Car Trends Magazine

THESE ARE the first official photos of BMW’s new Z4 based Coupe, that retains the muscular looks of the concept we saw last year at the Frankfurt Motor show. BMW’s answer to the Cayman coupe will be available in two editions, the 3.0 and the M. The Z4 Coupe boasts a much stiffer body than the roadster, promising better handling.

The 3.0 is fitted with a straight 6 cylinder 3,0 litre engine that produces 265 hp while the M edition is fitted with the M3 straight 6 engine that blows out 343 hp. According to Munich, the Z4 M weighs 1.420 kg (80 kg heavier than the Porsche Cayman S) and it is capable of sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h -or- 62 mp/h in 5,0 sec. Top speed is, electronically limited at 250 km/h -or- 155 mp/h.

BMW has put a smaller tank in the Z4 Coupe in order to help boost boot space (300 litres). According to inside information, when it goes to sale in the summer, the Z4 3.0 Coupe will cost less than the 3.0 Roadster, while the M version will undercut Porsche’s Cayman S price by15%!.

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

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.