The concept also looked to the present, with a modified drivetrain and suspension from the new Z4 M Coupe providing the car's power and control. Powered by the multi-award-winning BMW six-cylinder inline petrol engine, modifications were made to the inlet and exhaust systems of the 343 hp unit to give the concept car more of a 'racing' sound at both idle and full throttle.

The concept car's hinged hardtop roof was a reference to the relaxation of the rules when closed vehicles became eligible to race. This precipitated the development of the 328 Coupe from its roadster origins, allowing the model to develop further as a lightweight, aerodynamic 'bespoke' racing car. Similarly, the new Z4 Coupe is derived from the Z4 Roadster soft-top as a 'behind-the-scenes' project driven by the designers' enthusiasm. 

While the hinged roof structure recalls past events, the principle function of the hinged system, that also raises the cockpit, negates the requirement for doors, thus reducing weight and increasing torsional stiffness.

The concept also benefited from an extremely lightweight chassis. The most modern design processes were used to 'stretch' an aluminium body over a lattice frame. The body was also constructed from lightweight materials, with carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) clothing the entire vehicle. As a nod to the past, it was painted in 'fine silver', a full-gloss paint colour with extremely fine pigments that hark back to classic silver race colours.

The large circular headlamps inspired by the shape of the 328 units were not integrated into the body of the car, but attached as flat elements. Modern LED technology facilitated this design function, freeing up the designers to develop more flowing and unbroken body forms. This manifested itself on the Concept Coupe by uninterrupted bonnet and side panels.

Inspired by BMW's motor racing heritage, the science of aerodynamics was addressed with thoroughly modern techniques and design solutions. Side panels and the rear section of the car were designed to allow turbulence-free flow of air up to the tail where the airflow is separated. Carbon-fibre underbody fins and diffusers on the front and rear aprons also contribute to the car's erodynamics. Meanwhile air intakes in the A-pillars, arranged in a slim Z-line, direct cooling air from the six-cylinder in-line engine and contributed to developing downforce and reducing turbulence at the wheel housings.

The interior retained the functional simplicity prevalent in both 328 racing cars and Z4 production cars, but in a modern presentation. Only three materials were used; thin stainless steel, untreated cowhides, Lycra fabric. This purist form even extended to letterings, logos and symbols embossed into surfaces using laser technology.

The BMW Concept Coupe Mille Miglia is on permanent display at the BMW museum in Munich, Germany.



Standard and optional equipment

BMW Z4 3.0si SE Coupe - Standard specification

Engine
- Catalytic converter
- Driving Dynamics Control (DDC) - Sport mode
- EU4 emissions management
- Magnesium-alloy engine block and cylinder head
- Six-cylinder in-line engine with four-valve technology
- VALVETRONIC engine management
- VANOS valve timing

Transmission and chassis
- Six-speed manual transmission
- 17" Star-spoke alloy wheel with 225/45 R17 tyres
- Multi-link front suspension
- BMW Z-link multi-link rear suspension
- Disc brakes front and rear, inner-vented
- Electric Power Steering (EPS) with Servotronic

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