First official photos of BMW’s new Z4 based Coupe

<p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="FONT-SIZE: 100%">These are thefirst 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.<o ></o >[/quote] <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"></div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="FONT-SIZE: 100%">The 3.0[/quote] is fitted with a straight 6 cylinder 3,0 litre engine that produces 265 hp[/quote] while the M edition is fitted with the M3 straight 6 engine that blows out 343 hp[/quote]. According to Munich, the Z4 M weighs 1.420 kg[/quote] (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[/quote].[/quote] Top speed is, electronically limited at 250 km/h -or- 155 mp/h. <o ></o >[/quote] <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"></div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span lang="EN-US">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 by 15%.[/quote][/quote] <p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span lang="EN-US"> [/quote][/quote] <p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span lang="EN-US"> [/quote][/quote] <p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span lang="EN-US"> [/quote][/quote] <p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span lang="EN-US"> [/quote][/quote] Edited by - speedgod on 01/23/2006 1:14:28 PM

Too bad the M version is so slow since the Cayman S can go 0-60 in 4.8 seconds and will eat the Z4 Coupe alive in the twisties... you pay 15% less you get 15% less (or more) IMHO... Did I mention it is Fugly?

I think I just read an article in Roundel that basically said if this design doesn't work, 'take the Z4 out back and shoot it'. I'll hold onto my Cayman. Certainly looks better than the Clown Shoe previous version. -Pete

yes, it is FUGLY.

As most know 5th gear made a big deal about product fit in the Porsche line-up ie. Cayman S being between Boxter and 911 - how about BMW and its 'designed' speed limit of 155 mph ? Unless this car has very good handling ( and from what I hear Z4 did not ) it will not be a match for the Cayman, the same way as M3 has a hard time on a track. As for the looks department, the one good thing about is that it does not look like other BMWs - that could be good or bad /fckeditor/editor/images/smiley/MWPX/regular_smile.gif

Now if Chris Bangle will justhang some nice lookin' bumperettes on that car for the US market, it'll sure be purty. /fckeditor/editor/images/smiley/MWPX/sad_smile.gif John

Guys- looks aside which are based on individual taste, I find the pricing strategy interesting. So far, everything is indicating that the coupe will be cheaper or at paar in price with its roadster sibling. Unlike the boxster that hasa lesser power motor than the respective cayman, and thus the price is cheaper. Traditionally speaking, roadsters or convertible are typically more expensive with the same motor than their coupe counterparts. I think this has to do with a more costly roof mechanism and an increase in labor assembly costs. Performance wise- Its being built here in the US in the SC plant. But since the acceleration times are 0-62 mph and not 0-60mph that means that they are a conversion of 0-100 kmh accereration times. It may seem like only 2 mph but we are talking tenths of a second respectively. Since the US is 0-60 centric and not top speed it will be geared for the US market with different performance numbers. You can see that right now, US BMW's are faster than European BMW's in 0-60 acceleration. The real mystery will be as to how much comes standard on the M Car and how much it will cost to add any options. I think thats where the real price discrepancy between in the Cayman and Z coupe will be.

What you heard was correct. My 3.0 with sport package and 18' wheels was one of the most nervous cars I have ever driven and would search out every irregularity on the road surface. When I used my best 'Use the Force, Luke' imitation the car could be driven fast and smooth but who wants to exert that much effort to drive a car fast? I even bought smaller wheels which helped but didn't cure the problem. The thing I like about the Cayman and Boxsteris that they inspire so much confidence and beg you to drive in a spirited manner. I think the Z coupe will satisfy a lot ofbuyers but it will never drive like a Porsche. Alan

I loved BMW until I saw these pictures....its definately FUGLY!!!!! What were they thinking? One more reason to buy the Cayman, at this point I see no real competition in the looks Dept...Interesting will be to see if the new Cayman non-S will be selling proportionally like the non-S Cayenne (good for P nevertheless ---> $$$$), but that would mean potentially a "lot" of Caymans showing up in our neighborhood soon....hmm exclusivity....hmmm....whats next for some of us if P becomes a "mass car producer", Aston Martin, Ferrari, Lambo? ........COCO

Ferrari wont become mass produced. Atleast anytime soon. They already rejected plans for the Dino which was going to be the 100k ferrari. i am waiting for the base cayman so if i get one ill be one of those people driving around diluting the brand. jk. Porsche already is a mass produced car. they are planning to add another 2-3 models to their lineup. They will be right up paired with BMW with a similar lineup.

Nice car, but I gave up BMW's for New Years. I know we are biased, but when I look at a Porsche, any Porsche I see such beauty of design. When I look at the Z4 I see exaggeration of design. C'mon Crazy, help me out here what am Ipolitely trying to say? Russ

Russk- you make a good point. The design of the cayman is timeless. This thing will always look good no matter what year it is or whetever the fashion trend. The Z4 however will probably look outdated. who knows. im going to wait and drive them both.

Speedgod and RussK, both good points. Maybe biased, but I also gave up BMW's for the same reason. Aesthetics (sp). I had the chance to buy the new M3, the 550i (wife insisted) or even the 650i, but went for the croc. I love BMWs but I guess from now its seems "once you go Porsche you cant go back" (no rhyme, lol). This site definately helps anybody getting addicted to P-cars (keep in mind I still dont have the car in my hands, just a picture)..Hooked?....COCO

89 Speedy you took the words right out of my mouth.

I have always been partial to BMW's, and have thought of waiting to see the Z4 M before ordering a Cayman. But after seeing those photos I think the wait is over. IMHO that looks like a characature of a car.

AllanK, I liek that, that is a good one that I hadn't thought of till you mentioned it. Aloha Russ

Nice car, but for me there is only one REAL car and that's a Porsche/fckeditor/editor/images/smiley/MWPX/drive.gif/fckeditor/editor/images/smiley/MWPX/dance.gif