BMW Concept Z4 Coupe

Taking a swipe at Porsche's Cayman, BMW used Frankfurt to air a coupe version of its U.S.-built Z4 roadster. The two-seater has already received the production green light and will arrive by early 2007. Under the long hood of the Frankfurt car sits BMW's new 3.0-liter inline six delivering 265 hp and 232-lb-ft of torque. With a shorter final drive than its roadster sibling, the Z4 coupe hits 62 mph in 5.7 seconds. Look for a 3.2-liter 343-hp inline six M Coupe down the road.

The BMW Z4 Coupé Concept Car.
Contents.
1. World Debut of the BMW Z4 Coupé Concept Car.
(Short Story) 3
2. World Debut at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show:
The BMW Z4 Coupé Concept Car.
(Long Story) 7

1. World Debut of the
BMW Z4 Coupé Concept Car.
(Short Story)
A world debut full of emotion – precisely this is what BMW is presenting at the Frankfurt Motor Show: The BMW Z4 Coupé Concept Car, more than any other exhibit, clearly represents and embodies the motto of the world’s largest car show: the Thrill of Motoring.
Presenting this Concept Car, BMW is establishing new trends in terms of design, concepts, and technology. And with its performance truly outstanding in every respect, the Z4 Coupé Concept Car clearly bears out all the
classic values of the BMW brand. Considering the consistently growing market for high-profile premium sports cars, finally, the decision to build
such an emotional two-seater Sports Coupé as a regular production
model is almost obvious.
All the Performance of a Thoroughbred Sports Car.
The long and sleek engine compartment lid, the passenger compartment moved far to the rear, and the short overhangs front and rear impressively visualise all those classical attributes so typical of BMW: Within the engine
bay lurks a longitudinally mounted straight-six conveying its power to the rear axle in the interest of supreme driving dynamics. In conjunction with the
car’s long wheelbase and the centre of gravity visibly moved far to the rear, the Coupé right from the start creates the impression of a top-flight athlete urging forward with all his energy.
The Concept Car is powered by BMW’s new 3.0-litre straight-six developing maximum output of 195 kW/265 hp and peak torque of 315 Nm/232 lb-ft. Acceleration from 0–100 km/h is expected to take only about 5.7 seconds, with the car’s top speed ending at the 250 km/h (155 mph) mark applicable
to BMW’s production models.
Equipped with the most advanced and sophisticated suspension control systems, Electrical Power Steering (EPS), as well as a high-performance brake system, the Z4 Coupé Concept Car is able to use all its power safely and reliably. The extremely stiff bodyshell, in turn, ensures driving dynamics
of the highest standard, together with a level of above-average crash safety quite unusual in a sports car.


Contrasts, not Comprises: Dynamic also in Design.
With its uncompromising technical features focusing on top-level performance, the Z4 Coupé clearly offers driving dynamics of the highest standard. And the car’s designers have been just as uncompromising in
giving the car an unparalleled look of dynamic performance right from the start. Contrasts in the car’s design ensure an acute sense of supreme
tension – and tension also creates and bears out dynamism in design.
The fascinating aesthetic look of the Z4 Coupé Concept Car is based on
the highly expressive design language of the BMW Z4 Roadster. Indeed, the interplay of concave and convex surfaces merging in powerful and striking lines gives the body of the car not only unique character, but also a touch of clearly perceptible dynamism even at a standstill. The flowing roofline,
in turn, characterises the BMW Z4 Coupé as a classic coupé with its centre
of gravity moved at least visibly to the rear axle.
The recess in the middle of the roof, in turn, reinforces the sporting
look and character of this classic coupé, the combination of these elements
giving the car a touch of forward-oriented dynamism from every angle:
The BMW Z4 Coupé is low, fast and, at the same time, elegant in its looks.
The glazed part of the passenger cell referred to by experts as the “greenhouse” visibly tapers out into the rear end, accentuating the rear wheel arches in a powerful and muscular look. The spoiler designed into the
rear lid, in turn, ensures optimum aerodynamics and streamlining, with the third brake light integrated beneath the spoiler in the rear lid. A further
effect of the spoiler and brake light is the additional emphasis they give to
the sheer width of the car’s rear end.
The seam around the rear lid extends discreetly along the rear side windows, finally merging into the sill line of the car. As a result, the Z4 Coupé Concept Car retains the sporting look of its rear side windows with that characteristic Hofmeister “kick” also with the rear lid open. And beneath the rear lid, finally, the Z4 offers luggage capacity quite remarkable for a sports car of any calibre.
Exterior paintwork in Glacier Silver developed exclusively for the Concept Car gives this unique Coupé the silky-matt glossiness of a sculpture made
of massive aluminium. Nineteen-inch aluminium wheels clearly revealing their three dimensions and finished intentionally in a dark colour contrasting
with the paint of the car underline the highly focused and powerful expression conveyed by the Z4 Coupé. Made exclusively for this Concept Car,
the wheels are a product of the most elaborate casting technology.

