BMW has revealed a new version of the popular Z4 roadster which will go on sale in March, 2013 – 80 years after we first offered such an exciting concept. Currently BMW’s only two seat drop-top to be offered, the BMW Z4 now comes with a new entry-level sDrive18i, while at the same time the Pure Traction Design package boasts a level of sophistication and high specification not seen on a Z4 before.

Model	Price from	Power Hp	Torque   Nm	Zero – 62mph Seconds 0 - 62	Top Speed Mph	Combined Mpg	CO2 Emissions g/km
BMW Z4sDrive18i	£27,610	156	240	7.9 (8.1)	137	41.5	159
BMW Z4 sDrive20i	£29,710	184	270	6.9	146 (144)	41.5	159
BMW Z4 sDrive28i	£34,095	245	350	5.7 (5.5)	155*	41.5	159
BMW Z4 sDrive35i	£39,915	306	400	5.2 (5.1)	155*	30.1 (31.4)	219 (210)
BMW Z4 sDrive35is	£45,795	340	450	(4.8)	155*	31.4	210

* Electronically-limited. Figures in brackets denote car with automatic gearbox or Double Clutch Transmission.


The new BMW Z4 sDrive18i engine heralds a new entry point into BMW Z4 ownership. Priced from £27,610 OTR this new derivative uses a de-tuned version of an existing 2.0-litre four-cylinder twin-scroll turbocharged engine. Producing 156hp at 5,000rpm from its 1,997cc powerplant the car is capable of zero to 62mph time of 7.9 seconds before going on to a top speed of 137mph. It manages to do this while still recording 41.5mpg and emissions of just 159g/km.


Some of the existing engines have also received enhancements to improve their overall performance. The BMW Z4 sDrive20i comes with a 184hp engine that achieves 41.5mpg and 159g/km CO2. The model is the most popular derivative of Z4 currently accounting for 80 per cent of sales.


Further up the range and the four-cylinder twin-scroll turbocharged sDrive28i, and the six-cylinder twin-turbocharged sDrive35i and the sDrive35is offer customers greater performance courtesy of their respective 245hp, 306hp and 340hp power outputs. All cars are rated at an electronically-limited 155mph top speed.


Transmitting the power to the road is a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. Customers can also specify an eight-speed automatic with gear shift paddles located on the steering wheel, while buyers of the BMW Z4 sDrive35is have a seven-speed Double Clutch Transmission, again with gear shift paddles, as standard.


EfficientDynamics

All of the latest BMW Z4s come as standard with facets of BMW’s award-winning EfficientDynamics programme. Technologies that improve engine performance while enhancing economy and cutting emissions include Brake Energy Regeneration, Electric Power Steering with Servotronic, Reduced Rolling Resistance Tyres, on-demand control of the engine’s ancillaries and Optimum Shift Indicator on manual transmission cars. The BMW Z4 also adheres to a philosophy of lightweight construction with the front suspension and subframe being largely made from aluminium.


A new look
Design wise the winning formula of the BMW Z4 styling has only had minor enhancements mid-life. The headlights now include white LED corona rings and a white ‘eyebrow’ with additional chrome detailing, while in profile the side gill features chrome detailing and LED side repeater lights.


Building on the striking looks of the BMW Z4 is the introduction of the Pure Traction Design package. Available exclusively in Valencia Orange with an optional black contrast roof the model also comes with Sport seats in Alcantara and leather with contrast stitching, Anthracite headlining and a unique metal weave interior trim. Should a customer wish to have another exterior colour this can be offered though. The Pure Traction Design package costs from £550 up to £2,240 depending on the model within the Z4 range it is order on. SE and M Sport derivatives will continue to be offered.


Standard equipment across all models now includes DAB radio, Xenon headlights, Bluetooth, USB connectivity and Sport multi-function steering wheel. All models apart from the new entry-level sDrive18i SE come with Kansas leather upholstery as standard. Three new colours of Mineral Grey, Glacier Silver and Valencia Orange are offered while two new styles of alloy wheel, 17-inch and an 18-inch V-spoke styling wheel are available.


These enhancements build on an already strong offering. The BMW Z4 was the first roadster in BMW’s history to come with a two-piece, electro-hydraulically operated Retractable Hard-Top roof that can be raised or lowered in 20 seconds at speeds of up to 20mph. The new roadster was also the first vehicle to be offered with Adaptive M Suspension. Electronically controlled dampers offer three different configurations while the ride height is lowered by 10mm for a more dynamic drive.


The standard Drive Performance Control function was another first and this allows the driver to alter, depending on model specification, the throttle and steering response, level of ride comfort, Dynamic Stability Control response and, on automatic or Double Clutch Transmission cars, gear change times.


The new BMW Z4 goes on sale March, 2013 with prices starting from £27,610 OTR rising to £45,795 OTR.

