From the rear, the Coupe shares the same new rear lamp clusters as those introduced on the Roadster in early 2006. Light conductor rods are fitted, which illuminate a split-second earlier than conventional bulbs. The light units sit on each side of the large clamshell hatchback lid that covers the 340-litre boot - easily enough to stow the luggage for a weekend away. 

BMW Motorsport's Z4 M Coupe takes the Pocket GT design and adds a distinctive sporting edge. A lower front valance with large air intakes dominates the frontal view. The power bulge in the bonnet, created by two sharp front-to-rear crease lines, also highlights the potential of the high-performance M variant. From the rear, similar high performance traits are exhibited. BMW M's trademark four exhaust tailpipes protrude from an aerodynamic rear diffuser that ensures the car stays firmly planted on the road. In profile, the Z4 M Coupe shares the lightweight five-spoke alloy wheel design with the Roadster and they clearly display the M3 CSL braking system behind (only on the M derivative).



High-performance Drivetrain

The launch of the new Z4 Coupe offers UK customers a new BMW engine / model definition. It is the first time that a roadster-based Coupe has been offered with a 3.0-litre engine alongside the high-performance M Coupe derivative. Drivers now have the choice of the lightest production six-cylinder engine in the world powering their Coupe or the seven-times International Engine of the Year category-winning BMW Motorsport powerplant - a focused high-performance model line-up that will whet the appetites of motoring enthusiasts.



Z4 M Coupe

The new BMW Z4 M Coupe is powered by BMW's familiar 3,246cc Motorsport engine. Delivering 343hp at 7,900rpm, it easily surpasses the magical 100hp per litre benchmark for naturally-aspirated high performance engines. Maximum torque of 365Nm is achieved at 4,900rpm and, highlighting the powerplant's flexibility, 80 per cent is available below 2,000rpm.

Such sporting statistics translate into scintillating performance, with the new Z4 M Coupe posting a zero to 62mph time of 5.0 seconds before going on to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. These commendable figures do not compromise the economy of the car, with the Coupe delivering a combined fuel consumption of 23.3mpg and recording a CO2 output of 292g/km.



Variable M differential

The high levels of power and torque are translated onto the road via a six-speed manual gearbox and BMW's Variable M differential. Unlike a standard fixed-ratio 'limited-slip diff', the Variable M differential delivers a fully variable zero to 100 per cent of available power to the wheel that can most use it in any given situation. It works by using a pump to generate internal pressure when a wheel starts to spin. This pressure is applied to a clutch that transfers power across the rear axle to the wheel with most grip. The result? Lateral cornering acceleration that is higher than is permitted by a conventional differential, a limited slip differential or any form of traction control system.



Z4 3.0si Coupe - fast and frugal

The 'entry-level' Z4 3.0si Coupe offers 265hp at 6,600rpm and peak torque of 315Nm at a relatively low 2,750rpm. These maximum performance levels are assisted by pressing the Sport button located in the centre console. One touch of the button quickens the throttle response as the car accelerates from zero to 62mph in 5.7 seconds and, if left unchecked, travel on to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. However, this performance is not delivered at the expense of economy - the 3.0si model delivers a combined fuel consumption of 31.7mpg while emitting 213g/km of CO2.

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