As with the previous Z3 or M-Coupe, and Jag's latest XK, the Z4 Coupe also features a hatchback, though it's not so much in the form of an upright panel wagon as it is sporty fastback. A natural competitor to the likes of the two-trunked Porsche Cayman S and the immensely popular Audi TT and Nissan 350Z, the Z4 Coupe Concept's liftback design allows
for added practicality. Where the open top version is limited by a small trunk (even smaller when the roof is retracted), two bags of golf clubs or similar volume can be brought aboard the Z4 Coupe Concept. Custom-made wells house handmade travel bags in the concept's trunk.
The concept is powered by BMW's latest high-power 'R6' 3.0-litre inline-six; the same engine that made its debut in the 630 Ci last year, and the same unit currently powering the 530i and the new 330i. An award winning motor, it's the lightest six-cylinder in the world with an output to weight ratio of 1.60 horsepower per kilogram! If this weren't enough, its 265-horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque - a good 30 horsepower gain over the M54 series motor fitted in the Z4 3.0i - should definitely improve performance. A shorter final drive ratio makes for even better in-gear acceleration.
By adding an integrated roof, BMW claims to have significantly improved driving dynamics over the current Z4. But aside from taking away the wind-in-the-hair experience, what would a production version of the Coupe Concept offer over the Roadster? You'd be surprised, but the
addition of the roof has substantially increased torsional rigidity, making for a flex-free chassis, and we all know what that means - better cornering, ride and crash protection. The Z4 Coupe also benefits from BMW's Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Electrical Power Steering (EPS), plus a world-class braking system.
Inside, drivers of the current Z4 should be familiar; there isn't anything new aside from a beautifully handcrafted theme interior that pampers the driver. BMW has chosen soft natural-coloured Nubuck leather to accent standard black leather sport bucket seats. All major stitching is done in 5 mm wide leather by hand, turning the cabin into a cozy but beautiful driving environment. Overall, the rich textures and smells of the colour-coordinated leather are said to create a warm, welcoming cabin.
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| Custom-made wells house handmade travel bags in the concept's trunk. (Photo: BMW Canada) |
The concept is powered by BMW's latest high-power 'R6' 3.0-litre inline-six; the same engine that made its debut in the 630 Ci last year, and the same unit currently powering the 530i and the new 330i. An award winning motor, it's the lightest six-cylinder in the world with an output to weight ratio of 1.60 horsepower per kilogram! If this weren't enough, its 265-horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque - a good 30 horsepower gain over the M54 series motor fitted in the Z4 3.0i - should definitely improve performance. A shorter final drive ratio makes for even better in-gear acceleration.
By adding an integrated roof, BMW claims to have significantly improved driving dynamics over the current Z4. But aside from taking away the wind-in-the-hair experience, what would a production version of the Coupe Concept offer over the Roadster? You'd be surprised, but the
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| Overall, the rich textures and smells of the colour-coordinated leather create a warm, welcoming cabin, according to BMW. (Photo: BMW Canada) |
Inside, drivers of the current Z4 should be familiar; there isn't anything new aside from a beautifully handcrafted theme interior that pampers the driver. BMW has chosen soft natural-coloured Nubuck leather to accent standard black leather sport bucket seats. All major stitching is done in 5 mm wide leather by hand, turning the cabin into a cozy but beautiful driving environment. Overall, the rich textures and smells of the colour-coordinated leather are said to create a warm, welcoming cabin.