Labels: BMW Z4, Z4

A supreme combination of high performance and luxury: The BMW M6 Gran Coupe.

A third body variant of the BMW M6 high-performanc e sports car is set to be presented for the first time as the BMW M6 Gran Coupe joins the existing Coupe and Convertible models in the line-up. The new member of the M6 family brings together customary M performance characteristics with extra helpings of luxury and aesthetic appeal. The high-revving V8 enginewith M TwinPower Turbo technology and 412 kW/560 hp propels the BMW M6 Gran Coupe from 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.2 seconds. And the elegantly sporty lines of the four-door Coupe are complemented by bespoke features, such as the carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof. The greater interior space of the BMW M6 Gran Coupe allows two rear passengers to enjoy generous levels of on-board comfort, and there is also a third rear seat for use on shorter journeys.


Design: the beauty of majestic power delivery.

Hallmark M design features influenced directly by technical considerations – such as cooling air requirements, chassis geometry, weight balance and aerodynamics – open a clear window into the performance capability of the BMW M6 Gran Coupe. The front of the car is dominated by its large air intakes, standard Adaptive LED Headlights and an M kidney grille designed especially for this model. From the side, the first four-door Coupe in the BMW M GmbH ranks is clearly distinguishable from the BMW M6 Coupe thanks to its rear doors and 113-millimetre longer wheelbase. The low roofline flowing smoothly into the rear, the swage line – which takes in the door openers – and side windows extending well into the C-pillars accentuate the dynamically stretched silhouette.

Prominently flared wheel arches draw the eye to a track width specific to the BMW M6 Gran Coupe. The characteristic M gills, aerodynamically optimised exterior mirrors, standard BMW Individual High-gloss Shadow Line package and exclusive 20-inch M light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design underline the car’s distinctive appearance, as does another M signature – twin exhaust tailpipes positioned on the outer edges of the rear apron. Also integrated into the rear apron, and charged with the task of optimising airflow along the car’s underbody, is a diffuser made from CFRP.


This extremely lightweight, impressively strong high-tech material is used in the construction of the roof as well. Here, the visible carbon structure provides an eye-catching feature, as does a dynamic recess in the centre of the roof. This recess is referenced stylistically inside the car, the anthracite-coloured Alcantara roof liner gaining a central section in leather.


Emulating the harmonious blend of athletic prowess and elegance embodied by the exterior design, the distinctively M cockpit fuses sports car style with generous levels of space and a luxurious ambience. The driver and front passenger can look forward to M sports seats with integral belt guides. And the BMW M6 Gran Coupe’s standard specification also includes Merino leather upholstery with extended features. The rear compartment offers two or three seats, the backrests of which can split and fold down in a ratio of 40 : 60 to increase boot capacity from 460 to as much as 1,265 litres.


V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology, seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic, Active M Differential.

The powertrain technology under the skin of the BMW M6 Gran Coupe guarantees the performance characteristics for which M Automobiles are renowned. The V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology produces 412 kW/560 hp. Its technical wizardry includes a pair of twin-scroll turbochargers, a cross-bank exhaust manifold, High Precision Direct Petrol Injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve timing and Double-Vanos continuously variable camshaft control. The 4,395 cc unit keeps peak torque of 680 Newton metres (502 lb-ft) on tap between 1,500 and 5,750 rpm, while maximum output is developed between 6,000 and 7,000 rpm. The engine revs to a maximum of 7,200 rpm. The BMW M6 Gran Coupe sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.2 seconds on the way to an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h/155 mph (305 km/h/189 mph if the optional M Driver’s Package is specified). Average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle stands at 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres (28.5 mpg imp) and CO2 emissions are 232 grams per kilometre.


Taking care of power transfer is a seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic. The transmission’s electronic management system ensures the right gear is selected for optimum traction. It also offers the driver a Launch Control function for maximum acceleration, Low Speed Assistance for extra comfort and the Auto Start-Stop function to enhance efficiency.


Under particularly dynamic acceleration out of corners, as well as in tricky road and weather conditions, the Active M Differential at the rear axle distributes the engine’s power between the individual wheels to maximum traction-enhancing effect. Its electronically controlled multi-disc limited-slip differential works hand-in-hand with the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system and splits drive between the right and left rear wheels quickly and precisely according to the situation at hand.


Chassis technology developed to M specification.

The chassis technology of the BMW M6 Gran Coupe is also geared to harnessing the car’s sporting potential in the cause of supreme performance. Like the integral rear axle, the double-wishbone front axle has specific kinematics and components made from forged aluminium. Chassis mountings using large panels ensure dynamic forces are passed evenly through to the body. The BMW M6 Gran Coupe comes as standard with an M-specific version of the Dynamic Damper Control system and hydraulic variable-ratio rack-and-pinion steering with the M Servotronic function.


