Could an M-Power Z4 Coupe Be in the Works?
BMW just might be the starring attraction of this year's Frankfurt motor show. So far, it's managed to duck out of the headlines, silently announcing many new production models for 2006, such as 5-Series and 6-Series vehicles powered by the new 360-horsepower 5.0-litre
Valvetronic V8 which replaces the 333-horsepower 4.4-litre V8. BMW is also redefining all-wheel drive by offering xDrive on the 3-Series and for the first time ever on a diesel-powered 5-Series. Yes, it's a big year so far for the automaker that professes to be the "ultimate driving machine", but it's only going to get bigger.
Though BMW hasn't announced how it will be using its floor space at the IAA this year, there are sneaking suspicions that three concept vehicles will debut. The cars that are potentially on the list are a Z4 Coupe concept, an X3 SAV Hybrid concept, and an M-Roadster concept or prototype, all of which have been rumoured for quite some time.
In hot pursuit of the two-door, two-seat sports coupe segment that may get revived by Porsche's upcoming Cayman S, BMW is expected to bring its own variant to market, previewed by a concept car. The Z4 Coupe will be a hardtop version of the Z4 Convertible, somewhat of a repetition of what BMW did with the Z3 Coupe. The styling of the rear end will be different however, answering to the previous Z3/M Coupe's many critics. While it's true that a loyal following was obtained for the shoe-shaped predecessor,
its upright rear hatchback didn't speak for overall sales numbers. To fix this conundrum, the Z4 Coupe will sport an infinitely more stylish albeit more conventional fastback this time around. With a hatchback, and only two seats, the car should make an excellent cross-country tourer with plenty of luggage space.
In launching the concept, BMW will probably take the opportunity to experiment with new styling; we're hearing that it will take on the look of the asymmetrical X-Coupe concept shown several years back. The production version will, however retain the look of the current Z4, sharing much of the roadster's sheetmetal. Production will take place alongside the Z4 Roadster at the Spartanburg, North Carolina facility. The base engine is expected to be BMW's new 255-horsepower 3.0-litre inline-six, mated to a choice of six-speed manual, automatic or SMG paddle-shift sequential manual.
BMW just might be the starring attraction of this year's Frankfurt motor show. So far, it's managed to duck out of the headlines, silently announcing many new production models for 2006, such as 5-Series and 6-Series vehicles powered by the new 360-horsepower 5.0-litre
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| The Z4 Coupe will be a hardtop version of the Z4 Convertible, somewhat of a repetition of what BMW did with the Z3-based M Coupe. (Photo: BMW AG) |
Though BMW hasn't announced how it will be using its floor space at the IAA this year, there are sneaking suspicions that three concept vehicles will debut. The cars that are potentially on the list are a Z4 Coupe concept, an X3 SAV Hybrid concept, and an M-Roadster concept or prototype, all of which have been rumoured for quite some time.
In hot pursuit of the two-door, two-seat sports coupe segment that may get revived by Porsche's upcoming Cayman S, BMW is expected to bring its own variant to market, previewed by a concept car. The Z4 Coupe will be a hardtop version of the Z4 Convertible, somewhat of a repetition of what BMW did with the Z3 Coupe. The styling of the rear end will be different however, answering to the previous Z3/M Coupe's many critics. While it's true that a loyal following was obtained for the shoe-shaped predecessor,
 |
| Production will take place alongside the Z4 Roadster at the Spartanburg, North Carolina facility. (Photo: Artist's Rendering) |
In launching the concept, BMW will probably take the opportunity to experiment with new styling; we're hearing that it will take on the look of the asymmetrical X-Coupe concept shown several years back. The production version will, however retain the look of the current Z4, sharing much of the roadster's sheetmetal. Production will take place alongside the Z4 Roadster at the Spartanburg, North Carolina facility. The base engine is expected to be BMW's new 255-horsepower 3.0-litre inline-six, mated to a choice of six-speed manual, automatic or SMG paddle-shift sequential manual.