January 25, 2006; BMW issued the following press release and new pictures of the Z4 M Coupe:

From the moment, the BMW Z4 Coupe Concept Car was presented at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show, it aroused emotions and created great expectations. Now those expectations can be fulfilled. Both will join the successful Z4 Roadster. Like the Roadster, the Z4 Coupe and Z4 M Coupe will be built at the BMW Z4 factory in Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA.

Being based on the BMW Z4 M Roadster means the Z4 M Coupe is not only one of the most powerful and dynamic two-seaters available, but the Coupe benefits from extra stiffness provided by the design of the fixed roof.

The result is an extremely strong body in terms of both torsional and flexural stiffness. Despite the addition of the roof, rear hatch and extra weight of the rear windows, the BMW Z4 M Coupe is just 5 kilos heavier than the Z4 M Roadster.

This low weight and high power of the 3.2-litre six-cylinder engine provide an outstanding power-to-weight ratio of just 6.6 kg or 14.5 lb per kilowatt of engine power.

Indeed, the 3.2-litre six-cylinder is one of the world’s truly great engines. It is the same straight-six M engine that also features in the BMW M3 and BMW Z4 M Roadster. Its vital statistics are impressive, with a displacement of 3,246 cc, 252 kW maximum output at an engine speed of 7,900 rpm and a maximum engine speed of 8,000 rpm. No less than 80 per cent of the engine’s maximum torque of 365 Nm is available from just 2,000 rpm. A zero to 100 km/h sprint takes just 5.0 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.

Of course, flexibility is the key to the engine in the BMW Z4 M Coupe. It is mated to a standard six-speed manual gearbox that allows the right gear, at the right time.

The superior engine and drivetrain of the BMW Z4 M Coupe is matched by an equally superior high-performance suspension. In its basic concept, the suspension is identical to that of the BMW Z4 M Roadster, but has been geared specifically to the particular requirements of the Coupe.

This high degree of dynamic superiority was clearly proven by the BMW Z4 M Coupe on the Nordschleife, the Northern Circuit of Nurburgring, where the Z4 M Coupe outperforms the lap times of even the BMW M3 and the BMW Z4 M Roadster.

 

Wow, the M Coupe looks decent, unlike the last one which was more like the "M Civic hatchback."

So that thing gets the M3 motor... Must be a little bit like driving a rocket powered go-kart.

 

Wow, looks MUCH better than the roadster from the back. The front is still hideously Bangelized. It's 2006, 338HP is nothing now. Why not use the upcoming M3's V8? I'd imagine the M version pricing will be well into Vette territory, and it comes up short on both power and styling (Not to mention lack of targa roof). Who's buying these things?

 

I just couldn't bring myself to spend the money on that thing.

 

This car will make me some good money.

If you consider the power-weight ratio, a 338 horse motor will have this car be VERY fast. Even though a 4 SHOULD be higher than a 3 in the pecking order, they more than likely will never put the V8 in there as it is supposed to be below the M3.

 

Its a nice looking car, probably going to be a rocket as well.

 

This car weights 3131lbs, 100 less then a base Vette and gives up 57HP. It costs $58,900, only 6K shy of the monstrous Z06. On top of that it just isn't a very good looking car, from the front especially. For the money BMW wants, buying a Cayman or a Vette is a no brainer.

 

90% of buyers will actually lease the car. In that department, the Z4 Coupe will be a much better value than both the Vette and the Cayman in payment. I sell both BMW and Porsche, and until recently, Chevrolet as well.

The Cayman is a magnificent vehicle itself, but you have to pay to play. We all know how good the Z06 is, though.

 

I got to check a Cayman out at the Philly car show, and as far as just sitting in it and giving it the once over I really liked it. I wish Porsche would drop a more powerful engine into the thing (I know, I know, they can't step on the Carrera's toes.)

 

Drive one, you will be impressed.

 

If this was a removable hardtop I would have one on order right now...this is a HOT car.

 

Get an M Roadster (those are already on order). You can order it with hardtop preparation.

Perhaps I can ship one to you. Oh wait, I'm not a supporting vendor.

 

I did not know this...ooooh this is making me think now!