Dynamism for Your Senses: the Interior.
Giving great attention – and, indeed, love – to detail, BMW’s colour and trim designers have created a unique interior tailored in every respect to the
BMW Z4 Coupé Concept. The most modern materials in first-class quality are combined with one another exclusively for this Concept Car, offering features and highlights never seen before. Hence, the sophisticated interior points far into the future of interior design with all its potentials.
Like the exterior, the interior of the Z4 Coupé Concept uses contrasts instead of compromises to generate the sensation of dynamism and excitement.
The use and combination of materials and colours harmonises the technical and sporting features of the exterior with soft and harmonious elements
within the interior, thus creating a world of peacefulness and tranquillity.
Matt and glossy surfaces form intentional contrasts intermingling with
the numerous solid aluminium units inside the car, extending the technical features and fortes of the Z4 Coupé visibly far into the interior. And at the same time soft, top-quality leather in warm brown colours exudes the feeling of being cocooned within this Ultimate Driving Machine. “Cold” high technology and “warm” cosiness – in this case this is not a contradiction
in terms, but rather a harmonious blend of supreme qualities.
Light and Dark Surfaces Interacting with One Another.
Black and coloured surfaces clearly distinguish the various function levels from one another, the driver perceiving the black surfaces along the
car’s upper sill line as a clear delineation from the exterior at the same time creating a feeling of pleasant safety.
The contrasts and brightness of the interior convey a clear signal of
open-mindedness and grandeur. An expression of space further enhanced
by the arrangement of colours on the dashboard and the interior trim.
High-Gloss and Woven Leather as Clear Signs of Tradition and Progress.
Silky high-gloss leather and classic, timeless woven leather form an intentional contrast to the almost silky Nubuk leather inside the car.
The aluminium pedals and the footwells come complete with inserts
made of robust burr leather. And we find the same combinations of
top-quality materials within the luggage compartment and in the travel baggage integrated therein.

Aluminium – an Experience in Looks and Touch.
Over and above sumptuous leather, the interior is characterised throughout by polished and brushed aluminium components in the trim around the door closing handle, with the rotary knob for the air conditioning, the pedals and the loading sill on the luggage compartment all milled out of one single block of aluminium. So that these massive aluminium components are a genuine experience not only in their looks, but also in their touch.
A Concept Car with a Good Potential for Entering the Market.
Designed consistently for the sporting and ambitious driver and conceived
for active motoring, the BMW Z4 Coupé Concept Study gives its occupants
a direct feeling for the road combined with pure driving pleasure. At the
same time the most advanced technologies on the drivetrain, suspension and
safety system meet all the demands of even the most discerning
coupé customer. And last but certainly not least, the Z4 Coupé Concept offers adequate space and all the motoring comfort and convenience
even the enthusiastic aficionado of a thoroughbred sports car would not
like to miss these days in a sporting two-seater of this calibre.

