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Blazing into Australia toting 252 kW and no less than 365 Nm of torque, the
sleek, astronomically powerful 3.2-litre BMW M Roadster arrives in unison with
new, fresh-faced and agile 2.5si and 3.0si Z4 models that rewrite the rules on
how to build a muscular, confident, front-engined two-seat sports convertible.
The arrival of the M Roadster increases the Z4 range to three models and
further cements BMW into position as the leading maker of scintillating,
driver-oriented cars.
“The expanded Z4 range offers the unique opportunity to choose the sports car
you want,” says Franz Sauter, Managing Director of BMW Australia.
“With its overtly purposeful style, near-perfect weight balance and the
choice of three powerful BMW in-line six-cylinder engines, the Z4 Roadster
captures the very essence of what a sports car should be.
“It is underwritten by the BMW reputation for building cars with a distinctly
sporty emphasis.
“In fact the Z4 is the distillation of what the company is all about. And the
arrival of the Z4 M Roadster version establishes it as the most exciting sports
car in its segment.
“It is the epitome of the BMW slogan: the Ultimate driving Machine,” Dr
Sauter said.
BMW Z4 Roadster- What’s new.
- Top of the range 3.2-litre Z4 M Roadster introduced in Australia
- New, more powerful 2.5-litre and 3.0-litre straight-six cylinder engines
- New front bumper design with rectangular fog lights for 2.5si and 3.0si
- Modified kidney grille
- New front air dam with more pronounced edges
- Modified tail light cluster
- New rear bumper design
- Ruthenium inlays on 3.0si climate control, air vents and roll bars
- New interior trims
BMW Z4 M Roadster – aggressive style, searing performance, peerless
dynamics.
The Z4 M Roadster resoundingly confirms BMW as the world’s leading maker of
high-performance cars, ranging from the compact 1 Series through to the
monumentally powerful, V10-engined, 373 kW M6 Coupé.
And it continues a BMW tradition of Roadsters that, for 70 years, has always
embraced the same essential elements: sportiness, elegance and purism.
The structural elements – front engine, long wheelbase and bonnet, low
seating position and short overhangs front and rear, can be found in BMW sports
cars dating back to the minimalist BMW 3/15 PS Wartburg Roadster of 1931 and
continuing through the 328 in 1936 and 507 in 1956, to the more recent Z1 in
1988 and Z8 in 2000.
Distinguished visually from the Z4 2.5si and 3.0si Roadsters by a more
aggressive front air dam with three air intakes, and a rear bumper featuring a
wide diffuser below the number plate as well as outlets for the twin dual-pipe
exhausts, the Z4 M Roadster is fitted with exclusive, mixed double-spoke 18-inch
M alloy wheels measuring 8x18 at the front and 9x18 at the rear.
The high-performance tyres are also mixed, measuring 225/45 ZR18 at the front
and 255/40 ZR18 at the rear.
Inside, the M Roadster is identified by an M gearshift knob, an M leather
steering wheel, with its distinctive profile incorporating thumb contours on
either side, and nappa leather M sports seats for optimum passenger location and
comfort.
The M logo appears on the aluminium doorsill, on the headrests, steering
wheel and the illuminated gearshift knob.
The Z4 M Roadster uses a Tyre Pressure Control (TPC) system that advises if
pressure in any tyre drops by more than 50 per cent. In the event of a puncture,
the driver is able to seal holes up to 6 mm across via the M Mobility System
(MMS), which uses a mini compressor and a fast-acting sealant. The car can then
be driven to the nearest workshop without the need to change the wheel.
BMW M Power: The force behind the Z4 M Roadster.
Rarely has a two-seat sports car been charged with energy levels as high as
those of the Z4 M Roadster.
The power-packed, high-revving 3.2-litre in-line six-cylinder engine, already
proven in the BMW M3 Coupé and convertible, is able to propel the M Roadster
from zero to 100km/h in a blindingly-fast 5.0 seconds, and on to an
electronically speed-limited maximum of 250km/h.
It produces its soaring 252 kW at 7,900 rpm, along with a turbine-like 365 Nm
of torque at 4,900 rpm – 80 percent of which is available from engine speeds as
low as 2,000 rpm and contributes to the M Roadster’s driver-friendly
flexibility.
These figures are exceptional for a normally aspirated powerplant, and rate
among the highest specific outputs of any production engine in the world.
This engine won the overall Engine of the Year Award (Engine Oscar) on debut,
and such is its appeal to enthusiasts, it has won its category each year for the
past five years.
