the Nissan 370Z Roadster.

The Porsche Boxster is powered by a 2.9-liter engine that delivers 255 bhp, while the S version gets a 3.4-liter power unit that delivers 310 hp (up 15hp). Prices start at $47,600 for the Boxster and $58,000 for the Boxster S.

Priced from $36,970, the Nissan 370Z Roadster is powered by a 3.7 Liter DOHC V6 engine that delivers a total of 332 HP.

We don't know about anyone else, but BMW may have to do a little more with the 2012 Z4 to even stand a chance at competing with its rivals. With all of the new models surfacing, the Z4 may need a swift kick in the bumper to get up to speed.