BMW Z4 Coupe

The new two-seater Z4 Coupe and Z4 M Coupe are a dynamic duo for those special occasions.

Now both of these classy two-seaters are destined for Australia in the second-half of 2006.

Whether it is driving through tight mountain roads, enjoying comfortable point-to-point long-distance touring, or just cruising the highways, the BMW Z4 Coupe and Z4 M Coupe are the consummate high-performance machines for demanding high-performance lifestyles.

The Z4 Coupe and Z4 M Coupe were conceived from the start for the highest standards of sports motoring. Both feature a weight-optimised body, with a chassis and suspension that are superbly matched for every situation. In keeping with the BMW philosophy of building cars for drivers, the Z4 Coupe boasts a class-leading 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine while the Z4 M Coupe has a powerful 3.2-litre six cylinder.

From the moment, the BMW Z4 Coupe Concept Car was presented at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show, it aroused emotions and created great expectations.

Now those expectations can be fulfilled.

Both will join the successful Z4 Roadster. Like the Roadster, the Z4 Coupe and Z4 M Coupe will be built at the BMW Z4 factory in Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA.

With a classic coupe silhouette and the “Hofmeister kick” on the rear side windows so typical of the brand, the BMW Z4 Coupe and Z4 M Coupe stand out as truly sporting BMWs.

The flowing roof line visibly moves the car’s centre of gravity to the rear, right above the rear axle. This impression is then further accentuated by the concave curvature in the middle of the roof; all of the car’s design elements achieve a harmony that provides a powerful, forward-moving dynamic thrust. From behind, the Coupe looks low, dynamic and fast. The tail lights follow a slightly sweeping line that takes in the flowing shape of the rear spoiler.

Under the steeply racked tailgate is a surprising amount of luggage room in the large, deep boot. With a capacity of up to 340 litres – 300 litres in the BMW Z4 M Coupe - the BMW Z4 Coupe has luggage space quite exceptional for a two-seater. It is even able to carry two golf bags. The integrated roll-up cover extends over a volume of 285 litres to hide precious items from prying eyes.

Luggage space is further complemented by a glove box, two door pockets and a 10 litre compartment in the rear bulkhead that locks automatically with the central locking. Two further boxes to the left and right of this central compartment offer a capacity of 3.7 litres each.

The tailgate is opened via the lock housed conveniently and out of sight in the BMW logo.

Using the BMW Z4 Roadster as a template, both the Z4 Coupe and Z4 M Coupe are only sightly heavier than their open-top sibling. Lightweight technology abounds with a bonnet made of aluminium, the rollover safety system integrated into the bodyshell and roof structure and the use of high-strength steel.

The BMW Z4 Coupe

Powering the BMW Z4 Coupe is the 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine that has won the Engine of the Year Award several times. The VALVETRONIC and BMW double-VANOS engine boasts a maximum output of 195 kW at 6,600 rpm with a torque peak of 315 Nm consistently all the way from 2,500 to 4,000 rpm. The 3.0-litre also complies with Euro 4 and ULEV II emission standards. The 3.0-litre is not only easy on the environment but also returns outstanding fuel economy. It will return 8.6 litres per 100 kilometres in the EU test cycle. Of course, a stylish two-seater must also offer performance. The BMW Z4 Coupe takes just 5.7 seconds to sprint from zero to 100 km/h with the car accelerating from 80 km/h to 120 km/h in further gear in just 5.2 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.

Weighing just 161 kilos, this engine is the lightest engine in the world in its performance class by virtue of its magnesium-aluminium construction.

Give the car’s performance potential, BMW has delivered a chassis and driving dynamics that will satisfy the most demanding driver.

The chassis and suspension is set up for superb on-road handling and traction. Like all true sports cars, the BMW Z4 Coupe is rear drive with a well-balanced axle load distribution and low centre of gravity to aid driving performance. Electro-mechanical power steering aids the dynamic and agile set-up of the car.

To complement the superb handling BMW has added DSC Dynamic Stability Control with ASC Automatic Stability Control and CBC Cornering Brake Control.

