The concept also benefits from an extremely lightweight chassis, with the aluminium and carbon-fibre reinforced plastic body 'stretched' over a lattice frame and painted in 'fine silver', a full-gloss paint with extremely fine pigments that recall classic silver race colours.


Design concept - a 'Pocket GT'

While the design of the Z3 'family' was predominantly retro, with many details influenced by design influences of the '50s, the new Z4 Coupe has an unquestionably modern shape. Initially shown as the BMW Z4 Concept Coupe at the IAA Frankfurt in 2005, the striking sculpted lines and muscular, powerful haunches of the production-ready Coupe develop on the theme of the recently launched and revised Roadster. The addition of a fixed roof builds further on the design characteristics of one of the world's most visually dynamic convertibles.



From the front - a powerful stance

From the front, the car is classic Z4. The view of the bonnet is dominated by BMW's trademark kidney grilles and headlights. When Xenon headlamps are specified, Corona light rings are fitted as standard. Below the kidney grilles, the lower valance displays a wide air intake that assists engine breathing but also incorporates the new narrow-profile fog lamps. 

The only visual difference between the Z4 Roadster and Coupe is the new 'double-bubble' sculpted roof design of the Coupe. While also creating additional headroom for occupants, the profile of the roof design also serves as an important aerodynamic aid. The 'hollow' ridge of the double-bubble roof is at its narrowest at the windscreen edge. From here, it tapers outwards as it reaches the rear of the roof. This has the affect of channelling air over a discreet rear lip spoiler for improved rear downforce.



In profile - classic roadster proportions... with a roof

From the side, the profile of the Coupe matches the Roadster from the front of the bonnet back to the top of the A-pillar, and under the shoulder line for the full length of the car. This includes new side reflectors in the front wheel arches that improve on-road visibility.  

With its classic proportions of long wheelbase (2,496mm), long bonnet and short overhangs, the glasshouse of the new Coupe appears visually set back to the rear of the car. The Coupe roofline stretches from the top of the A-pillar and sweeps down at a shallow angle towards the rear. Here, a subtle upward flick in the bodywork serves as a discreet, yet functional, lip spoiler for increased aerodynamic efficiency. The line separating the main side window and rear quarter light continues into the roof creating the visual join between the roof panel and clamshell boot opening. 

When the clamshell boot lid is opened, the rear quarter windows, defined by BMW's trademark 'Hofmeister kink' remain in place. The clamshell tailgate opening runs from the roof, around the window and along the shoulder line of the rear wing before finishing on the inside of the rear lamp clusters. 
 


From the rear - the view that most will see

From the rear, the shallow-angled boot lid and powerful shoulder line converge to create a subtle lip spoiler on the top edge of the boot that includes the third, high-level brake lamp. The tail lamps from the new Z4 Roadster are carried over to the Coupe and feature Z8-style horizontal light conductor rods instead of light bulbs for speed and intensity of illumination. The brake lights, also using conductor rods, feature BMW's Brake Force Display braking system. In the event of hard braking or the ABS brakes operating, an additional segment of brake lights are illuminated to warn drivers behind of a potential emergency ahead.

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