According to BMW Blog, the Bavarian automaker will be equipping its Z4 models with an optional manual six-speed gearbox in some markets next year, most notably the United States. It will allegedly debut alongside with the next facelift and be a different box than the one used in the related Toyota Supra.
In its current generation, the Z4 Roadster runs an eight-speed automatic transmission with no other options, so the manual will be a welcome addition. The sources claim that BMW plans to use the same ZF transmission it is already using in a number of M cars, but with some tweaks like a shorter lever and sharper shifts.
In addition to that, the model will get a revised rear suspension configuration. The M240i model will allegedly donate its suspension parts and rear differential to the next Z4. The adaptive shocks will be recalibrated for efficiency, the steering will be fine-tuned again and the front sway bar will be modified for stronger stabilization. As a result, the roadster should begin to handle like a real BMW M.
We are told that the 3.0-liter I6, manual version of the BMW Z4 M40i will start from $70,000 in the United States next year, roughly a $3,500 premium over the current price.