Description
With a long history of producing open-top sports vehicles, BMW introduced the M-badged version of the Z4 Roadster in 2006, re-igniting competition in this segment.
The German automaker was known for its glorious open-top sports cars ever since the 1938 BMW 328. After WWII, its first attempt to regain traction in that segment was the 1956 507, which was a total disaster in terms of profit. Fast forward to the late â80s, and the Z1 stole the hearts of the brandâs enthusiasts. It was a clear sign that BMW had to make a powerful comeback in that segment, and it did that with the introduction of the 1995 Z3, followed by the 2002 Z4, which got an M-treatment in 2005 for the coupe version, and the Roadster in 2006. But it wasnât just another open-top Z4 with a more powerful engine; it was a seriously upgraded car.
At first sight, the Z4 M Roadster looked just like its siblings, but there were several significant differences. At the front, the automaker kept the same headlights as on the rest of the range but installed a new bumper, which featured an apron that sported a trapezoidal-shaped air intake flanked by a pair of side scoops that mimicked the headlightsâ design, albeit reversed by 180 degrees.
From its profile, the Z4 M Roadster sported M-specific badges on the front fenders, next to the round blinkers adorned by BMWâs logos. Its sculptured doors followed the flame-surfacing design concept imagined by the American designer Chris Bangle and applied by the carâs main stylist, Anders Warming. The five twin-spoke alloy wheels were also exclusive for this version of the Z4 and revealed the big brakes behind it. At the back, the rear fendersâ lines embodied the coke-bottle ideas from the mid-60s. Apart from the thick A-pillars, the automaker also added a set of safety arches behind the seats, while at the back, the short deck sported a duck-tail spoiler on the trunk. Finally, the rear fascia revealed a third M-badge on the panel and a fat bumper below that made room for the four exhausts to peak through it on the sides.
The two-seat cockpit revealed the sports-oriented intentions of the roadster due to its high-bolstered sports seats. Customers could get them in suede or a mix of leather and Alcantara. At the same time, BMW offered a carbon fiber pack option that added specific trims on the center console, center stack, and dashboard. The instrument cluster placed in front of the driver sported a binocular design with large dials for the speedometer and tachometer in individual clusters. In addition, the rev counterâs dial also housed the gauges for the fuel level and the oil temperature (not water). The center console housed the gear stick and the sport button.
But the real upgrade happened under the skin. Firstly, the power steering was hydraulic, not electrical, like on the rest of the Z4 range. In addition, the brake system was greatly improved for shorter stopping distances. Under the hood, the wizards from M GmbH installed a 3.2-liter naturally aspirated inline-six that sent its power to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual. The Z4 also came equipped with an M-differential (limited-slip).
Press Release
BMW UK has announced details of the latest M car - the new BMW Z4 M Roadster. Three-years after the Z4's launch as the most performance-focussed roadster on the market, BMW M have turned their attentions to the Z4, creating BMW's fastest accelerating open-top. With 343hp equating to 106hp per litre, zero to 62mph acceleration of 5.0 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155mph, the new M Roadster is set to re-write the rulebook for performance, agility and dynamism.
The Detroit Auto Show in January 2006 will also see the launch of model updates for the entire BMW Z4 Roadster range. The new Z4 will feature a new engine line-up, new gearbox options, styling enhancements and still the fastest opening fully automatic convertible roof in the world.
Like the current BMW M3 Coupé and Convertible, the new BMW Z4 M Roadster features the five-time International Engine of the Year. The reigning three to four-litre champion delivers 343hp at 7,900rpm and 365Nm of torque at 4,900rpm from its 3,246cc six-cylinder Motorsport engine. The powerplant is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox and BMW M's variable M differential. The result is excellent stability and traction, especially when accelerating out of bends.
Unlike the 'standard' Z4 that uses an electromechanical steering system, the new Z4 M Roadster uses a hydraulic power assistance system. The 'standard' car also uses Run-flat tyres as opposed to the M Roadster's non-Run-Flat items - both features that M, as a separate division, believes give the car its own 'M' character. These features are reinforced by BMW M's floating compound high-performance braking system, originally conceived for the BMW M3 CSL, resulting in a 62mph to zero stopping distance of just 34 metres.
Visually, the new Z4 M Roadster is differentiated from the 'standard' car by numerous details inside and out. From the front, the lower valance, large air intakes and dual styling lines on the bonnet clearly identify the M car while, at the rear, BMW M's trademark quad-tailpipes and aerodynamic diffuser highlight the car's potential. The M-styling is finished off with exclusive M double-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels with 225/45ZR18 tyres on the front and 255/40ZR18s on the rear.
The Z4 M Roadster is available in eight exterior colours, with three exclusive M colours - Sepang Bronze, Interlagos Blue and Imola Red.
Internally, the familiar Z4 interior is complemented by new leather finishes in Black, Imola Red, Light Sepang Bronze or Sepang Brown and trim strips in Hexagon Aluminium, Black Carbon Leather or Madeira Walnut wood. In front of the driver a bespoke BMW M instrument binnacle featuring a black background with white numerals and red needles helps keep the driver in touch with vital driving information.
