EVO

SEARCH

News:

evo News

M-power for Z4

BMW is breathing fresh life into its under-performing Z4 by announcing an 'M' version of the roadster and confirming that the Coupe (first seen as a concept, evo 085) is to become a production model in 3.0i and 'M' guises. All three cars will go on sale in the UK during summer 2006, prices starting at around £32,000 for the 3.0i Coupe. The M Coupe is likely to cost about £42,000 and the Z4 M Roadster approximately £38,000.

30th November 2005

The M Roadster and Coupe both use the current M3's 338bhp straight-six rather than the 400bhp V8 earmarked for the next M3. They'll get lower, stiffer suspension, together with a speed-sensitive M-diff and six-speed manual gearbox. The unexpected good news is that the Z4's electrically powered steering has been ditched in favour of a regular hydraulic set-up.

Subtle styling changes around the nose, plus special alloys, will distance the M cars from lesser models. The Z4 M Roadster is said to dash to 62mph in 5.0sec, while the heavier Coupe gets there in 5.7sec - both are limited to 155mph. And it's probably no coincidence that in terms of performance, pricing and market positioning, the two new M cars sit very close to Porsche's Boxster and Cayman models.

The Coupe will also be available with the 265bhp 3-litre straight-six recently introduced into the roadster. Meanwhile, the drop-top range has also benefited from a revamped 2.5-litre unit with 216bhp, together with a minor facelift inside and out.