BMW: Z4 News
#1
Moderator Alumnus
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Washington DC (NOVA)
Age: 52
Posts: 16,399
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
8 Posts
BMW: Z4 News
Comments by BMW execs and media speculation led us to suspect the days of BMW offering an M Roadster were over, or on extended hiatus. Our spy shooter ended the speculation, snapping this M version Z4 in Europe with noticeable fascia modifications. It’s expected to house the same 3.2-liter straight six and six-speed tranny that powers the M3.
The U.S. edition could get 333 horsepower, up 18 hp from the previous-generation M Roadster, and be ready for the 2004 model year—just in time to bolster sagging M production numbers. Although BMW’s performance division has been sizzling in years past (27,000 units worldwide in ’02), the automaker said it expects a significant slowdown in M production for 2003, due to a gloomy economy, war concerns and model changeovers. This and the next M5 should bolster M output afterward.
The U.S. edition could get 333 horsepower, up 18 hp from the previous-generation M Roadster, and be ready for the 2004 model year—just in time to bolster sagging M production numbers. Although BMW’s performance division has been sizzling in years past (27,000 units worldwide in ’02), the automaker said it expects a significant slowdown in M production for 2003, due to a gloomy economy, war concerns and model changeovers. This and the next M5 should bolster M output afterward.
#4
Moderator Alumnus
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Washington DC (NOVA)
Age: 52
Posts: 16,399
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
8 Posts
When the Z4 first came out everyone was convinced that BMW will not do an M version of it. There would have been a 260HP version of unknown denotation they were saying. I hope we see an M Roadster with the 333HP M3 engine in it for about $55K.
#5
Safety Car
dam 333 hp? thats pretty cool, except thats quite pricy...the recent M roadster started at the mid 40's right? 55 is a lot...i'd actually rather then a slk 32 amg for that, which is probably a lot more comfortable and with a hardtop convertible
#6
Certified Lurker
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: East Hanover NJ
Age: 40
Posts: 1,366
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
There is absolutly no evedence in those pics that that is an M version, i see no difference at all except the body kit...if it was the M version i would expect there to be quad exsausts and some type of different badging where the BMW symbol is on the side, like the last gen M roadster had.
No wonder why M sales are sliping, they have 2 models, and one is about to go away with the intro of the new 5 series, and i dont expect the M version of the 5 to be out for atleast a year after, leaving only the M3....compare that with mercedes which has an AMG version of every model and no wonder why it outsells M.
No wonder why M sales are sliping, they have 2 models, and one is about to go away with the intro of the new 5 series, and i dont expect the M version of the 5 to be out for atleast a year after, leaving only the M3....compare that with mercedes which has an AMG version of every model and no wonder why it outsells M.
#7
Moderator Alumnus
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Washington DC (NOVA)
Age: 52
Posts: 16,399
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
8 Posts
BMW Rumor: MZ4 = No Go
Although we personally think the new Z4 is the best looking exterior design of all the latest BMW's (That's not saying much!), the market is saying "No" with their wallets.
Z4 Sales in the US have been Ho-Hum and they have been miserable in Europe.
Hence, the rumor mill says BMW has cancelled plans for the MZ4.
Sources also tell us, the 1-series won't make it to the US, becuase of previous failures in the hatchback market.
Auto spies perspective: Yes, the design of the Z4 has something to do with the lukewarm reception but we think it isn't just a BMW phenomenon or problem...The question you have to ask your self is: "Who the hell needs a 40K + glorified Miata?". The same problem is occuring with Boxsters, SLK's and the likes because the demand was met for this type of vehicle two years ago. Also, they just aren't practical anymore...They're great for a couple hours once in a while, but get tiresome soon after that AND they're way too small for most people. We say if you're in the market for a car in that price range, buy an Infiniti FX35 or a Nissan Murano...they're more practical and they're a hell of a lot of fun!
Z4 Sales in the US have been Ho-Hum and they have been miserable in Europe.
Hence, the rumor mill says BMW has cancelled plans for the MZ4.
Sources also tell us, the 1-series won't make it to the US, becuase of previous failures in the hatchback market.
Auto spies perspective: Yes, the design of the Z4 has something to do with the lukewarm reception but we think it isn't just a BMW phenomenon or problem...The question you have to ask your self is: "Who the hell needs a 40K + glorified Miata?". The same problem is occuring with Boxsters, SLK's and the likes because the demand was met for this type of vehicle two years ago. Also, they just aren't practical anymore...They're great for a couple hours once in a while, but get tiresome soon after that AND they're way too small for most people. We say if you're in the market for a car in that price range, buy an Infiniti FX35 or a Nissan Murano...they're more practical and they're a hell of a lot of fun!
Trending Topics
#11
Instructor
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Bay Area, California
Posts: 208
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The Z4 design is horrible. One example is the wheel wells. Everybody I know loved the fact that in Z3, previous 5 series, 7 series and current 3, the wheels filled the wheel wells and there was a slight flare with a lip to it. It was an aggressive, yet tailored look. The new lip flares a little and then is cut off, with a signficant wheel gap. This is just one example of how Bangle has managed to screw up great designs.