2. World Debut at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show:
The BMW Z4 Coupé Concept Car. (Long Story)
A genuine pacemaker for the sports car aficionado in every respect:
At the 61st International Motor Show in Frankfurt BMW is proudly presenting the Concept Version of a closed sports car which gives dreams a name:
the BMW Z4 Coupé.
Glistening silken-matt like a powerful sculpture made of solid aluminium,
the Z4 Coupé fascinates the beholder, emanating a flair of true power and agility. Indeed, this car, one of the most exciting world debuts at the
2005 Frankfurt Motor Show, clearly bears out the motto this year’s event,
the largest of its kind in the world: the Thrill of Motoring.
The Z4 Coupé Concept Car makes the heart of the sports car enthusiast quite literally skip a beat, right from the start whetting your appetite to go out there on the road: extremely driver-oriented in every respect and designed without the slightest compromise for agility and dynamic performance,
the Z4 Coupé appeals to all your emotions. This is the kind of car only
BMW engineers and designers could create, a two-seater to which they have given all their passion. So creating this unique car, BMW is once again
setting new trends in design, motoring concepts and technology – trends which later will be found again in series production.
The World’s Most Advanced Six-Cylinder is Waiting for the
Signal To Go. The long and sleek engine compartment lid, the passenger cell moved far to the rear, as well as short overhangs front and rear, through their specific proportions, clearly visualise those outstanding attributes typical of BMW:
A longitudinally mounted straight-six power unit developing its superior muscle beneath the bonnet and conveying its power for supreme driving dynamics to the rear axle. In conjunction with the long wheelbase and,
as a result, the emphasis on the rear end of the car with its centre of gravity visibly moved to the rear, this muscular Coupé looks as if it is about
to pounce and take off even when regarded at a standstill.
The Concept Car is powered by BMW’s 3.0-litre straight-six already lauded by a number of the most renowned international awards – an engine which
has become a genuine icon marking BMW’s leadership in innovation in engine technology. In its latest generation with a composite magnesium/aluminium crankcase, VALVETRONIC valve control, and numerous other technical

innovations, this six-cylinder is definitely one of the most advanced power units in the world in general and in its segment in particular. At the same time it marks the pinnacle in output and performance: Developing 65 kW or
88 hp per litre, BMW’s three-litre offers the highest level of specific output in its class. And as the world’s lightest six-cylinder with a power-to-weight
ratio of 1.18 kW or 1.60 hp/kilogram, it also offers the highest standard of relative performance.
Maximum output is 195 kW/265 hp at 6,650 rpm, peak torque of 315 Nm
or 232 lb-ft comes consistently between 2,500 and 4,000 rpm.
Boasting rear-wheel drive unparalleled in its qualities on a sports car and,
as a result, smooth and precise steering unmarred by drive forces, perfectly balanced axle load distribution, short body overhangs, and a long wheelbase, the BMW Z4 Coupé has all the attributes required for sheer driving pleasure of the highest calibre.
BMW’s Answer to a Growing Market Segment.
Like all of BMW’s concept cars, the Z4 Coupé is a unique, one-off creation. But its outstanding performance and the fact that demand for high-profile premium sports cars is consistently increasing, provides a lot of food for thought and the input for a very tempting story: to give the successful
BMW Z4 Roadster a fixed roof “brother” as a further member of the “Team”.
All the Performance of a Thoroughbred Sports Car.
The BMW Z4 Coupé Concept Car is a one-off creation and is not intended for everyday use. But in a subsequent production series, this outstanding sports car might well become one of the fastest and most dynamic driving machines on the road, its final drive ratio again shorter than in the Z4 Roadster allowing even better acceleration.
Benefiting from BMW Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), enhanced Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Electrical Power Steering (EPS) and a high-performance brake system, the driver is able at all times to use all the power and performance of his – or her – Z4 Coupé for optimum driving dynamics, enjoying equally outstanding safety in the process.
The foundation for this superiority is provided by body stiffness of the highest calibre compared with similar sports cars, not only ensuring supreme driving dynamics, but also contributing significantly to a standard of crash safety quite unusual for a sports car.

