BMW is lining up the Porsche Boxter in its sights and will do so with the next-generation Z4, according to a report from Insideline. The report comes from well-placed company sources, which also say the Z4 will be sportier than the previous versions. This means that the next Z4 will be more of a driver's car than the current Z4 and the previous Z3.

The next Z4 will go through some design changes. The new car will have its long hood shortened but it will have minimal impact on the overall design of the car. It seems that there are a lot of people out there who likes the shape of the current model and the German carmaker does not want to turn away current fans.

The report also says that the current four-cylinder turbocharged N20 engine, which powers the current Z4, could also be found in the next Z4. The lighter engine would give the two-seater roadster a more favourable weight distribution for better handling performance.

The new Z4 is planned for a 2015 launch date. Little else can be pried from the report. You can read it in full here.