2007 BMW Z4 3.0si and M Coupe






BMW's ninth brand-new model in three years* goes on sale in August. BMW designers and engineers have recreated an exciting derivative seen only twice in the last 65 years - the roadster-based coupe. 

In the words of Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Brand Design, "the new BMW Z4 Coupe is best described as a Pocket GT". The car has been designed to feel 'shrink-wrapped' around its components and occupants to create the tightest-packaged high-performance long-distance GT car possible. 

The new BMW Z4 Coupe was developed as an 'unofficial' special project by BMW's design team during the development process of the Z4 Roadster. Once the Coupe got the green light for production in 2005, it was then a relatively simple task to integrate it with the underpinnings of the new Roadster. The Z4's dynamic chassis and unique engine technology combine successfully with the new Coupe package. The addition of the Coupe's exceptionally rigid body shell ensures that the new fixed-head offers unsurpassed levels of traction and agility for the 'ultimate' driving experience. 

- High-performance GT with hatch-style boot and ample space for weekend luggage.
- Precise and agile handling thanks to a body torsional rigidity of 32,000Nm/degree.
- 3.0-litre engine in the Z4 3.0si Coupe is the lightest volume-production six-cylinder engine in the world, manufactured from magnesium-alloy.
- Z4 M Coupe features the 3.2-litre multi-award winning engine and BMW M's Variable M differential.
- Braking system and suspension components from the M3 CSL are standard in the Z4 M Coupe



Design - a 'Pocket GT'

"The new BMW Z4 Coupe is best described as a Pocket GT," said Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Brand Design. "The Z4 Coupe should be considered as a fully fledged GT car that has been shrink-wrapped around two people. It represents the smallest possible package that can accommodate the occupants and enough luggage for a long journey while still retaining the strong, muscular stance of the cutting-edge Z4 Roadster."

"In common with the outgoing Z3, when designing the new Z4 family, we were designing a Roadster for those who appreciate open-topped motoring and the Coupe for customers who want a compact long-distance GT car," he continued. 

"Interestingly, the new Coupe was actually designed at the same time as the original Z4 Roadster in the late 1990s. BMW's hugely successful launch of new models in recent years left some of the more niche models on the drawing board. But my design team and I pushed for this car and an opportune time to engineer the car for production. Designing the two Z4 models simultaneously ensured that both share a common design theme and a cohesive appearance," he concluded.



Front, back and sides

From the front, the only visual difference from the Roadster is the 'double bubble' contoured roof. This serves as an aerodynamic aid as well as offering additional headroom to taller occupants. The side view is identical to the profile of the Roadster from the front bumper back to the A-pillar and for the full length of the car below the shoulder line. Above this, the gently sloping Coupe roofline culminates at the rear of the car with a subtle aerodynamic lip spoiler.

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