Familiar but New – Traditional and Visionary Design Features.
In a style typical of BMW, the Z4 Coupé Concept Car combines traditional and visionary design features characteristic of the BMW brand. Indeed,
it is this synthesis of tradition and the future – one of the principles of BMW’s design philosophy, which makes the design of the car so authentic, trendsetting and characteristic of the brand.
The fascinating aesthetic looks of the Z4 Coupé take up the modern, expressive design language of the BMW Z4 Roadster with its dynamic interaction of convex and concave surfaces. Combined with the proportions of a classic Coupé, the sporting but elegant Concept Car is a truly outstanding, extravagant and – visually and technically – challenging sports car in every respect.
A Unique Coupé Based on the Successful BMW Z4 Roadster.
The Coupé is based on the body and overall layout of the BMW Z4 Roadster and is characterised by the Roadster’s purebred proportions and expressive design language. But at the same time BMW’s designers have done much more than just put a roof on the car: They have created a Coupé with perfect dimensions and all-round balance, a car which, with its typically flowing roofline, is sleek and dynamic in its looks while at the same time exuding the unique flair of sporting elegance.
Without interruption, the A-pillar extends through the roof in a soft curve all the way to the rear end, where it merges with the surrounding areas.
In the middle of the roof the Coupé boasts the characteristic recess so typical of many classic sports cars, giving the car an extremely flat and low-slung appearance.
The frameless side windows also emphasising the overall look of this dynamic sports car are also typical of a Coupé. The seam coming from the rear lid extends discreetly along the rear windows and then merges into the car’s sill line, thus maintaining the sporting window graphics of the rear side windows with that typical Hofmeister “kick” even with the rear lid open. The luggage compartment, in turn, is large and spacious for a sports car, offering all
the room, for example, for two large golf bags beneath the rear lid opening
up wide to a high angle.
Glacier Silver paintwork developed exclusively for this Concept Car gives the Coupé the silken-matt gloss of a sculpture made of solid aluminium.
Through its cool, metallic look, the paintwork adds a further touch of strength and timeless value to this unique sports car.


Nineteen-inch aluminium wheels in three-dimensional appearance and standing out from the car’s body paint in particular through their dark finish accentuate the overall impression of power and concentration.
Clearly, these wheels are made exclusively for this Concept Car in elaborate casting technology.
The close link between the BMW Z4 Coupé and the Z4 Roadster is also reflected by the striking lines in the side walls with their interacting convex
and concave surfaces. The muscular-looking shoulder line of the car, in turn, visibly connects the two wheel arches with one another. The door sill line, finally, rises up dynamically towards the rear axle of the car, optical extension of the A-pillar setting a visual counter-point particularly in conjunction with the side air scoop integrating the side direction indicator beneath the BMW logo also on the Coupé.
From Behind: Muscular and Sporting All the Way.
The rear end of the car bears powerful testimony to the unmistakably
sporting character of the Z4 Coupé: The “greenhouse”, for example, sweeps down powerfully into the tail section, accentuating the rear wheel arches
and creating a truly powerful and muscular look. The spoiler integrated in the rear lid, in turn, ensures optimum aerodynamics and streamlining with the third brake light integrated beneath the spoiler in the rear lid. A further effect is that the spoiler and brake light give further emphasis to the sheer width
of the rear end.
This gives this outstanding sports car an even lower and wider appearance. And like on both the BMW 1 Series and the 6 Series, the large
BMW logo in the rear lid also serves as the mechanism for opening the luggage compartment.
The rear lights were developed exclusively for this one-off Concept Car.
With a little edge in between, the lights take up the profile of the seam around the rear lid, blending harmoniously into the tail section of the car with
their particular interpretation of the letter “L” design so typical of the brand. The powerful-looking, beautifully finished exhaust tailpipes round off the
rear view of the car by adding a further touch of uncompromising sportiness.
Superior Stance on Exclusive 19-Inch Wheels.
The exceptional body design of the BMW Z4 Concept Car is matched by the equally extravagant wheels: Measuring a mighty 19 inches, the tyres run on
8-inch-wide aluminium rims underlining the particularly sporting calibre of this unique Coupé. In their design – a modern interpretation of the classic


