BMW Unveils New Z4 M-Roadster
Zerin Dube | October 25, 2005
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More than any other sports car in the world, this unique car embodies the typical roadster: The BMW Z4 Roadster thrills the car world through its fascinating, sporting dynamism created by a perfect synthesis of a high-performance power unit, the outstanding chassis and suspension, and innovative features all round. And not least it is the wonderful design of the BMW Z4 Roadster which makes this car so unique, desirable and a genuine must-have. And now, four years after its world debut, the BMW Z4 Roadster is making a new, brilliant appearance with new engines.
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Marking another highlight on the same occasion, the only purist high-performance roadster in the world is making its world debut at the Detroit Auto Show in Detroit in January 2006: The upcoming BMW Z4 M Roadster is the high-performance ultra-sports version of the Z4 Roadster so many customers have been waiting for. Extending BMW’s roadster family right at the top, this unique car takes up and continues the brand’s tradition in a segment originally created by BMW M in the first place: Back in 1997, the BMW Z3 M Roadster marked the world’s first high-performance production roadster, with more than 15,000 units being sold to customers by the year 2002, making the Z3 M Roadster the best seller in its class and the absolute leader in dynamic performance, agility, and sportiness.
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The Z4 M Roadster: Awe-Inspiring Performance in Every Respect.
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Boasting BMW M’s straight-six power unit, the Z4 M Roadster features a high-performance engine unparalleled in the roadster market: In 2005 this unique engine received the “Engine of the Year Award” acknowledged and highly respected the world over for the fifth time in a row, setting up a record never seen before. Through its high-speed concept and virtually optimum transmission ratios, this outstanding power unit generates enormous thrust and performance in all speed ranges. Its specifications alone are very impressive: six cylinders, 3,246 cc, 252 kW/343 hp at 7,900 rpm, 365 Newton-metres/269 lb-ft at 4,900 rpm, maximum engine speed 8,000 rpm.
Two other figures perhaps say even more about the engine’s outstanding performance: Output per litre is 106 hp and the power-to-weight ratio is 4.1 kilos/hp. On the road this means acceleration to 100 km/h in 5.0 seconds, with the same short time of 5.0 seconds being required for intermediate acceleration in fourth gear from 80–120 km/h (50–75 mph). Top speed is limited electronically to 250 km/h or 155 mph.
The Joy of Shifting Gears Six Times Over.
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The high-speed engine concept is simply ideal for a sports car in combination with a short overall transmission ratio, since this allows the conversion of engine power into optimum thrust on the rear wheels. And combining the M final drive with a six-speed manual gearbox, the engineers at BMW M are able to fulfil this requirement to the highest standard. Short and crisp shift travel, supreme running smoothness, and precise guidance of the shift lever with sensitive feedback ensuring that the gear is properly in mesh, are typical fortes of this transmission.
Variable M Differential Lock for Supreme Power in Bends.
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The Z4 M Roadster comes with the speed-sensitive variable M differential lock already well-known and greatly admired on the M3. This special feature gives the car both superior driving stability and optimum traction especially when accelerating out of a bend. Allowing a very sporting style of motoring, especially on roads with a higher frictional coefficient, the M differential lock enables the experienced driver to enhance the positive features of rear-wheel drive to an even higher standard. Under challenging conditions such as a different frictional coefficient on each side of the car typical of winter weather and road surfaces, the system gives the Z4 M Roadster supreme traction and stability.
The Z4 M Roadster: Ultimate Driving Pleasure of the Highest Standard.
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The chassis and suspension of the Z4 M Roadster is a consistent enhancement upgrading the suspension of the Z4 Roadster to an even higher standard. The entire system therefore offers even greater driving pleasure, without in any way impairing the car’s everyday driving qualities and comfort.
New DSC Setting the Standard in Suspension Control.
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Reflecting BMW’s consistent philosophy, the chassis and suspension control systems on the Z4 Roadster and the Z4 M Roadster do not serve to upgrade the suspension as such – simply because the suspension already offers a very high standard – but rather to help the driver master critical situations when driving to the limit. And indeed, the safety reserves offered by BMW’s roadsters are already very substantial to begin with. But this does not stop BMW from offering new, supplementary functions such as Hill Start Assistance, Dry Braking, etc.
