Monday 26th September 2005

Z4M Coupe

PH Snapper Captures test mule at the 'ring

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BMW's Z4 Coupe was recently revealed at the Frankfurt motor show. The car received a positive reaction and is expected to hit the showrooms in early 2007.

Testing is already underway on a high performance version though as captured here.

Differences are subtle on this mule with different wheels, a different front spoiler and four exhaust pipes. Power is likely to come from a straight six rather than the V8 destined for the forthcoming M3 replacement.

Pictures Copyright (c) Sebastian Geisler 2005

[r988]

looks nice in black, I hope thats not a return of the vinyl roof though :D

[wi11iam]

Does this remind anyone else of the T350?

[lap_time]

wi11iam said:

Does this remind anyone else of the T350?

You, know I think you're right. roofline looks very similar. I'd expect very low fives to high 4s, given the more power, less weight than M3

[Alex]

I like it.

[r988]

wi11iam said:

Does this remind anyone else of the T350?

yes, but not as attractive as a T350

[GTRene]

Love M coupe's, but I still not like the front of the Z4, but I do like the rear!
I hope they make a better front on the Z4 coupe! please not those dull headlights, and front, BMW you can do better! you got it allready in the house don't let the shutline from the lamp go down...straight or up! down is like droopy, and thats not sporty.

[Shirkin]

Still prefer the caymen though. Think the front's a bit bulbous. But otherwise good effort.

[Horse_Apple]

It seems to go againts BMWs current corporate policy of producing truely ugly cars these days.

[potatoboy666]

i think it looks good - although the front is not the best bit (looks a little stoned lol) still its nicer looking than the previous m coupe and that was a pretty nice looking car

[anonymous-user]

wi11iam said:

Does this remind anyone else of the T350?

a faithful reproduction right down to all the bits gaffer taped on...

[W333]

Oh now that was funny...

actually no hang on.

[The JM]

I was there at the Ring watching this go around. It looked very quick, easily keeping up with the new Aston through tighter sections of the track.

[shotokan]

Looks cool, much nicer than the swathe of MINGERS (lol) they've released since the vile new 5 series hit the streets (I was a big BMW fan - have a Z3M roadster in fact), but this is the first new model I'd even consider. Hope there's a really hardcore CSL model.

Big mistake sticking with the straight six though...it's developed to death now and they need to go with a lightweight V8 for this sort of car (or a turbo 6 pot, or go on a really radical weight loss programme!)

With cars like the new RS4 and AMG Mercs topping 400bhp, and the Cayman (which will no doubt handle way better and is a good bit lighter) pushing the limits BMW can't afford to stick with the straight six!

[rlk500]

I agree, I thought that engine was at the end of it's development with what they did with it for the CSL. Either a V8 or a little V6 pushed right up to the bulkhead, get serious with the weight loss and then they will only need 300bhp to woop most things. I think it's a great opportunity for BMW to make a real car and stop with all the uber barge stuff. It's just all too big and heavy hence why they need so much power to make them go.....less is more...(probably why my E30 M3 feels like and out of body experience..)

[Dakkon]

Reminds me of a 350Z

[fergy]

Does seem crazy not dropping the 4 litre V8 400bhp motor out of the next M3 in... Still that would murder just about anything if they did that, maybe make it tooo quick ? They possibly need to protect the M3 / M5 ?

[sandys]

Some better images pm auotbild, very t350, especially this shot, I like it, apart from front grile.



www.autobild.de/projektor/galerie.php?pos=0&artikel_id=9682

>> Edited by sandys on Wednesday 28th September 00:10

[custardtart]

Dakkon said:

Reminds me of a 350Z

know what you mean except this looks ugly :frown:

[mwtryan]

TVR did it first (T350) TVR did it better, and without a doubt - quicker. Finally looks like one of the majors is learning from one of the minors in terms of body styling. Still, it's a BMW (Boring Motor Works).
Get real, it's still a yuppie pr&^k mobile and always will be! (Signed TVR driver).

[bollox]

Jealousy is a curse !!!
I love TVR styling but not sure i could live with there realibilty, that said i'm not into slating every manufacturer for there designs and love alot of them (merc slk55 amg, honda s2000, lotus exige , tvr t350c etc etc) i expect you go around alot of forums slagging alot of different maufacturer's/designs except of course your own vehicle.