spoke wheel – they have been developed exclusively for this Concept Car. And in production they benefit from elaborate casting technology,
the three-dimensional structure of the wheels, together with the deep wheel hump, creating an impressive look further accentuated by the darker
colour in comparison with the body of the car.
Dynamism for Your Senses: the Interior.
Giving great attention to detail, BMW’s colour and trim designers have created a truly unique interior tailored to the BMW Z4 Coupé in every respect. The most modern materials in first-class quality are blended with one
another exclusively for this Concept Car, again adding another touch of uniqueness. As a result, the sophisticated and stylish interior points far into the future of interior design with all its ongoing potentials.
Contrasts instead of compromises ensure ongoing dynamism and tension also inside the Z4 Coupé Concept Car: The choice and combination
of materials and colours blend the technical and sporting exterior of the
Z4 Coupé with soft and harmonious elements inside the car,
thus creating an ambience of genuine peacefulness and tranquillity.
The matt and glossy finish form clear contrasts with one another in and through the many solid aluminium elements within the car, extending the high-tech character of the Z4 Coupé visibly into the interior. At the same
time soft, top-quality leather in warm colours creates an atmosphere
of cosiness inside this outstanding driving machine. Business-like high technology and the feeling of a warm cocoon – here this is not a
contradiction in terms, but rather a world of harmony.
Interesting Interaction of Bright and Dark Surfaces.
Black and coloured surfaces delineate the various function areas from one another. Through contrasts and brightness within the interior, the driver and passenger experience a feeling of openness and size – a feeling of space further reinforced by the colour scheme on the instrument panel as well as the trim surfaces. In its dark finish, the sill line harmonises smoothly with
the natural, light interior leather, giving the car’s occupants a superior feeling of safety in their world of sheer driving pleasure.
The Right Material for Emotions.
By tradition, aluminium and leather are strong symbols of value, elegance and sporting performance in the world of motoring. Hardly any other combination of materials is this authentic in conveying the character and spirit of a pure sports car – hardly any other combination can match the flair of cool, metallic aluminium and warm, natural leather creating so much sensuality in a Coupé

exuding so much passion. How many new surprises and how much diversity leather still offers today as a perfect product of nature is clearly demonstrated by the choice of materials and colours for the interior of this BMW Concept Car.
Nubuk – that Fine and Velvety “Feeling-Great” Leather.
The roof lining is finished completely in light-brown Nubuk leather. Carefully polished on the surface, this cowhide with its unique grain pampers your
eyes and your hands through its velvety surface structure giving particular emphasis to the warmth of the colour chosen for the car and offering
a particularly soft feeling.
Glossy and Woven Leather reflecting Tradition and Modern Times.
High-quality, sophisticated glossy leather forms a beautiful contrast to the velvety Nubuk leather on the roof liner. Just how much attention to detail has gone into these materials, is borne out clearly by the decorative seams and the classic, timeless structure of woven leather, five-millimetre-wide strips of leather woven with one another in traditional canvas structure with supreme care and precision. Indeed, in creating and finishing the leather interior, BMW’s designers, through the beautiful seamwork and finish, once again confirm the high standard of art and enthusiasm they have given the
BMW Z4 Coupé in every respect.
High-Class Materials based on Sporting Facts.
A further visual highlight within the BMW Z4 Coupé Concept Car is the aluminium pedals comprising black leather inserts as yet a further sign
of artistic quality. This special burr leather is a particularly thick, robust and high-quality rendition of cowhide.
The floor is carpeted in a special functionally technical textile in a glossy matt look perfectly harmonising in its structure with the woven leather found elsewhere within the interior. Function elements made of burr leather are also integrated in this special textile – and since the strong, sturdy and highly resistant leather integrates the function required directly into the floor cover, there is no need for an additional protective mat on top.
Various combinations of high-quality materials are also to be found in the luggage compartment with the travel baggage directly integrated therein.
Aluminium as an Experience in both Looks and Touch.
Apart from leather, the interior is also characterised by polished and brushed aluminium. Offering a beautiful contrast of matt and glossy surfaces, aluminium has both a technical touch and acts as a kind of sculpture, clearly embodying the solidity of the entire car. Three-dimensional rings around the

circular instruments, the spokes on the steering wheel, the door openers and compartment openers, the rotary knob for the air conditioning, the pedals
and the loading sill leading into the luggage compartment are all milled out of one single block of aluminium. Then, giving utmost attention to detail,
BMW’s designers have gone even further, making each and every element
an experience in looks and touch.
The three-dimensional rings around the circular instruments are just one example: High-gloss polished on the front surface, they are brushed around the outside. Visual and touch-related contrasts of warm and cold are also
to be found in the door handles combining “cold” milled aluminium trim with
a “warm” Nubuk leather body. The very sporting steering wheel with
its cool aluminium spokes combined with the rim made of high-grip glossy leather, the aluminium pedals with burr leather inserts, as well as the
trim surfaces on the dashboard combining brushed aluminium with leather inserts again take up this theme consistently throughout the car.
The Cockpit –Tailored to the Driver.
Not only the harmony of interior materials and colours will make the sports car enthusiast wax lyrical. Rather, the Z4 Coupé makes a clear pledge to sporting driving dynamics also in its design and the ergonomic features inside the
car: The entire area around the driver’s cockpit is tailored to the individual at the wheel, offering authentic values in every respect. Everything the
driver and front passenger touch feels strong, genuine and unmistakable.
It is an old BMW tradition for our designers to consistently convert superior function into an authentic look. Ultimately, this enables the customer to experience the substance of the car with all of his – or her – senses, in the process establishing a powerful emotional relationship to the product.
A Coupé goes to Your Heart.
Every car a purchaser chooses is always a mixture of rational and emotional motives varying from one individual to another. A coupé, quite clearly, is more of an emotional product, the kind of car the customer chooses with his heart. But usually our common sense once again considers and analyses even this emotional feeling: Does this coupé really reflect my feeling of life, my personal style? Does it represent the values so important to me?
The more authentic a coupé appears to be when considered from this angle, the greater are its chances of being picked by the customer as an expression of his feeling in life.