As an alternative to the standard high-performance compound braking system, the BMW M6 Gran Coupe can also be ordered with M carbon-ceramic brakes. Made from a new type of carbon-fibre compound ceramic, the discs boast even greater resistance to heat, lower weight and exceptional resistance to wear.


Arranged around the gearshift lever on the centre console of the BMW M6 Gran Coupe are the buttons used to configure all the adjustable powertrain and chassis functions to personal tastes. The DSC mode,engine performance characteristics, Dynamic Damper Control mapping,M Servotronic responses and M DCT Drivelogic shift program can be selected independently of each other. All of which means the driver can put together a detailed set-up and store those settings on one of the two M Drive buttons on the multifunction steering wheel.


Exclusive and individual: high-quality range of equipment.

The standard equipment fitted on the BMW M6 Gran Coupe includes 20-inch M light-alloy wheels, leather trim, heated driver and front passenger seats, automatically dimming rear-view and exterior mirrors, an alarm system and the BMW Professional radio with hi-fi loudspeakers. Available as an alternative to the standard 2-zone automatic climate control is a 4-zone system with a control panel in the rear compartment. Among the other highlights of the options list are M multifunction seats, heated rear seats, Comfort Access, a heated steering wheel, the Soft Close Automatic function for the doors, electrically operated sun blinds, the new generation of the Professional navigation system and a Bang & Olufsen High End Surround Sound System.


The BMW M6 Gran Coupe also comes with a variety of BMW ConnectedDrive features, such as an M-specific BMW Head-Up Display, Park Distance Control, a rear-view camera, High Beam Assistant, Speed Limit Info, Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Surround View and BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition. Customers can also integrate their Apple iPhone or other smartphones into the car and make use of internet-based services while on board.

Labels: BMW 6 Series, BMW M Series, BMW M6 Gran Coupe

The BMW Concept 4 Series Coupé. Aesthetics, dynamics, individuality.

The BMW Concept 4 Series Coupé builds on the success of the current BMW 3 Series Coupé and Convertible, while looking ahead to the fourth generation of BMW’s sporty mid-range coupé.

The “4” represents a new focus for the 3 Series with its own individual character and a standalone design with added aesthetic and dynamic appeal. This latest addition of nomenclature sees BMW building on the traditions of the BMW 6 Series and BMW 8 Series Coupés, while the “4” further stands out from the BMW 3 Series range thanks to its greater emphasis on sportiness and exclusivity.


The BMW Concept 4 Series Coupé showcases a new athletic and elegant generation of mid-size coupé. An array of high-quality details showcase the car’s perfectly balanced coupé proportions while the expertise of BMW Individual, skilled handcraftsmanship and carefully selected materials combine to create a luxurious interior.

The wheelbase (2,810mm) is 50mm longer than that of the existing 3 Series Coupé, while 45mm has been added to the front track (1,545mm) and 80mm to the rear track (1,593mm). At 1,826mm wide, the BMW Concept 4 Series Coupé is 44mm wider than its predecessor, its roof line is 16mm lower (1,362mm) and it is also longer at 4,641 mm.  Longer, lower and wider, the dimensions of the BMW Concept 4 Series Coupé give the car an exceptionally dynamic presence, even when it is standing still.


The BMW Concept 4 Series Coupé’s elegant lines and athletic surface interplay embody the qualities and expertise of BMW design which emanate from its sporting silhouette. The car’s proportions mean it’s instantly recognisable as a BMW: its long wheelbase, long sweeping bonnet, set-back passenger compartment and short overhangs propel the BMW Concept 4 Series Coupé forwards even before its engine stirs. At the same time, its stretched proportions exude an athletic elegance with the rear wheel arches marking the widest point of the car, and taut lines and surfaces etching emotion and precision into the body. The Coupé’s sophisticated detailing combines with functional elements such as air intakes and vents, door openers and exterior mirrors to give the interior a visual lift with satin-finish aluminium accents.

Precise contours and multifaceted surfaces define the face of the BMW Concept 4 Series Coupé. The characteristic BMW front-end, featuring the kidney grille and twin circular headlights, now has a slim, sporty design but is still clearly recognisable as a BMW. The BMW Concept 4 Series Coupé front-end displays a clear link with the BMW 3 Series family, but its features are enhanced to give it an even more dynamic look. To optimise aerodynamics and keep fuel consumption low, the kidney grille is closed off and the areas between the satin-finish grille slats are blanked off.


The full-LED headlights are a angular take on the customary BMW twin circular design. The dynamically chiselled, slimmer interpretation of this iconic design cue integrates seamlessly into the front end. The design of the headlights adopts the link between the lights and kidney grille familiar from the BMW 3 Series and takes it to the next level, rendering this connection visible at night as well as in the day. An optical fibre leads from the inner headlight tube and forms a visual link between the inner headlight and the kidney grille, giving the front end of the Coupé an even broader look.