Using the integrated Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) function on the BMW Z4 Roadster, the driver is able at the touch of a button to improve traction and, accordingly, the drive power actually conveyed to the road on slippery surfaces such as snow. He is also able to adjust the driving behaviour of the BMW Z4 to higher dynamic requirements, thus capitalising on the sporting qualities of the car. One example is that DTC allows greater slip on the rear wheels whenever appropriate.
Numerous Interesting Ancillary Functions.
BMW’s new DSC Dynamic Stability Control offers a number of additional functions: Start-Off Assistance on uphill gradients, for example, automatically operates the brakes for a short period, preventing the car from rolling back on an uphill gradient and thus no longer requiring the driver to pull the handbrake when setting off.
Safety is further enhanced by automatic Fading Compensation as well as the Brake Standby function automatically pre-loading the brake linings. Automatic Dry Braking of the brake discs on wet roads, in turn, serve to improve brake response when needed.
The Z4 M Roadster incorporates BMW’s variable M differential lock in combination with a special configuration of the DSC dynamic control system.
Electric Power Steering Optimising the Steering System.
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The Z4 Roadster and the Z4 M Roadster also differ in terms of their steering system: The Z4 Roadster features BMW’s electromechanical EPS Electric Power Steering highlighting the dynamic and agile set-up of the BMW Roadster. This unique system offers a very high standard of flexibility in its steering characteristics, an optimum compromise of the steering damping effect and feedback from the steering, as well as low control forces at low speeds and when manoeuvring. A further important point is the very good centering effect, with the steering wheel returning smoothly and reliably to its zero position. Servotronic, finally, comes as standard.
Cutting-Edge Precision when Steering.
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The steering system in the Z4 M Roadster, by contrast, is supported by hydraulic power assistance. This ensures unparalleled steering manoeuvres in terms of overall precision and optimum feedback of all driving conditions. The overall steering transmission ratio is 47 : 1, allowing even faster steering control and operation and thus offering benefits in terms of supreme driving dynamics.
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Compound High-Performance Brakes Keeping M Power under Control.
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With its even higher standard of performance, the Z4 M Roadster features BMW M’s floating compound high-performance brake system originally conceived for the BMW M3 CSL as a system carried over directly from motorsport. This superior brake system ensures stopping power of the highest standard, giving the Z4 M Roadster a stopping distance of just 34 metres or 112 feet from a speed of 100 km/h.
New Highlights in Design.
In their design, both the updated BMW Z4 Roadster and the new Z4 M Roadster consistently continue the characteristic design language of BMW’s thoroughbred roadster concept: The BMW Z4 Roadster boasts moderate updates including a modified front section drawn down closer to the road. Other new features are the foglamps and the reflectors so typical of the car.
Benefiting from new tail lights with integrated light conductors as well as more horizontal lines, the modifications at the rear give the car an even wider, lower, and more muscular appearance. Featuring even more sophisticated, top-quality materials and additional colours, the interior is truly exquisite in its looks without in any way foregoing its sporting, purist character.
Z4 M Roadster: High Performance at Very First Sight.
Clearly recognisable as a Z4 Roadster, the Z4 M Roadster visualises its superior character of high performance even more convincingly. The functional and technical qualities of the car are reflected directly and authentically by the design of the Z4 M Roadster, numerous details both outside and inside distinguishing it from the “basic” model.
The most conspicuous highlights are the front air dam with its X-shaped combination of lines and openings, the large air intake scoops, as well as the low-slung kidney grille and the two striking precision lines on the engine compartment lid. A feature exclusive to the Z4 M Roadster is the double-spoke design of the 18-inch aluminium rims. And last but certainly not least, the rear end also comes in that typical M style, with four striking tailpipes and a horizontal diffuser.
The Interior: Sporting and Functional All in One.
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Inside, the new BMW Z4 M Roadster boasts a sporting, purist but at the same time exclusive look throughout. Clear shapes and the very best materials give the interior its particular touch, powerfully emphasising the thrill of sports motoring.
The BMW M colours are also to be found on the speedometer and rev counter with their face finished in black and boasting both white numbers and red indicator needles accentuated by permanent white illumination.