The typical coupé driver knows that a coupé “only” covers a certain area of his life, a certain aspect of his mobility requirements. But precisely this
area is particularly important to such a customer: This is where his dream car must offer everything he wishes to have without any compromises.
The customer is therefore willing to make a great commitment and show personal dedication in expressing and enjoying values such as freedom
and independence. For it is precisely here that he lets so much energy come out. Energy which to many means driving in sporting style.
A Concept Car with Good Chances for the Market.
A Coupé like the BMW Concept Car presented at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show perfectly reflects all of these demands and expectations made by
the discerning enthusiast. Tailored consistently to the sporting and ambitious driver, as well as to the spirit of active motoring, the Z4 Coupé gives the
driver and passenger a direct feeling for the road and sheer driving pleasure of the highest calibre. At the same time highly developed drivetrain,
suspension and safety technologies bear out the particular demands of the coupé customer also in technical terms. And as a sporting two-seater,
the BMW Z4 Coupé Concept Car offers adequate space and all the comfort and convenience even the enthusiastic sports car driver does not wish
to miss today.

BMW Z4 M Roadster races in to lead high-performance sportscar market
BMW will redefine the benchmark for two-seater soft-top sportscars when the much-anticipated Z4 M Roadster arrives early next year.

It uses the world-renowned 3.2-litre straight-six powerhouse previously seen in the E46 BMW M3 Coupé and Convertible.

Voted the World’s Best Engine in its class five years in a row at the international “Engine Oscars”, the 252 kW and 365 Nm straight-six M3 engine rockets the two-seater Z4 M Roadster to 100 km/h in just 5.0 seconds, and on to an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.

The BMW Z4 M Roadster will sit alongside a revised Z4 Roadster range featuring new 2.5si and 3.0si models producing 160 kW and 195 kW respectively.

More than any other sports car in the world, the BMW Z4 typifies the ideal Roadster.

With its long bonnet, set-back cabin and longitudinally mounted straight-six engine driving the rear wheels, the BMW Z4 Roadster provides a dynamic driving experience to thrill purist sportscar drivers.

Due to bow in at the Detroit Motor Show next January 2006, the ultra-sports version of the BMW Z4 Roadster has been long-awaited by keen open-top drivers. The Z4 M Roadster follows in the wheel tracks of the 1997 BMW Z3 M Roadster which amassed more than 15,000 sales, making it the best seller in its class, and the leader in dynamic performance, agility, and sportiness.

The Z4 M Roadster boasts an outstanding high-revving power unit that generates enormous thrust and performance in all speed ranges. The six-cylinder, 3,246 cc, motor develops 252 kW at 7,900 rpm and 365 Nm of torque at 4,900 rpm, and revs as high as 8,000 rpm. The engine produces 78.75 kW/litre (106 bhp/litre) giving the Z4 M Roadster a power-to-weight ratio of 5.6 kg/kW.

The Z4 M Roadster accelerates to 100 km/h from rest in 5.0 seconds and also rushes from 80-120 km/h in 5.0 seconds in fourth gear thanks to its amazing torque.

Fitted with a sports six-speed manual transmission, short throw shifter and M final drive, the Z4 M Roadster delivers fast, crisp acceleration in every gear.

The speed-sensitive variable M differential lock, borrowed from the M3 Coupé, delivers superior driving stability and optimum traction especially when accelerating out of corners.