Of course, from the looks of it, MBZ is faring no better with the new SLK.
Of course, from the looks of it, MBZ is faring no better with the new SLK.
#13
How long do you guys think Bangle has before they stick his ugly ass designs up his ass and send him back to America?
He could get a job with Pontiac easy. I went to the BMW dealer this past weekend. THe E46 and E39 3 and 5 are their best looking cars and they are the oldest. The 7 looks like crap front and rear and the Z4 is horrible, period.
#14
Moderator Alumnus
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Washington DC (NOVA)
Age: 52
Posts: 16,399
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
8 Posts
I never liked how the previous 5 series looked. I am not sure about the new 5 series, I will have to see the car up-close to make a decision.
The Z4 looks great to me.
The new 7, does not. I have more complaints about the new 7's interior design and materials used than the exterior in general.
The current 3 series is nothing to brag home about. Especially the coupes need a lot more "aggressiveness" to make you say "ah, that's a nice looking coupe". I prefer the G35C over all 3xxCIs.
The Z3 looked great, I prefer the Z4 though.
The X5 needs is OK. Nothing to brag home about either.
The new 6 series, looks OK, though I think it will look even better live.
The M Coupe and Z Coupe was ugly in the beginning but believe it or not, now that it's discontinued looks OK to me. Risky but OK.
Bottom line, no BMW ever made me say "not that's a good looking car" (and I am excluding the 8 series and the previous 6 series).
The Z4 looks great to me.
The new 7, does not. I have more complaints about the new 7's interior design and materials used than the exterior in general.
The current 3 series is nothing to brag home about. Especially the coupes need a lot more "aggressiveness" to make you say "ah, that's a nice looking coupe". I prefer the G35C over all 3xxCIs.
The Z3 looked great, I prefer the Z4 though.
The X5 needs is OK. Nothing to brag home about either.
The new 6 series, looks OK, though I think it will look even better live.
The M Coupe and Z Coupe was ugly in the beginning but believe it or not, now that it's discontinued looks OK to me. Risky but OK.
Bottom line, no BMW ever made me say "not that's a good looking car" (and I am excluding the 8 series and the previous 6 series).
#15
is Pretty Much a Moron
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Rochester, NY
Age: 38
Posts: 8,140
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
1 Post
Originally posted by gavriil
I never liked how the previous 5 series looked. I am not sure about the new 5 series, I will have to see the car up-close to make a decision.
I think the last gen 5 has a timeless, classy, but sporty style to it. One of the best BMW ever produced.
The Z4 looks great to me.
I think I agree, the Z4 looks great from some angles, and ok from others. The best of Bangle's designs.
The new 7, does not. I have more complaints about the new 7's interior design and materials used than the exterior in general.
I can't get past that exterior to see the inside though
The current 3 series is nothing to brag home about. Especially the coupes need a lot more "aggressiveness" to make you say "ah, that's a nice looking coupe". I prefer the G35C over all 3xxCIs.
I LOVE the new restyled 3 coupes, the ones before the '04 facelift had ugly noses.
The Z3 looked great, I prefer the Z4 though.
Z3, Z4, they both have the same score with me.
The X5 needs is OK. Nothing to brag home about either.
I like the X5 alot, beats that new X3 in every way.
The new 6 series, looks OK, though I think it will look even better live.
While the 6 is ok, it has the same really strange tail design as the seven. The trunk sits too high, and looks like it was added on at the end.
The M Coupe and Z Coupe was ugly in the beginning but believe it or not, now that it's discontinued looks OK to me. Risky but OK.
Never cared for those.
Bottom line, no BMW ever made me say "not that's a good looking car" (and I am excluding the 8 series and the previous 6 series).
I never liked how the previous 5 series looked. I am not sure about the new 5 series, I will have to see the car up-close to make a decision.
I think the last gen 5 has a timeless, classy, but sporty style to it. One of the best BMW ever produced.
The Z4 looks great to me.
I think I agree, the Z4 looks great from some angles, and ok from others. The best of Bangle's designs.
The new 7, does not. I have more complaints about the new 7's interior design and materials used than the exterior in general.
I can't get past that exterior to see the inside though
The current 3 series is nothing to brag home about. Especially the coupes need a lot more "aggressiveness" to make you say "ah, that's a nice looking coupe". I prefer the G35C over all 3xxCIs.
I LOVE the new restyled 3 coupes, the ones before the '04 facelift had ugly noses.
The Z3 looked great, I prefer the Z4 though.
Z3, Z4, they both have the same score with me.
The X5 needs is OK. Nothing to brag home about either.
I like the X5 alot, beats that new X3 in every way.
The new 6 series, looks OK, though I think it will look even better live.
While the 6 is ok, it has the same really strange tail design as the seven. The trunk sits too high, and looks like it was added on at the end.
The M Coupe and Z Coupe was ugly in the beginning but believe it or not, now that it's discontinued looks OK to me. Risky but OK.
Never cared for those.
Bottom line, no BMW ever made me say "not that's a good looking car" (and I am excluding the 8 series and the previous 6 series).
#16
The sizzle in the Steak
Originally posted by 1SICKLEX
He could get a job with Pontiac easy.