The BMW Z4 M Roadster’s engine uses a crossflow-cooled, light alloy cylinder
head cast at the BMW Landshut plant in Germany, a perlite cast crankshaft,
graphite-coated aluminium pistons cooled by oil injection and forged cracked
steel connecting rods.
The engine management system employs a 32-bit micro-controller and operates
at a mind-boggling 64 million calculations per second, while the M Roadster’s
high-pressure double-VANOS system infinitely varies the camshaft timing
according to control maps in the engine management system.
BMW M: Athleticism equals more than just muscle.
Underlying the BMW Z4 M Roadster’s highly energetic powerplant is a
perfectly-matched six-speed manual transmission, a finely tuned suspension
system, enormously powerful brakes and an almost 50-50 weight distribution - all
combining to extract the very best from the engine’s sensational accelerative
abilities.
And, putting an even firmer stamp on this pure sports car specification, are
leading-edge BMW technologies that further refine the interaction between driver
and car, and car and road.
The speed-sensitive, variable M differential lock, for example, allows
optimum traction, particularly when accelerating out of a corner with a
different coefficient of friction on either side of the car. The M differential
lock used in the BMW Z4 M Roadster works in conjunction with a specially
configured DSC system.
The Z4 M Roadster also utilises the high performance braking system that was
conceived for the BMW M3 CSL. With its extra-large ventilated discs it is able
to stop in just 34 metres from 100 km/h.
To extract the most from the capabilities of the 252 kW engine, the M
Roadster utilises a 10 mm lower riding suspension with more negative camber, as
well as a specially developed single-joint front axle with forged aluminium
track control arms.
At the rear, the central arm axle uses two track control rods, the upper one
made of aluminium, and one longitudinal arm mounted on a central support on the
body. A V-bar extending from the rear axle to the body floor provides an
additional stiffening effect.
Unlike the Z4 2.5si and 3.0si Roadsters, the M Roadster uses hydraulic power
steering with a faster 15.4:1 ratio, giving even sportier, more rapid response
to driver input.
BMW Z4 2.5si and 3.0si: Powered by the latest BMW six.
The razor-sharp BMW Z4 becomes more than ever a true expression of the
essential two-seat sports car with the arrival of the new Z4 M Roadster.
Toting a blazing 252 kW of power and a dizzying 365 Nm of torque, the M
Roadster compliments the now even sharper-looking, even harder performing 2.5si
and 3.0si Z4 models.
But while the Z4 M Roadster shoulders its way to the head of the two-seat,
open-top sports car pack, the 2.5si and 3.0si models introduce improvements that
enhance the already captivating Z4 style, while adding to performance and
improving fuel economy.
All this comes via the adoption of the same light-weight aluminium-magnesium
engine technology used in 1 Series, 3 Series and 5 Series BMW models, with the
use of Bi-VANOS and VALVETRONIC to unleash more power and torque, while meeting
strict European EU4 emission requirements and returning even better fuel
economy.
The result is that the Z4 3.0si slingshots to 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds,
yet is able to return a frugal average fuel consumption of 8.6 litres/100km.
This comes from a rise in power output, compared with the previous 3.0-litre
engine, from 170 kW to 195 kW, and a torque increase from 300 Nm to 315 Nm.
The BMW Z4 2.5si, which uses the same VANOS and VALVETRONIC technologies,
produces 160 kW and 250 Nm compared with 141 kW and 245 Nm from the previous
2.5-litre engine. This model will reach 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds, while averaging
a meagre fuel consumption figure of 8.4 litres/100km.
Enhancing the athletic look.
While the power-laden Z4 M Roadster, with its hunched, low-slung stance,
distinctive 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, purposeful front spoiler and
quad-pack exhausts, might barely disguise its readiness to spring into action,
the Z4 2.5si and 3.0si look even sharper and more poised than ever.
The aggressive, long-bonnet profile, low-slung driving position, short
overhangs and crisp, edgy styling are established hallmarks of the BMW Z4
Roadster.
A crisp new front end with a modified, more flush-mounted BMW grille and a
re-shaped, cleanly-sculpted air dam containing rectangular fog lights and a
wider, reshaped air intake all serve to further accentuate the powerful,
long-bonneted Z4 look.
At the back, the wide stance of the Z4 is further dramatised by a new bumper
with a sharply-defined line running below the boot lid across the width of the
car, as well as cleaner, reshaped mouldings below the new taillights and, on the
3.0si, a larger, chrome-plated tailpipe.
Inside, the Z4 cabin, with its signature horizontal dashboard and twin
circular instruments complimented by the stylish leather-rimmed three-spoke
steering wheel, speaks of pure sports car function combined with traditional BMW
style and luxury.