Stopping the Z4 M Roadster in its tracks is the motorsport-developed BMW M floating compound high-performance brake system as seen in the BMW M3 CSL. The Z4 M Roadster stops in just 34 metres from a speed of 100 km/h.

The Z4 M Roadster uses a bespoke hydraulic power steering set up, delivering knife edge precision and optimum feedback through the quicker ratio rack.

The super sporty Z4 M Roadster boasts easily identifiable external and internal styling features. The front air dam has an X-shaped com¬bination of lines and openings, large air intake scoops, and low-slung kidney grilles as well as two striking feature lines on the bonnet.

Double-spoke design 18-inch light alloy wheels are exclusive to the Z4 M Roadster, while the rear view is dominated by the M trademark quad-pack large bore tailpipes inserted into a horizontal diffuser.

Inside, BMW M instruments have black-faces, white numerals and red needles. The rev counter follows M practice having yellow warm-up warning lights, illuminated while the engine oil comes up to temperature.

The steering wheel, gearshift knob and door sills are specific BMW M items, while the air conditioning, air vent registers and interior door handles are finished in pearl gloss chrome.

Three exterior colours exclusive to BMW M and a wide range of interior trims and add a high de¬gree of individual style for customers.

While the Z4 M Roadster is the highlight of the range, the Z4 family also receives some notable changes for 2006.

The latest VALVETRONIC-equipped double-VANOS magnesium-alloy straight-six engines are fitted to two new models, the Z4 2.5si and the Z4 3.0si.

The Z4 Roadster 3.0si delivers 195 kW at 6,600 rpm, with 315 Nm of torque available between 2,500 rpm and 4,000 rpm. The engine meets both EU4 and ULEV II emissions standards and accelerates the car to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds, covering the 80 km/h to 120 km/h run in 5.5 seconds in fourth gear. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h, while fuel consumption in the combined EU cycle is just 8.6-litres/100 km.

The Z4 Roadster 2.5si develops a maximum output of 160 kW and 250 Nm of torque between 2,900 – 4,250 rpm. It will shoot the Z4 Roadster 2.5si to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds. The muscular engine powers the car from 80 km/h to 120 km/h in just 6.5 seconds in fourth gear. Top speed is 240 km/h and fuel consumption is just 8.4-litres/100 km, while meeting both the EU4 and ULEV II emission standards.

A six-speed manual gearbox is standard across all Z4 Roadster models, while the 2.5si and 3.0si models offer the option of the new BMW Sport Automatic gearbox complete with steering-wheel mounted shift paddles.

Reflecting BMW’s consistent philosophy of continual evolution, the latest generation feature-enhanced Dynamic Stability and Control system comes as standard.

This includes Start-Off Assistance, automatic Brake Fading Compensation and Brake Standby function and auto¬matic Dry Braking.

The integrated Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) function allows drivers to hit one button to improve traction on slippery surfaces. DTC also allows greater slip on the rear wheels whenever appropriate.

On the Z4 M Roadster model, a special configuration of the DSC system allows for the additional slip incorporated in the variable M differential lock.

The Z4 Roadster 2.5si and 3.0si feature BMW’s electromechanical EPS Electric Power Steering. This offers an optimum compromise between feedback and kickback, combined with extra assistance when parking, and a strong self-centring action. Road-speed sensitive Servotronic assistance is also part of the package.

The update also brings larger 17-inch brakes for enhanced stopping power and resistance to fade to the 3.0si model.

The distinctive profile of the BMW Z4 Roadster required little revision at the mid-point of its lifecycle. Exterior freshening changes are modest, limited to a new design for the deeper front air dam, so the car appears to hug the road even more closely.

New front fog lamps and headlight reflectors are matched at the rear by a new taillight design that accentuates the car’s width and enhances its low-down and muscular stance. The interior has been further improved with a more sophisticated look.

All BMW Z4 Roadsters offer plenty of interior storage space with a large glove box, several storage bins, and a 10-litre compartment in the rear bulkhead. Additional boot space is liberated when the power roof, complete with heated glass window, is erect.

The boot can swallow a generous 240-litres of luggage (sufficient for transporting two golf sets) with the roof down and 260-litres roof up. The compact Z-fold roof forms its own tonneau when folded.