Special Z4 Hardtop Tempts with Pure Undefiled Performance
Can we call 'em or what? In our August 30th story feature, we predicted that BMW would be showing a Z4 Coupe Concept; lo and behold not two weeks later, the brand that sports a blue and white propeller on its badge showed the world its latest metal. With this concept car, BMW hopes to
make the pulse of both BMW and sports car enthusiast's rise with a vehicle that puts driver enjoyment first. A no-compromise approach in the concept's execution ensures that this driver-oriented machine will deliver agility and pure undefiled performance.
Whether the Z4 Coupe Concept is a hair-trigger response to the Porsche Cayman S, a preparation for the next-generation TT or Benz SLT - an SLK-based shooting brake (sport wagon) - or something to fight off retreating sports car sales, the concept BMW delivered to Frankfurt is a true two-seat sports machine. It's more than just a Z4 with a hardtop roof, with work being done to the body and chassis in order to create a design that not only speaks to one's every emotion, but a car that also embodies sporting flair. This one looks to be a true, authentic sports car with ideal weight distribution, plus a traditional long-nose layout with rear-shifted cabin similar to classic coupes from our past, such as Jaguar's legendary XKE and Nissan's revolutionary 240Z.
In BMW lingo the Z4 Coupe Concept is the Z4's "fixed roof" sibling, and a player to the BMW "team". This new roof boldly arches from the front pillars, sweeping across and down, where it meets at the tail. The doors are of pillarless design, and do not feature an upper door frame. A recessed rib forms a backbone across the roof - a stylish if not classic addition to the coupe. Similar to the 6-Series coupe, the Z4 Coupe
Concept's rear fenders bulge outwards, rather than meld into the upper fairing. They are separate entities from the trunk's lid as with most other BMW models, however, in this application the infamous "Bangle Butt" has been toned down to incorporate the car's narrowing tailgate.
A couple of other traditional BMW design cues and a few non-traditional elements can also be found on this concept. As with almost all BMW cars, the rear quarter window features the Hofmeister 'kick', while a slightly newer tradition of flaming surfaces has been used extensively. The complex accumulation of convex, concave and creased surfaces makes the matte silver paint dance in sunlight, contrasted by charcoal-coloured 19-inch alloy wheels. The back half of the car features an integrated spoiler as well as twin side-mounted exhaust pipes and a sportier rear valance skit. Together, these styling cues, plus the swept look of the new hardtop roof make this new concept look like a classic, traditional sports car.
Can we call 'em or what? In our August 30th story feature, we predicted that BMW would be showing a Z4 Coupe Concept; lo and behold not two weeks later, the brand that sports a blue and white propeller on its badge showed the world its latest metal. With this concept car, BMW hopes to
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| It's more than just a Z4 with a hardtop roof, with work being done to the body and chassis. (Photo: BMW Canada) |
Whether the Z4 Coupe Concept is a hair-trigger response to the Porsche Cayman S, a preparation for the next-generation TT or Benz SLT - an SLK-based shooting brake (sport wagon) - or something to fight off retreating sports car sales, the concept BMW delivered to Frankfurt is a true two-seat sports machine. It's more than just a Z4 with a hardtop roof, with work being done to the body and chassis in order to create a design that not only speaks to one's every emotion, but a car that also embodies sporting flair. This one looks to be a true, authentic sports car with ideal weight distribution, plus a traditional long-nose layout with rear-shifted cabin similar to classic coupes from our past, such as Jaguar's legendary XKE and Nissan's revolutionary 240Z.
In BMW lingo the Z4 Coupe Concept is the Z4's "fixed roof" sibling, and a player to the BMW "team". This new roof boldly arches from the front pillars, sweeping across and down, where it meets at the tail. The doors are of pillarless design, and do not feature an upper door frame. A recessed rib forms a backbone across the roof - a stylish if not classic addition to the coupe. Similar to the 6-Series coupe, the Z4 Coupe
 |
| In this application the infamous "Bangle Butt" has been toned down to incorporate the car's narrowing tailgate. (Photo: BMW Canada) |
A couple of other traditional BMW design cues and a few non-traditional elements can also be found on this concept. As with almost all BMW cars, the rear quarter window features the Hofmeister 'kick', while a slightly newer tradition of flaming surfaces has been used extensively. The complex accumulation of convex, concave and creased surfaces makes the matte silver paint dance in sunlight, contrasted by charcoal-coloured 19-inch alloy wheels. The back half of the car features an integrated spoiler as well as twin side-mounted exhaust pipes and a sportier rear valance skit. Together, these styling cues, plus the swept look of the new hardtop roof make this new concept look like a classic, traditional sports car.