BMW will use the 2009 NAIAS to debut their all-new Z4 sports car. The new Z-car (sorry Nissan) has grown a bit, softened the styling a tad, and has added a folding hardtop. Power will come from the existing 3.0 6-cylinder engines. The naturally-aspirated sDrive30i puts out 255 hp, and the twin-turbo sDrive35i offers 300 hp. The base model (I hate those silly names) will come with either a 6-speed manual of 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. The twin-turbo will be offered with the 6-speed manual and a 7-speed dual-clutch tranny.

I've never been a fan of the Z3 or Z4 in terms of styling. This one, now with numerous 7-Series styling cues, is better than the past models, but it's still not my cup of tea. Hopefully  my mind will be changed once I see it in the flesh.

Full story here, including a bunch of images.

Here's Inside Line's take: 2009 Detroit Auto Show: 2009 BMW Z4

GM only owned 3% of tiny Suzuki, but they're desperate for cash, so they sold their stake back to Suzuki. That gave the General $230 million–and every little million helps.

Suzuki claims this will have no impact on their future plans. In fact the two automakers will continue working together despite the sale. "We are committed to continue promoting and implementing not only our existing projects, including development collaboration on advanced automotive technologies, but also collaboration on entries in new emerging markets," Suzuki said in a news release.

Full story here at Carscoop.com.