The white on black instruments feature a tachometer that responds to the oil
temperature, advising the maximum upshift points as the engine warms up.
The leather seats are designed to offer the best possible comfort and offer a
wide range of fore-aft adjustment to suit all drivers. The Z4 also provides
generous headroom (with the roof up), while the steering column enables the
driver to find a comfortable seating position with its ability adjust for both
reach and height.
On the 3.0si, pearl gloss ruthenium inlays on the climate control, air vents
and roll bars add to the Z4’s sense of individuality, while revised interior
trims help impart a fresh new look.
Storage space is especially generous for a sports car, and includes, in
addition to the glovebox, several storage boxes as well as a large, lockable
8-litre compartment in the rear bulkhead.
With the fast-acting, power-operated folding roof in the closed position,
boot space in the Z4 2.5si and 3.0si models increases from an already generous
240 litres to 260 litres, sufficient to store two sets of golf clubs.
Music aficionados will also experience the aural delight of the high-quality
HiFi systems available in the Z4.
Whether it’s the multi-speaker, 10-channel system with four 40-Watt woofers
and six 25-Watt subwoofers, or the BMW Professional HiFi system with a digital
10-channel amplifier complete with sound processor and 100-Watt subwoofers on
the rear bulkhead, the Z4 provides a genuine symphony of sound.
The Z4 is also available with either DVD-based Business radio navigation, or
Professional navigation with a retractable 16:9 colour monitor located in the
centre of the instrument panel.
Bi-Xenon headlights are standard on the Z4 M Roadster and optional on the Z4
3.0si Roadster delivering maximum high and low beam intensity, while also
adopting the BMW signature “halo” rings around the circular reflectors.
The new BMW Z4 Roadster: Safe as houses.
The body of the Z4 Roadster is not just torsionally very rigid – it’s also
very light as a result of weight-optimised manufacture and design, as well as
the use of lightweight materials where appropriate. The roll bars, for example,
are integrated into the body structure, while the boot lid is made of aluminium
and high-strength steel is utilised throughout the body.
The Z4 Roadster body is exceptionally rigid, with a torsional stiffness of
14,500 Nm/degree making it the leader in its class and helping ensure not only
outstanding handling qualities, but also a structure that provides high degrees
of safety.
Ultra-strong steel pipes integrated into the A-pillar provide an immensely
strong structure and compliment the stainless steel roll bars behind the seats.
EuroNCAP testing has given the BMW Z4 a four-star rating, quite exceptional
for a two-seat roadster. The BMW Z4 collected 15.64 points out of a possible 16
in a head-on collision test, and the highest possible score of 16 out of 16 in a
side-on collision.
Using dual front and side airbags, the Z4’s Advanced Safety Electronics (ASE)
system masterminds the deployment of all four airbags, as well as the belt latch
tensioners, according to the type of accident involved.
ASE also monitors the Safety Battery Terminal, making sure it is properly
disconnected in a collision, while also switching off the fuel pump, unlocking
the doors and switching on the interior lights and hazard warning flashers.
BMW Z4: Engines to make your heart sing.
The new, award-winning aluminium-magnesium R6 in-line six-cylinder engine
forms the basis for the new BMW Z4 2.5si and 3.0si Roadster models.
The lightest six-cylinder in its class –the 3.0si version weighs just 161kg -
adopts weight-saving measures in addition to its aluminium-magnesium composite
block - including hydro-formed camshafts, an electrically-driven water pump that
operates independently of engine speed, a single drive belt for all ancillaries
and a magnesium engine cover.
BMW experience in designing highly efficient and powerful engines is
demonstrated in the advanced systems used in the R6 engines, including
VALVETRONIC, which varies intake valve lift as well as duration, enabling
maximum power and torque to be delivered through the entire rpm range, and
Bi-VANOS, the infinitely variable camshaft timing system that operates on both
the inlet and exhaust camshafts.
Twin balance shafts ensure smoothness across the rpm range, while the
three-stage DISA intake manifold, as well as helping power delivery at all
engine speeds, provides even more torque at low rpm.
The result is exceptional power and torque figures, whether it be the 160 kW
and 250 Nm developed by the 2.5si, or the 195 kW and 315 Nm developed by the
3.0si.
And the Z4 experience is also one of aural, as well as tactile pleasures.
The R6 engine would hardly rate as a BMW design if it didn’t deliver a
powerful, melodious sound, so the Z4’s intake and exhaust systems underwent a
special development programme designed to do just that.