DSC offers high levels of active safety while ASC is designed to specifically control slip of the drive wheels by reducing engine output when required, applying the brakes selectively on a drive wheel about to spin. CBC, in turn, reduces any oversteer by controlling brake pressure asymmetrically whenever the brakes are applied slightly in a bend.

Added to this trio of safety devices is DTC Dynamic Traction Control, which maximises brake pressure whenever required, for example, in an emergency braking manoeuvre, to keep stopping distances to a minimum.

Like all BMWs the Z4 Coupe cockpit is tailored to the driver. All controls and instruments are perfectly positioned in a sound ergonomic arrangement.

Like the BMW 1 Series, 3 Series and 6 Series, the Z4 Coupe will feature runflat tyres as standard with the Z4 M Coupe using a small compressor and a rapid-action sealant, which enables the car to be driven at a reduced speed of 80 km/h. Doing without a spare or car jack in the Z4 M Coupe saves more than 20 kilos.

The BMW Z4 Coupe will be available with either a six-speed manual transmission, or six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission with paddle shifts.

BMW Z4 M Coupe

The BMW Z4 M Coupe
Being based on the BMW Z4 M Roadster means the Z4 M Coupe is not only one of the most powerful and dynamic two-seaters available, but the Coupe benefits from extra stiffness provided by the design of the fixed roof.

The result is an extremely strong body in terms of both torsional and flexural stiffness. Despite the addition of the roof, rear hatch and extra weight of the rear windows, the BMW Z4 M Coupe is just 5 kilos heavier than the Z4 M Roadster.

This low weight and high power of the 3.2-litre six-cylinder engine provide an outstanding power-to-weight ratio of just 6.6 kg or 14.5 lb per kilowatt of engine power.

Indeed, the 3.2-litre six-cylinder is one of the world’s truly great engines. It is the same straight-six M engine that also features in the BMW M3 and BMW Z4 M Roadster. Its vital statistics are impressive, with a displacement of 3,246 cc, 252 kW maximum output at an engine speed of 7,900 rpm and a maximum engine speed of 8,000 rpm. No less than 80 per cent of the engine’s maximum torque of 365 Nm is available from just 2,000 rpm. A zero to 100 km/h sprint takes just 5.0 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.

Of course, flexibility is the key to the engine in the BMW Z4 M Coupe. It is mated to a standard six-speed manual gearbox that allows the right gear, at the right time.

The superior engine and drivetrain of the BMW Z4 M Coupe is matched by an equally superior high-performance suspension. In its basic concept, the suspension is identical to that of the BMW Z4 M Roadster, but has been geared specifically to the particular requirements of the Coupe.

This high degree of dynamic superiority was clearly proven by the BMW Z4 M Coupe on the Nordschleife, the Northern Circuit of Nurburgring, where the Z4 M Coupe outperforms the lap times of even the BMW M3 and the BMW Z4 M Roadster.

The chassis and suspension borrows key elements from the BMW M3. One example is the M differential lock on the rear axle, while the impressive 18-inch compound brake system comes straight from the BMW M3 CSL. The BMW DSC Dynamic Stability Control supplements the suspension with significant reserves of safety when required.

Visually the BMW Z4 M Coupe offers the unmistakable M styling cues. The on-road stance is accentuated by a powerful-looking front air dam with its distinct X-shaped lines and openings, large air intake scoops and the deeply imbedded kidney grille, all complemented by 18-inch wheels and exclusive double-spoke light-alloy rims in typical M design that fill out the dynamic wheel arches with purpose.

At the rear there is an extra-wide brake light, and the distinctive M chrome-plated dual exhausts at the extremities with a horizontally-arranged diffuser in between.

The high-performance 225/45 ZR18 tyres at the front and 255/40 ZR18 tyres at the rear are perfectly matched to the power and dynamism of the car.

Inside M touches abound with the colour of the instruments typical of the BMW M philosophy with red needles combined with permanent white illumination. The M logo is also apparent as soon as you open the doors, being not only engraved in the sills but also on the leather headrests, the steering wheel and illuminated gear shift knob. High-quality Anthracite-coloured roof lining fabric adds a touch of class.

Further detailed information on local prices and specifications on both the BMW Z4 Coupe and Z4 M Coupe will be announced closer to the local launch.

© Copyright 2006 Driveguide.com.au

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