It’ has been three years since we got the G29 generation of the BMW Z4. It is common knowledge that the Bavarian roadster and the Toyota GR Supra share a chassis and an engine, although Toyota has reportedly done its own tweaks. While we already know what to expect from the 2023 GR Supra, we expected its technological twin, the Z4, to also get a refresh. As it turns out, we were right to expect it since the BMW Z4 facelift prototype has been spotted in Munich.

BMW Z4 Spyshots - What's Changing?

The revised version of the roadster is still heavily camouflaged, but we know that the biggest difference will be the transmission. While the glorious, ZF eight-speed automatic will still be available, we know that the BWM Z4 G29 LCI will also offer a six-speed manual. In fact, it is the same six-speed manual recently introduced in the 2023 Toyota GR Supra, which is actually a BMW unit. We know the manual-equipped GR Supra will stand out with a different wheel design and fewer color options. That said, this may not be the case for the BMW Z4.

Will the 2023 BMW Z4 have more horsepower?

As for the engine, BMW has not yet confirmed whether the G29 LCI will get a bump in power. What we expect is for the B58, 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six to get “a bump in power” to just over 400 horsepower, which ironically, is exactly what the engine makes, as proven by numerous dyno tests. You will notice that the headlights and taillights of the camouflaged prototype are completely uncovered, and seem to be identical to the current Z4. With that said, BMW is believed to be doing some rigorous hardware testing and what you see here may not be the final production version.

You may not have known this, but the BMW Z4 G29 actually came with a six-speed manual. It was made available in July 2019, but only for the 20i model, which is not available in all markets. As for the fate of the Z4, this may be the end of the line for the model. BMW is expected to keep the G29 LCI for around three years after which some sort of EV equivalent will likely arrive in its place. The Z series was never the bestseller of the BMW lineup and in a time when manufacturers are cutting their losses, it’s likely that we won’t be getting another Z4. With that said, you will have to find solace in the fact that, in its final days, the BMW Z4 managed to become that much more engaging to drive. The refreshed Bavarian roadster is expected to debut late in 2022.