BMW released Tuesday pictures and specs for the production versions of the Z4 Coupe, including the much-anticipated
M-Series Coupe. However, there is some confusion in the motoring press…
Autocar reports that the car is available with a 3.2-liter,
388 hp V8, good for 0-62 mph in 5.0 sec, while SPEEDTV.com reports a 4-liter, 388 hp V8. Meanwhile, the
official specs for the M-series Coupe list only the 3.2-liter inline 6 from the M3, with 343 hp and 0-62 mph in… 5.0
sec! And, while Autocar cites both inline 6 and V8 variants of the M Coupe, SPEEDTV.com says the M will be available
only with the V8.
Perhaps they were confused by the non-M version of the Coupe – the Z4 3.0si Coupe, with a
265 hp inline 6 good for 0-62 mph in 5.7 sec. In any event, someone has their wires crossed… BWM press releases and
more pictures follow after the jump, so you can draw your own conclusions! I’m putting my money on BMW’s version of the
story, for now.
(All photos are of the M Coupe)
[Source: BMW]
BMW UK
press release – all models: (separate M-Series press release follows)
The new BMW Z4 Coupé:
Details of BMWs Z4 3.0si Coupé and M Coupé announced
01/24/2006
BMW UK has announced final specification and pricing of the forthcoming BMW Z4 3.0si Coupé
and the new BMW Z4 M Coupé. The new Z4 Coupé is due to start production at BMW’s manufacturing
facility in Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA in April 2006 with customer deliveries starting in August 2006.
BMW Z4 M Coupé:
The new high-performance BMW Z4 M Coupé generates 343hp and 365Nm of
torque from its 3.2-litre straight-six cylinder engine. Maximum power is generated at 7,900rpm while 80 per cent of the
maximum torque is available from 2,000rpm.
The renowned power and flexibility of the ‘M’ engine
contributes to a zero to 62mph time of 5.0 seconds and propels the car to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.
Power is transferred to the road via a six-speed short-shift manual transmission.
Key to the purity of
driving dynamics and handling characteristics of the Z4 Coupé is its exceptionally stiff body structure of
32,000Nm/degree. The suspension of the new Z4 M Coupé is largely the same as the recently announced BMW Z4 M
Roadster, apart from the spring and damper settings that take account of the different weight distribution of the fixed
head car. The chassis and suspension also share many common features from the benchmark BMW M3 Coupé, such as the
M variable differential and compound brake system taken directly from the M3 CSL. Also in common with the forthcoming
Roadster, the new Z4 M Coupé rides on unique, lightweight Z4 M alloy wheels shod with 225/45 ZR18 tyres on the
front and 255/40 ZR18 tyres on the rear.
From the outside, there is no mistaking the new BMW Z4 M
Coupé with its purposeful stance. The roof of the two seater is contoured for added headroom. From the sides,
the long bonnet accentuates the dramatic styling with occupants set back in true sports car style. Owners can
personalise their new BMW Z4 M Coupé with a choice of three exclusive M colours and five ‘standard’
colours.
From the front, a deep front air-dam with distinct x-shaped lines differentiates the
‘M’ car from the 3.0si. Large air scoops in the valance and two precision lines running along the bonnet
signal the car’s performance credentials. Xenon headlamps and BMW’s unique corona light rings also
accentuate the dynamism of the front view.
From the rear, the car’s wide rear wheel arches combined
with horizontal diffusers and BMW M’s trademark double-twin tailpipes creates a powerful, resolved stance.
BMW’s traditional ‘Hofmeister kink’ is integrated into the large clamshell boot lid and
shallow-sloping hatchback that hides a practical 300 litres boot capacity.
Internally, the new BMW Z4 M
Coupé features BMW’s M Sports seats covered in a choice of four nappa leather colours that provide the
highest levels of lateral support.
BMW Z4 3.0si Coupé SE / Sport:
Powered by
BMW’s innovative magnesium-alloy 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine, the new BMW Z4 3.0si Coupé develops 265hp
at 6,600rpm and peak torque of 315Nm at 2,750rpm. This powers the car from zero to 62mph in 5.7 seconds and on to an
electronically limited top speed of 155mph. These high levels of performance are not, however, at the expense of fuel
consumption with the 3.0si models delivering a combined fuel consumption of 31.7mpg.
This lightweight
engine is mated to a six-speed, close ratio manual transmission as standard, ensuring that the driver can select the
exact ratio for any given situation. Customers preferring an automatic can opt for BMW’s six-speed Sports
automatic gearbox that, like the open-top Z4, allows the driver to select gears using paddles on the steering wheel and
features blip-throttle down changes.
Like the Z4 M Coupé, the 3.0si benefits from BMW’s
tradition of near perfect 50:50 axle weight distribution, a low centre of gravity and rear-wheel-drive. All of these
traits combine in the new Z4 Coupé to deliver a dynamic, sporting drive. The new Z4 Coupé can also be
used as a cross-continent cruiser, with the 3.0si SE and Sport variants benefiting from up to 340 litres of available
boot space; 40 litres more than the M Coupé as a result of the relocation of the battery.
