As the auto world barrels toward an electrified future, one embattled combustion hero has earned a shock stay of execution. The BMW Z4, once assumed to vanish quietly in October 2025, is now roaring into extra innings—at least in America.
According to insider whispers reported by Bimmer Post and corroborated by BMW Blog, BMW has extended the production of its Z4 roadster until May 2026, keeping the iconic nameplate alive for eight more adrenaline-filled months. But there’s a twist: only one variant is being saved from the axe—the US-spec M40i.
Why the Hail Mary pass? Analysts point to the surging demand sparked by the six-speed manual gearbox recently introduced for the M40i trim in the United States. With a 4.2% global sales increase in the first quarter of the year, and America’s more lenient emissions regulations giving internal combustion one last playground, Munich’s decision appears driven by a mix of passion, pragmatism, and profit.
Meanwhile, the Z4’s platform sibling, the Toyota GR Supra, is also confirmed to last until May 2026. Toyota had already unveiled “Final Edition” models for both the U.S. and Europe, a clear indicator of the endgame. Both cars are currently being built at Magna Steyr’s plant in Austria, and as the clock ticks toward their shared expiration date, neither brand has confirmed an official replacement for their current configurations.
The Z4, in particular, faces a total sunset. Unlike Toyota, which has confirmed a next-generation Supra is in development—though its powertrain remains a mystery—BMW has not announced any successor to the Z4, essentially marking this extension as a last hurrah.
Frank Van Meel, head of BMW M, has remained silent on official plans, but the extended run is widely seen as a nod to the Z4’s continued popularity in the U.S. market, where emotional, analog driving experiences still find loyal fans even as electric dominance looms.
As 2026 looms, the Z4’s fate will join a growing list of fallen ICE warriors. For now, though, the manual M40i stands defiant—an ode to those who still believe that a great sports car should bark, growl, and shift under your fingertips.
Expect more updates as official statements from BMW and Toyota are pending. Until then, start your engines—while you still can.
