BMW Z4 M Coupe - production version specs and pics

Posted Jan 24th 2006 10:26PM by Stuart Waterman
Filed under: Sports/GTs


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.

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.

That sound you hear is a collective groan of discontent from prospective Porsche Cayman S owners as they take their first glimpse at the shapely new BMW Z4 coupe – the latest entry into an increasingly crowded luxury two-seat coupe market that also includes the Audi TT, Mercedes-Benz SLK and Nissan 350Z.

Revealed here in production guise for the first time ahead of a planned North American introduction on May 26, the new two door was first revealed as a near-production concept at last September’s Frankfurt motor show where Helmut Panke, declared, “the decision to build such an emotional two-seat sports coupe as a regular model is almost too obvious.”

True to his word, the BMW chairman has delivered the new car with only minor stylistic changes and, in a sign of just how advanced its development was at the time the concept car was wheeled out, in the space of just four months. There’ll be two distinct versions initially: a standard 3.0-liter 265-hp Z4 coupe priced in the lower $40,000 range, and the performance-oriented 3.2-liter 343-hp Z4 M Coupe priced close the Cayman S at $58,900.

While the Z4 coupe’s predecessor, the Z3, didn’t sell in great numbers in the North American market, BMW is convinced the new car will make a much bigger impression on buyers. If styling is anything to go by, it may be right. The Z4 Coupe is far better looking than the car it replaces, displaying greater cohesiveness and overall integration. One could argue the appealing exterior, created under BMW design boss Adrian van Hooydonk is confirmation that the controversial flame surfacing design, first aired on the X Coupe back in 2001, has now matured sufficiently to gain common acceptance.

The front end is pure Z4 roadster, but changes kick in from the windshield back, where a curvaceous roofline featuring the same evocative double bubble treatment seen on the earlier concept car sweeps over the cabin, eventually forming part of a heavily raked rear window that covers the luggage compartment before meeting a short trunk lid with an integrated spoiler.

While the standard Z4 coupe runs the latest incarnation of BMW’s 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 265-hp and 232-lb-ft of torque, it’s the Z4 M Coupe that’s already got tongues wagging, not to mention Porsche officials worried.

Powering BMW’s latest M car is the same highly strung 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine found in the M3. With 343 hp at 7900 rpm, it trumps the Cayman S 3.4-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder powerplant to the tune of 48 hp. Its 269-lb-ft of torque at 4900 rpm is also 18-lb-ft more than Porsche’s entry level coupe can muster.

While the Z4 M Coupe holds the advantage in raw reserves, its 3124-lb curb weight is 176 lbs above that of the 2948-lb Cayman. Even so, the new BMW’s power-to-weight ratio is still 22-hp up on the highly lauded Porsche.

Channeling drive to the rear wheels is a traditional double H-pattern six-speed manual gearbox and the same electronically controlled M-differential and 3.62:1 final drive used in the M3. This comes as somewhat of a surprise given BMW’s recent insistence at equipping all its latest M cars with a sequential unit, and in the case of the M5 and M6, a newly developed seven-speed gearbox. If whispers out of Munich hold true, however, the German carmaker will soon begin offering an even more efficient double-clutch arrangement that’s being developed in cooperation with long time partner Getrag.

BMW claims the Z4 M-coupe will sprint to 0-62 mph in 5.0 second, some 0.4-second quicker than the time Porsche quotes for the Cayman S.

Backing up the Z4 M Coupe’s heightened performance is a heavily reworked version of the standard Z4 Coupe’s rear-wheel drive chassis largely shared with the soon-to-be-launched Z4 M Roadster. Honed at the Nurburgring during a development program kicked off last fall, the front track is widened slightly to 58.5 inches, while the rear track is narrowed slightly to 59.6 inches, in a move BMW says is aimed at improving high speed stability.

Underpinning the new car is a MacPherson strut front suspension and trapezoidal shaped multi-link rear suspension that incorporates unique features such as forged aluminum track rods claimed to reduce unsprung masses along with reinforced mounts that, in combination with the closed body shell, are said to provide a level of torsional rigidity almost double that of the old Z3 M Coupe. It supports standard 18-inch wheels shod with 225/45 (front) and 255/40 (rear) profile run flat tires.

Other changes include a hydraulic steering rack in place of the standard Z4 Coupe’s electric arrangement, with the steering ratio dropping from 16.0:1 to a more direct 15.4:1 for sharper responses and added agility. The brakes are borrowed directly from the M3 CSL with 13.5-inch front and 12.9-inch rear discs.

The brakes are borrowed directly from the M3 CSL with 13.5-inch front and 12.9-inch rear discs.