BMW Z4

The BMW Z4 is a 2-door, rear wheel drive roadster. The Z4 began production in 2003, and replaced the BMW Z3. The design addresses many criticisms of the Z3; the Z4 is larger, more powerful, and has a significantly stiffer chassis.

The Z4 was designed by Chris Bangle and began the controversy over his "flame surfacing" design and aggressive styling choices, which can also be seen on modern BMW 7-series and BMW 5-Series cars.

While the Z4's front suspension is essentially the same as the Z3's, the rear suspension is considerably different from its predecessor's, which was based on that of the E30 BMW 3-Series. Instead of a semi-trailing arm suspension, the Z4 uses a more advanced Multi-link suspension.

An M Roadster version will be offered in 2006.

Options

The Z4 offers a choice of three straight-six engines: A 2.2L, a 2.5L, and a 3.0L. The 2.2L, 120kW (170bhp) version can reach 100km/h in 7.7s, but is not sold in the United States. All are variants of the BMW M54 engine.

The 2.5L engine produces 141kW (184bhp) at 6000rpm. BMW claims a 7.0s time to 100km/h (62mph) with a manual transmission. It weighs 1,335kg (2,932lb) with a manual transmission—30 kg (66lb) lighter than the 3.0L version, but still heavier than the 2.5L Z3's weight of 1315 kg (2899lb).

The 3.0L, 170kW (231bhp) (at 5900rpm) straight six has a claimed time to 100km/h (62mph) of 5.9s.

Five-speed manual gearboxes are standard on all models except the 3.0L car, which has a 6-speed. 5-speed automatic or 6-speed SMG transmissions are available on all cars.

A Sport package is also available, which adds stiffer and lower suspension, larger wheels with run-flat tires, and Dynamic Driving control, BMW's Vehicle Stability Control system.

Coupé

BMW unveiled a Bangle-designed concept coupe version of the Z4 at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2005. The company announced on November 22, 2005 that the coupe would be available for delivery in the US starting in June 2006, including the return of the M Coupe. The base Z4 Coupe will use an updated version of the 3.0L straight-6 M54 engine developing 255hp (190kW) and 232ft·lbf (315N·m), while the high-end M variant will use the award-winning 3.2L S54.