Externally, the silhouette of the new BMW Z4 3.0si Coupé is identical to the M variant, with the 3.0si
differentiated from the M car by styling details such as different style 18-inch alloy wheels (on the Sport model,
17-inch alloy wheels on SE models) and a revised front and rear valance, the rear featuring ‘only’ two
exhausts. The 3.0si model is available in 10 non-metallic and metallic paintwork finishes, eight interior colours and
five trim options. Customers wishing to further personalise their cars can select from a further palette of exterior
and interior colours and trims through the BMW Individual programme.
BMW UK press release – M Coupe
The BMW Z4 M Coupé:
The BMW Z4 M
Coupé is a sports car for very special moments – moments the driver may well experience every kilometre,
every mile on the road. Uncompromising, purist, and extremely powerful, this two-seater offers an unparalleled
experience of undiluted dynamism both in everyday traffic and on the race track. Without doubt, its prize-winning
3.2-litre straight-six M power unit developing maximum output of 252 kW/343 hp offers performance of the highest
conceivable standard.
Over and above the sheer power of the engine also borne out by maximum torque of 365
Newton-metres or 269 lb-ft, the BMW Z4 M Coupé stands out in particular through its chassis and suspension
designed and built to convey enormous power safely and smoothly to the road. Indeed, the unique character of this
equally unique sports car is expressed most convincingly by its high standard of agility and spontaneity in responding
to all of the driver’s commands.
While obviously being closely related to the BMW Z4 M Roadster,
this fixed-roof two-seater goes its own way also in its design and styling. The low and sleek curvature of the roof
typical of a coupé and the striking look of the car from the side make this new model unmistakable at first
sight.
The BMW Z4 M Coupé is now bringing to life the Concept Car presented by BMW at the 2005
Frankfurt Motor Show in its most sporting and dynamic rendition. A great wish and sincere hope expressed by many sports
car enthusiasts everywhere is therefore now becoming reality faster than expected. Entering the market at the same time
as the BMW Z4 Coupé 3.0si, the BMW Z4 M Coupé is the most impressive proof of the huge dynamic potential
and performance this new model variant is able to offer.
Athletic and authentic – the design of the
BMW Z4 M Coupé:
Even at very first sight, the BMW Z4 M Coupé offers a clear impression of
the purist diving pleasure this unique car is able to provide. The entire front section of the BMW Z4 M Coupé
– like that of the BMW Z4 M Roadster – emanates a thrilling sense of power and forward-urging dynamism.
This impression is accentuated above all by the powerful-looking front air dam with its distinct x-shaped lines and
openings, the large air intake scoops in the engine compartment lid, the deeply embedded radiator kidney grille, and
the two striking precision lines running along the car.
Seen from the side, the design of this two-door
sports machine with its sleek roof extending down to the rear in typical coupé style and the “Hofmeister
kick” characteristic of all BMW models, looks particularly dynamic and powerful.
This characteristic
appearance is further accentuated by the passenger cell moved far to the rear and the lowered contour of the roof in the
middle. Ultimately, therefore, both the lines of the car and its proportions convey the same convincing message: the BMW
Z4 M Coupé is low, dynamic, and fast.
The BMW Z4 M Coupé is also unmistakable, dynamic and
full of character from behind: The passenger compartment merges dynamically into the rear end of the car, giving the
rear wheel arches a particularly powerful and muscular look. The horizontal diffuser as well as the chrome-plated twin
tailpipes positioned far to the outside add a particularly striking touch. The luggage compartment offers up to 300
litres or 10.5 cubic feet capacity, giving the BMW Z4 M Coupé very generous and easily accessible space for a
sports car.
High-speed power unit for incomparable performance:
BMW’s new two-seater is
powered by the same prize-winning 3.2-litre straight-six M engine also featured in the BMW M3 and the BMW Z4 Roadster.
The engine’s performance figures are indeed impressive at very first sight: 3,246 cc displacement, 252 kW/343 hp
maximum output at an engine speed of 7,900 rpm, maximum engine speed of 8,000 rpm. And no less than 80 per cent of the
engine’s maximum torque of 365 Newton-metres or 269 lb-ft is available at the driver’s request from just
2,000 rpm.
Output per litre is 77.8kW or 106 hp, giving the BMW Z4 M Coupé a power-to-weight ratio
of just 5.6 kilos or 7.6 lb/kW. Acceleration to 100 km/h comes in 5.0 seconds and top speed is limited electronically
to 250 km/h or 155 mph.
The pleasure of shifting gears six times over:
The concept of a
high-speed engine is particularly impressive whenever the torque available is converted into optimum thrust and power
on the road by a short overall transmission ratio. And precisely this is what the BMW Z4 M Coupé has to offer,
with its six-speed manual gearbox laid out for optimum performance throughout the engine’s entire gearshift and
speed range. Short gearshift travel, precise action of the shift lever, and close increments between the six gears
– these are the typical features of this outstanding transmission.