BMW Z4 transmissions: Six speeds across the board.
All manual BMW Z4 models are fitted with a precise, fast-shifting six-speed
transmission with closely spaced ratios that allow for exuberant, instant power
delivery when required, while also enabling relaxed, economical and comfortable
highway cruising.
The Z4 2.5si and 3.0si are also available with a six-speed Sport Automatic
transmission that allows the driver to choose between shifting gears manually
via the lever on the centre console, or via paddles on the steering wheel.
The closely spaced Sport Automatic transmission ratios are matched to the
sporting character of the Z4 and are designed to ensure maximum acceleration,
with eager response to downshifts.
Rather than using an overdrive top gear, the automatic transmission is geared
so the Z4 is able to reach maximum speed in sixth gear, whilst achieving reduced
fuel consumption at lower speeds.
BMW Z4: Suspension.
The BMW Z4’s suspension is tuned for the cut-and-thrust of sports car driving
to provide tenacious, precise road-holding while allowing fatigue-free on-road
comfort.
With its low centre of gravity, an almost 50-50 weight distribution and very
wide front and rear track dimensions, the Z4 is configured to provide the
ultimate sports car experience.
At the front is a spring strut suspension with forged aluminium control arms,
an anti-roll bar and twin-sleeve gas dampers.
At the rear, the Z4 employs a central arm axle providing an optimum link
between the rear axle subframe and the body, twin-sleeve gas dampers and an
anti-roll bar.
The Z4 Roadster’s run-flat self-supporting safety tyres, 225/45R17 on the
2.5si and mixed 225/40R18 / 255/35 R18 on the 3.0si, use reinforced side flanks
and additional inserts, along with temperature-proof rubber compounds.
They are fitted to special rims designed so that a tyre suffering loss of
pressure is prevented from coming off the rim.
These run-flat self-supporting safety tyres can operate at speeds up to 80
km/h for up to 250 km, with all control systems such as ABS and DSC fully
functioning.
The run-flat self-supporting safety tyres on the BMW Z4 are combined with an
electronic Tyre Pressure Control system that advises of a possible loss of tyre
pressure via a visual warning on the instrument panel.
Early warning keeps the driver alert to potential tyre problems, helping to
avoid inconvenience. If the tyre is punctured, the self-supporting feature of
the tyre allows the car to be driven safely, with steering, braking and
cornering control intact, to a tyre repairer or BMW dealer. The driver is not
stuck at the side of the road, potentially in a dangerous position.
Additionally, the driver is not exposed to passing traffic when changing the
wheel.
The rims of the Z4 Roadster are fully compatible with conventional tyres,
meaning a standard tyre can be fitted if necessary.
BMW Z4: Steering.
The electromechanical Electric Power Steering (EPS) featured in the BMW Z4
2.5si and 3.0si provides numerous benefits extending beyond the ability to
provide the driver “feel” so necessary in a sports car, as well as the correct
amount of assistance according to vehicle speed, whether it be on the open road,
or in a parking lot.
The EPS system also provides effective self-centering, further enhancing the
Z4’s on-road stability.
EPS links to the DDC system as well, which means the driver is able to reduce
the amount of power assistance, giving an even more “connected” feel when
required.
And, because EPS uses no engine power when in a straight-ahead position, fuel
consumption is also reduced, by as much as one litre every 400 km compared with
a conventional power steering system.
BMW Z4: Brakes.
The braking system is a vital element in any car, and this is particularly so
with the performance and dynamics inherent in the BMW Z4.
Here, the employment of high-performance brakes using discs on all four
wheels, along with ABS, DSC and DTC, means powerful, stable control in all
conditions ranging from light use to emergency high-speed applications.
In the 3.0si, a new 17-inch braking system, featuring vented discs on both
front and rear wheels, provides tenacious stopping power suiting the car’s
outstanding performance characteristics.
The Z4 Roadster also uses two-stage Adaptive Brake Display (ABD), which
varies the intensity of the stop lights, depending on how hard the brakes are
applied, to better warn following drivers.
DSC+ helps maintain stability in a wide variety of situations
The latest generation Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system used in the BMW
Z4 Roadster does a lot more than merely controlling understeer or oversteer.
Today, it offers a far wider range of functions including Stability Control
(ASC) which monitors wheelspin and stabilises the vehicle by reducing power and
torque if necessary, or brakes the driving wheel that is about to spin, and
Cornering Brake Control (CBC) which selectively regulates the brakes to keep the
car on line if they are applied even lightly in a bend.