He could get a job with Pontiac easy.
#20
The Third Ball
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Los Angeles, Ca
Age: 45
Posts: 49,393
Received 5,056 Likes
on
2,688 Posts
That is truly phalic.
Ambiguosly Gay Duo phalic.
Ambiguosly Gay Duo phalic.
#21
Moderator Alumnus
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Washington DC (NOVA)
Age: 52
Posts: 16,399
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
8 Posts
Originally posted by sarlacc23
That is truly phalic.
Ambiguosly Gay Duo phalic.
That is truly phalic.
Ambiguosly Gay Duo phalic.
Hahahaha.... I assume you mean "PHALLIC".
Phallic: Of, relating to, or resembling a phallus
Phallus: Anatomy. 1. The penis. 2. The sexually undifferentiated tissue in an embryo that becomes the penis or clitoris.
Hehehe... Where did you come up with this word?
#24
The Third Ball
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Los Angeles, Ca
Age: 45
Posts: 49,393
Received 5,056 Likes
on
2,688 Posts
Originally posted by gavriil
Hahahaha.... I assume you mean "PHALLIC".
Phallic: Of, relating to, or resembling a phallus
Phallus: Anatomy. 1. The penis. 2. The sexually undifferentiated tissue in an embryo that becomes the penis or clitoris.
Hehehe... Where did you come up with this word?
Hahahaha.... I assume you mean "PHALLIC".
Phallic: Of, relating to, or resembling a phallus
Phallus: Anatomy. 1. The penis. 2. The sexually undifferentiated tissue in an embryo that becomes the penis or clitoris.
Hehehe... Where did you come up with this word?
#25
Three Wheelin'
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 1,754
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by gavriil
Hahahaha.... I assume you mean "PHALLIC".
Phallic: Of, relating to, or resembling a phallus
Phallus: Anatomy. 1. The penis. 2. The sexually undifferentiated tissue in an embryo that becomes the penis or clitoris.
Hehehe... Where did you come up with this word?
Hahahaha.... I assume you mean "PHALLIC".
Phallic: Of, relating to, or resembling a phallus
Phallus: Anatomy. 1. The penis. 2. The sexually undifferentiated tissue in an embryo that becomes the penis or clitoris.
Hehehe... Where did you come up with this word?
#26
Senior Moderator
Originally posted by Y2K3CL-S
wasn't it originally supposed to look like this
wasn't it originally supposed to look like this
#31
an adult perspective
Gentlemen, you are quite mis-informed. This information is over a year old. The picture I posted, plus two others, are dated Aug 2002. All the associated articles speak to this car as being a coupe version of the (then) upcoming Z4.
http://www.webwombat.com.au/motoring...s/3_08_ger.htm
http://www.wheels24.co.za/Wheels24/N...248710,00.html
http://www.webwombat.com.au/motoring...s/3_08_ger.htm
http://www.wheels24.co.za/Wheels24/N...248710,00.html
#32
Moderator Alumnus
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Washington DC (NOVA)
Age: 52
Posts: 16,399
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
8 Posts
Spied: 2005 BMW Z4 M possibly with a V8
German finesse, Detroit exposure.
by Hans Lehmann/Hidden Image (2003-10-27)
As can be seen from these shots from Nürburgring, BMW is about to bring out a hot M version of the Z4.
According to rumours, the Z4 M Roadster will make its debut at the January 2004 Detroit Motor Show, most likely featuring either a V-8 engine delivering 350 hp or an in-line six delivering 343 bhp from the current M3.
The Z4 M can be distinguished from the standard model by its big front skirt with large air intakes and four exhaust pipes. During the high-speed tests at Nürburgring, the pictured prototype has mounted different alloy wheels.
#34
Certified Lurker
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: East Hanover NJ
Age: 40
Posts: 1,366
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Still looks horrible, but i bet that thing will be fast as hell.
On a side note, i actualy liked the photoshoped Z4 coupe from the first page.
I loved the M coupe, my favorite car BMW ever made.
On a side note, i actualy liked the photoshoped Z4 coupe from the first page.
I loved the M coupe, my favorite car BMW ever made.
#35
Moderator Alumnus
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Washington DC (NOVA)
Age: 52
Posts: 16,399
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
8 Posts
Originally posted by Collective27
Still looks horrible, but i bet that thing will be fast as hell.
On a side note, i actualy liked the photoshoped Z4 coupe from the first page.
I loved the M coupe, my favorite car BMW ever made.
Still looks horrible, but i bet that thing will be fast as hell.
On a side note, i actualy liked the photoshoped Z4 coupe from the first page.
I loved the M coupe, my favorite car BMW ever made.
#36
Suzuka Master
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Age: 46
Posts: 7,083
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
In reference to the statement about BMW designs, I saw a new 5 series on the road today. Looks okay, but still not nearly as nice as the old 5 IMO. Not as bad as the 7, but I'm not a fan
#38
Burning Brakes
Join Date: May 2003
Location: D.C Suburbs
Posts: 858
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
thats is sooo nice if i can get my hands on one i would.....with that much power not many can touch you on the road......good looking car and great performance what else could you want?