Optimum conditions for perfect
suspension:
The superior engine and drivetrain of the BMW Z4 M Coupé are 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 nevertheless been geared specifically to the particular requirements of the fixed-head model. Just
how perfectly all the car’s components harmonise with one another is clearly proven by the BMW Z4 M Coupé
on the Nordschleife, the Northern Circuit of Nürburgring, where the Z4 M Coupé outperforms the lap times of
even the BMW M3 and the BMW Z4 M Roadster.
The chassis and suspension of the BMW Z4 M Coupé is
identical in many respects to the chassis and suspension of the BMW M3, with a wide range of shared components. One
example is the M differential lock on the rear axle, while the highly effective 18-inch compound brake system comes
straight from the BMW M3 CSL. BMW’s DSC Dynamic Stability Control, in turn, supplements the suspension with its
significant safety reserves whenever the going gets critical.
Wheels in exclusive design:
Offering a particularly light but dynamic look, the exclusive double-spoke aluminium rims allow the beholder to fully
admire the 18-inch disc brakes, thus emphasising the high-performance character of this very special two-seater. The
high-performance 225/45 ZR18 tyres at the front and 255/40 ZR18 tyres at the rear offer an ideal match for the
exceptional power and dynamism of the car.
The body: light and strong all in one:
The safe
and dynamic driving qualities of the BMW Z4 M Coupé are also attributable to the extremely strong, torsionally
and flexurally stiff structure of the body. With torsional stiffness of 32,000 Nm/o, the body of this new model sets
the standard in its segment, offering both driver and passenger passive safety of the very best: Benefiting from
perfect interaction of the body and safety systems, the car’s occupants enjoy perfect protection in virtually any
kind of accident.
The interior: concentrating on sports motoring:
The interior of the BMW Z4 M
Coupé combines a modern ambience in sporting and purist look with a supreme standard of sophisticated style,
design and function all coming together in one harmonious concept. The cockpit is tailored consistently to the driver,
with all controls and instruments placed perfectly on or around the steering wheel for supreme ergonomics.
Multi-function buttons featured as standard help the driver concentrate on the essential, operating the telephone or
audio system at the touch of a finger, without having to take his hand off the steering wheel.
The M
sports seat offers perfect body support and gives the driver reliable feedback at all times. The M leather steering
wheel with perfect grip, in turn, features a strong rim profile and thumb contours for secure grip and precise handling
at all times. The speedometer and rev counter naturally come with red needles in the typical style of BMW M. Another
highlight of the M models is the variable engine speed pre-warning field in the rev counter, the yellow pre-warning and
red warning field limiting the engine speed allowed in each case as a function of current engine oil temperature. So
with the temperature of the engine oil increasing, the engine is able to rev faster and move up to a higher speed
range. And last but certainly not least, the BMW Z4 M Coupé stands out from the BMW Z4 Coupé 3.0si also
in the design of the gearshift lever knob, the door cutout trim strips, the air conditioning and fresh air nozzles
finished in galvanic alloy-treated pearl gloss chrome, as well as the door openers and closing handles.
Colours and design variants:
A selection of four leather colours, two choices of soft nappa leather
varying
in its degree of finish, as well as three exclusive trim variants ensure supreme style and individual
freedom within the passenger compartment. Three exclusive M paintwork colours and five additional exterior colour
options enable the customer to give his – or her – BMW Z4 M Coupé a very personal touch.
Wide range of standard equipment:
The BMW Z4 M Coupé comes with static bi-xenon headlights for
optimum high- and low-beam quality ensuring perfect visibility under all conditions. Two light rings in the headlights,
in turn, provide that typical look so characteristic of BMW. Another standard feature is the two-stage Brake Force
Display significantly enhancing traffic safety whenever required: With the driver braking hard or with the ABS
anti-lock brakes intervening, the area covered by the rear lights is enlarged accordingly.
Further
standard features include automatic air conditioning, a CD radio, an on-board computer, sports seats in leather, a
multifunction steering wheel, as well as a tyre pressure warning system.
Optional: top-end HiFi
systems:
As an alternative to the “regular” sound system, two HiFi systems available as an
option ensure truly excellent brilliance and performance at all times. The high-end Professional system even uses the
most advanced Carver technology able to generate enormous sound pressure by combining the volume of the right and left
subwoofers.
Two navigation systems with DVD memory as an option:
The Business navigation
system integrated in the instrument panel uses a DVD comprising geographic data for the whole of Europe. A further
highlight is that this system also enables the driver to operate the on-board computer, radio and telephone from the
same control panel.
The Professional navigation system, in turn, comes with a 16 : 9 colour monitor
adjustable or folding in entirely either electrically or by hand. And the use of innovative film technology on the
surface of the screen makes the display clear and easy to read under all light conditions.