The most radical feature of the car’s nose is the large air intake in the front apron. Its wide opening hints at the powerful engines encased within and guides the eye to the muscular flared wheel arches. The vent surrounds on either side replicate the contours of the headlights to give the front end an even wider and more sporting look. Three sculptured, satin-finish aluminium trim elements in the intake accentuate the width, giving the aperture a sporty three-way split. The sides of the two flanking vents are of differing thickness to define specific areas of the intake for brake and oil cooling and for the Aero Curtain.  This EfficientDynamics feature channels the incoming air around the outside of the wheels, ensuring the airflow “hugs” the wheel arches and fuel consumption is reduced as a consequence.


Typical BMW proportions and a stretched silhouette define the athletically elegant side view of the BMW Concept 4 Series Coupé, with elongated lines and contoured surfaces providing a lively interplay of light and shadow. The gently downward-sloping roofline creates a smooth transition into the rear, stretches the overall appearance of the car and accentuates the athletic appeal. The exterior mirrors extend organically out of the shoulderline seamlessly integrating aerodynamic function with aesthetic form. The BMW Concept 4 Series Coupé boasts elegantly moulded shoulders where surfaces blend harmoniously as the roof slopes down and merges into the sleek silhouette.

Below the side windows, the double bodywork creases, familiar from the BMW 3 Series range, lend the car a dynamic sense of forward motion. The shadowed surface above the rear wheel shrinks below this line accentuating the muscular contours around the rear wheels, emphasising the car’s hallmark BMW rear-wheel drive.


The Air Breather, an aerodynamically effective aperture behind the front wheels, hints at the sophisticated aerodynamics of the BMW Concept 4 Series Coupé. It draws a path between the two light surfaces of the car’s flanks, replicating the front-end elements. The Air Breather works in tandem with the Aero Curtain to minimise the drag around the wheels. Exclusive 20-inch light-alloy wheels, with three-dimensional multi-spoke design, complete the look with an air of sporting elegance.

The sporting character of the BMW Concept 4 Series Coupé continues in the low-slung design of the rear. The prominent horizontal lines and stretched rear lights, positioned at the outer edges, draw attention to the muscular wheel arches and wide track. The design of the rear window has a lowering effect on the car’s tail and shows off the car’s broad shoulders.


The L-shaped rear lights blend harmoniously into the car’s overall design, continuing down the side they are an integral part of the exterior design. The tail lights taper in towards the centre of the rear end, but flare out towards the outer edges, underlining the Coupé’s broad, squat stance. A full-sized light element within the rear lights reproduces the signature BMW “double L” in three-dimensional form.

The most striking element of the rear end is the bumper, in which a clearly defined satin-finish aluminium trim element provides interest, as the lower edge of the car drops down towards the road. The trim element adopts a similar three-way split to the front air intake, but with the two exhaust tailpipes at the outer edges of the rear apron, diverting the gaze to the wheels. Small upturns next to the tailpipes lend additional dynamic flair.


The interior of the BMW Concept 4 Series Coupé follows the traditional BMW recipe, blending sportiness and exclusivity seamlessly into a single package. The interior wraps around the driver in typical BMW driver-focused style. The most important controls are grouped ergonomically around the driver to ensure all functions are within easy reach. The “layering” approach underlines the dynamic feeling inside the BMW Concept 4 Series Coupé.

This dynamic use of lines continues to the door with all the lines streaking backwards towards the rear of the car, pulling the focus of the interior towards the front. At the same time, clearly defined surfaces around the window sills and door trim panels converge at the B-pillar and into the rear in a tightly structured horizontal movement connecting the front and rear compartments. The arrangement of surfaces around the doors, side walls and window sills forms a cocoon around the passengers and generates a sense of security. The strong contouring of the rear seats makes them appear as two individual seats joined together, emphasising the sporting character of the BMW Concept 4 Series Coupé.


Developed by BMW Individual, the colour and materials from the BMW Concept 4 Series Coupé are tailored precisely to the geometry of the interior. The two-tone Black and Schiaparelli Brown trim provides a showcase for the interplay of forms in the front cabin, and light contrast stitching adds a freshness to the leather-covered surfaces, made from sustainably tanned leather.

The fine detailing of the BMW Concept 4 Series Coupé’s exterior is continued inside the car with discreetly embossed “BMW Individual” lettering on the seats and door sill strips, and hand-braided leather trim elements, running vertically down the seats to enhance the interior’s luxurious feeling. The leather-covered cup holders also adopt the braiding, as do the floor mats.  A Natural Chestnut fine wood trim strip adds the finishing touch to the exclusive interior. The Liquid Metal Silver exterior colour has been developed exclusively for the concept car to show off its expressive exterior design to enhance the interplay of contours and surfaces.

Labels: BMW Concept, BMW Concept 4 Series Coupé