The latest generation DSC+ also includes:
- Brake Pad Wear Control which monitors the condition of the brake pads,
- Dynamic Brake Control, which maximises brake pressure under heavy emergency
braking,
- Hill Set-Off, which applies the brakes on an uphill gradient when the car is
stopped, preventing it from rolling back,
- Automatic Brake Drying, which subtly brings the pads momentarily into
contact with the discs to dry them out in wet-weather conditions,
- Brake Standby which pre-loads the pads if the system detects the driver
abruptly releasing the throttle, and
- Automatic Fading Compensation, which further boosts pressure when the brakes
are exceptionally hot.
DSC also integrates Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) which, at the press of a
button, enhances the threshold before intervention at low to medium speeds.
DDC: Extra dynamism at your command.
Just when you thought the BMW Z4 Roadster was more than adequately powerful
and dynamic, BMW offers Dynamic Drive Control (DDC), which unleashes even more
urgent response from the engine while further sharpening the steering and, in
automatic transmission versions, exploiting more forcefully the upper reaches of
the rpm band.
DDC brings into play a more sporting control map for the engine, while also
changing the response pattern of the electric power steering for even crisper
handling.
In DDC mode, the automatic transmission executes even faster shifts, while
also taking the engine to higher rpm on each gearchange.
BMW Z4: 2006 Prices.
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Manual |
Auto |
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| Z4 2.5si |
$77,600 |
$80,200 |
| Z4 3.0si |
$90,800 |
$93,400 |
| Z4 M |
$129,500 |
N/A |
HISTORY OF THE BMW ROADSTER.
1930: 3/15 PS DA 3 Wartburg
Sport
Powered by a 750 cc four-cylinder engine developing 13 kW and driving the
rear wheels, the Wartburg Sport used aluminium cladding and had no doors. The
vehicle weighed 400 kg and was capable of exceeding 100 km/h – very fast in its
day considering the engine size and power.
1934: BMW 315 Cabriolet and 315/1 Sports Roadster
Powered by a 1.5-litre 30 kW in-line six-cylinder engine, the BMW 315
featured wind-down windows and a padded roof. A sports Roadster followed a year
later and featured two folding windscreens, cut-outs in place of doors and a
removable roof.
1934: BMW 319/1 Roadster
The BMW 319/1 Roadster was powered by a 41 kW 1.9-litre engine using three
carburettors. Weighing 790 kg, it was capable of reaching 135km/h. Just 178 BMW
319/1 Roadsters were built between 1934 and 1936.
1936: BMW 328
At its debut at Nürburgring in June 1936, the 328 Roadster humiliated its
musclebound, supercharged competition. With 60 kW and a weight of 830 kg it had
a very high power/weight ratio. The production version announced in 1937 was
capable of 150 km/h and was one of the fastest road cars of its time. Only 464
were made between 1937 and 1939.
1955: BMW 507
The 507 debuted in New York in 1955 and with its sleek lines and 3.2-litre
aluminium V8 engine producing 112 kW, it was capable of speeds up to 220 km/h. A
later, optional high performance version produced 123 kW. Between 1955 and 1959,
the 507 found 251 buyers.
1988: BMW Z1
The Z1 used a galvanised steel structure mounted on a plastic floor pan and
the outer skin was of bolted-on plastic panels, the door retracting into the
side sills. The Z1’s 2.5-litre in-line six-cylinder engine was the same as that
used in the BMW 325i and the 1250 kg car could accelerate to 100 km/h in less
than eight seconds on the way to a maximum speed of 225 km/h. Production ended
in June 1991, with 8,000 Z1s produced.
1995: BMW Z3
The progenitor of the Z4, the Z3 BMW was introduced in 1995, built at the
same Spartanburg, Carolina, plant that today builds the Z4. With its long
bonnet, extra-wide track and long wheelbase, the Z3 epitomised what a two-seat,
front-engined sports car should be. The range of powerplants began with a
1.9-litre four-cylinder engine, continuing with in-line six-cylinder engines
ranging from 2.0 litres to 3.0 litres in capacity, all the way up to the 236 kW
3.2-litre six-cylinder powering the Z3 M Roadster.
2000: BMW Z8
The BMW Z8 Roadster stretched the boundaries of what was possible when it was
revealed at the turn of the 21st century. It featured advanced technology such
as neon lights for the side indicators, tail and brake lights, and the outer
skin was bolted onto an aluminium monocoque space frame with high-strength
aluminium panels between the main sections. The engine was a 298 kW V8 driving
through a six-speed manual transmission and its location well behind the front
axle helped provide an optimum 50-50 front-rear weight distribution.
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