New routes to maximum driving fun: BMW Z18 and BMW Just 4/2
The development of the prototypes launched in 1995 also saw the specialists at BMW Technik GmbH searching for new and sophisticated approaches to driving pleasure. One of their ideas focused on designing an automobile counterpart to the Enduro motorcycle concept that was so successful during the 1990s. The yearning to explore off-road terrain and the pleasure of mobility under the open skies was combined for the first time on four wheels in the BMW Z18. An eight-cylinder engine, four-wheel drive, a variable interior concept and elevated seating characterise the innovative driving experience in the robust roadster.
Festival of innovations: The BMW Z22
The BMW Z22 was among the most sophisticated technology platforms that BMW Technik GmbH ever created. The study was presented in 1999, and it bristled with no less than 70 innovations and 61 registered inventions in areas ranging across body concept, lightweight construction, power unit, safety, mechanical systems and controls. The use of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic in an innovative processing procedure permitted compliance with the highest crash safety standards while at the same time significantly reducing weight. Power steering, an electromechanical braking system, cameras instead of wing and rear mirrors, and a cockpit design reduced to the bare essentials defined the mould-breaking, future-proof character of the BMW Z22. Adaptive headlights, Head-up Display and central control unit enabled the prototype to offer innovative functions that were soon implemented further down the line in BMW series vehicles.
Consistent lightweight construction for uncompromising driving pleasure: The BMW Z29
Optimization of the vehicle weight by deploying the most advanced high-tech materials was the focus of development for the BMW Z29 concept study. The prototype of a two-seater sports car was completed by BMW Technik GmbH in 2001 and represents the culmination of cooperation with another subsidiary of the BMW Group – BMW M GmbH. The vehicle exerts fascinating appeal with flowing lines and lambo-style doors. The principles underlying the outstanding potential of the BMW Z29 for dynamic driving can be found under the engine bonnet and below the surface of the paintwork. The power was generated by the in-line six-cylinder engine of the BMW M3 – at that time a technological benchmark – and the passenger cell was manufactured from carbon-fibre reinforced plastic while the rear axle, and front and rear module were designed in aluminium. The most important results of this combination: a weight-to-power ratio of 3.4 kg/hp and an acceleration ratio of 4.4 seconds for the sprint from a standing start to 100 km/h.
The development of the prototypes launched in 1995 also saw the specialists at BMW Technik GmbH searching for new and sophisticated approaches to driving pleasure. One of their ideas focused on designing an automobile counterpart to the Enduro motorcycle concept that was so successful during the 1990s. The yearning to explore off-road terrain and the pleasure of mobility under the open skies was combined for the first time on four wheels in the BMW Z18. An eight-cylinder engine, four-wheel drive, a variable interior concept and elevated seating characterise the innovative driving experience in the robust roadster.
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| Photo: BMW |
Festival of innovations: The BMW Z22
The BMW Z22 was among the most sophisticated technology platforms that BMW Technik GmbH ever created. The study was presented in 1999, and it bristled with no less than 70 innovations and 61 registered inventions in areas ranging across body concept, lightweight construction, power unit, safety, mechanical systems and controls. The use of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic in an innovative processing procedure permitted compliance with the highest crash safety standards while at the same time significantly reducing weight. Power steering, an electromechanical braking system, cameras instead of wing and rear mirrors, and a cockpit design reduced to the bare essentials defined the mould-breaking, future-proof character of the BMW Z22. Adaptive headlights, Head-up Display and central control unit enabled the prototype to offer innovative functions that were soon implemented further down the line in BMW series vehicles.
 |
| Photo: BMW |
Consistent lightweight construction for uncompromising driving pleasure: The BMW Z29
Optimization of the vehicle weight by deploying the most advanced high-tech materials was the focus of development for the BMW Z29 concept study. The prototype of a two-seater sports car was completed by BMW Technik GmbH in 2001 and represents the culmination of cooperation with another subsidiary of the BMW Group – BMW M GmbH. The vehicle exerts fascinating appeal with flowing lines and lambo-style doors. The principles underlying the outstanding potential of the BMW Z29 for dynamic driving can be found under the engine bonnet and below the surface of the paintwork. The power was generated by the in-line six-cylinder engine of the BMW M3 – at that time a technological benchmark – and the passenger cell was manufactured from carbon-fibre reinforced plastic while the rear axle, and front and rear module were designed in aluminium. The most important results of this combination: a weight-to-power ratio of 3.4 kg/hp and an acceleration ratio of 4.4 seconds for the sprint from a standing start to 100 km/h.
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| Photo: BMW |
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