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Yet another unique feature is the engine speed band presented in the rev counter like in the other BMW M cars: The yellow pre-warning field and the red warning field limit the permissible range of engine speed as a function of current engine oil temperature. With the temperature of the oil in the engine increasing, the useful speed range increases accordingly, making it easier for the driver to intuitively monitor the current temperature level.
The steering wheel, gearshift lever knob and door entry strips are further features specific to BMW M, just like the air conditioning and fresh air adjusters, the door openers and door closing handles galvanically upgraded in pearl gloss chrome.
Three exterior colours exclusive to BMW M and five special paintwork colours for the BMW Z4 Roadster enable the customer to give his – or her – Z4 M Roadster a very special personal touch. Within the interior, no less than four different colours, two leather trim options with a varying degree of leather finish, as well as three exclusive trim surfaces add to the high degree of individual style.
Sufficient Space for Two.
Both the BMW Z4 Roadster and the BMW Z4 M Roadster offer a lot of space for a car of this kind: The glove compartment, several storage boxes, as well as a large, approximately ten-litre box in the rear bulkhead ensure a high degree of practical value. And whenever required, the variable roof compartment folds up to provide additional space in the luggage compartment at the rear increasing from an already generous 240 litres or 8.4 cu ft sufficient for transporting two golf sets to 260 litres or 9.1 cu ft – in the Z4 M Roadster from 200 (7.0 cu ft) to 220 litres (7.7 cu ft) due to the battery housed in the luggage compartment in this case.
A Special Roof with Special Folding Configuration.
All of BMW’s new Z4 Roadsters come with an extremely compact folding roof where the front, rigid section moves down on top of the fabric roof like a cover and locks in position flush with the body of the car. The roof is easy to open and close with one hand; the heated rear window is made of scratch-proof mineral glass.
A fully automatic, electrically operated roof is naturally available as an option and comes as standard on the Z4 M Roadster, also opening and closing from outside by remote control.
Bi-Xenon Headlights for Optimum Visibility.
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The BMW Z4 Roadster comes as standard with dual halogen headlights. As an option – and as a standard feature on the Z4 Roadster 3.0si and the Z4 M Roadster – static bi-xenon headlights ensure maximum high- and low-beam intensity.
The car’s position lights are formed by two light conductor rings, this feature so characteristic of the BMW brand now also highlighting the Roadster series.
Extra Safety Thanks to the Adaptive Brake Display.
All Z4 Roadsters come as standard with BMW’s two-stage Adaptive Brake Display helping efficiently to avoid collisions from behind: Whenever the driver applies the brakes hard or with ABS intervening, the illuminated areas in the rear lights grow larger and are intuitively perceived by motorists following from behind as a clear sign of an emergency braking manoeuvre. Accordingly, drivers following the BMW will respond appropriately by applying the brakes harder in good time and thus benefiting from extra stopping distance.
Options Galore: Top-Class Audio and Navigation Systems.
Apart from the “basic” audio system, the Z4 Roadster is available with two truly outstanding HiFi systems developed especially for this car. Two navigation systems also enable the roadster driver to benefit from BMW’s leading position in navigation technology. And the final point is that all of these systems may be combined with virtually all telecommunication features currently available.
BMW Z4 and Z4 M Roadster Pricing
The BMW Z4 model range has received a thorough facelift. In addition to two new 2.5-litre – with 130 kW/177 bhp and 160 kW/218 bhp - and 3.0-litre six-cylinder power units, now available with 195 kW/265 bhp, the bodywork and interior of models within the sporty Roadster range have also been modified to a certain degree. Moreover, the BMW Z4 M Roadster featuring a six-cylinder power unit delivering 252 kW/343 bhp has recently been brought to market. Please refer to the following pages for further information regarding all new Z4 models.
The basic prices (including 16% German VAT) of the new Z4 models, which will arrive at German BMW dealers on 25th March 2006, are as follows:
BMW Z4 Roadster 2.0i - €28,900
BMW Z4 Roadster 2.5i - €31,400
BMW Z4 Roadster 2.5si - €34,400
BMW Z4 Roadster 3.0si - €40,400
BMW Z4 M Roadster - €57,900
