And this has not been achieved by the addition of extra weighty bracing. As a consequence, the new Z4 3.0si Coupe weighs just 1,395kgs and the high-performance 3.2-litre M Coupe 1,495kgs - only 10 kilograms more than the Z4 M Roadster.

 
CSL inspiration

When the Z4 design team were charged with creating a more sports-oriented car than the Z3, they did have one serious advantage - access to componentry and technology from the inspirational M3 CSL. The new Z4 M Coupe uses the CSL's 345 x 28mm front and 328 x 20mm rear drilled and vented brake discs and high-performance callipers. Suspension components from the M3 CSL, such as the single-joint front axle with McPherson spring struts, forged aluminium track control arms and separate mountings for the springs and dampers, are also used in the Z4 to offer the highest levels of agility and traction.


Steering

The BMW Z4 3.0si Coupe features the electrically assisted Servotronic steering from the Roadster. With its electrical assistance, engine power normally needed to drive a hydraulic steering pump is reduced, equating to a reduction in fuel consumption of one litre per 250 miles. The M division rightly ploughs its own furrow and following many thousands of miles of evaluation on the Nürburgring, engineers from BMW M decided to equip their car with conventional hydraulic assistance. In their expert opinion it offered an even firmer steering feel - perfect for the M experience.


Class-leading safety systems

Keeping the high levels of performance firmly connected to the road is the responsibility of the most advanced traction control and stability system available - Dynamic Stability Control +. BMW's 'standard' DSC system maintains traction by reducing engine power, applying the brakes where necessary and monitoring the yaw angle of the car, bringing it back into line whenever needed. DSC+ has five additional features to provide yet further safeguards and comfort for the driver.
 

- Brake Pre-tensioning shortens stopping distances by priming the brakes the instant the driver snaps off the accelerator in preparation for an emergency stop. 
- Brake Drying improves braking performance in the wet by periodically applying the brakes to wipe off moisture. 
- Hill Start Assistant allows a manual transmission car to pull away smoothly on a gradient without rolling backwards. 
- Fade Compensation recognises when the brakes are getting excessively hot and 'fading', and applies additional hydraulic braking pressure to compensate, without any extra effort from the driver. 
- Soft Stop prepares the car for a perfectly smooth stop by releasing a small proportion of braking pressure as the car comes to a standstill.

However, the laws of physics still apply and should the worst happen, the occupants of the Z4 Coupe are well protected.

BMW's Advanced Safety Electronics (ASE) system uses remote satellite sensors around the car to control the two front and two side airbags. In the event of an accident, ASE will also separate the battery terminal, deactivate the alternator and switch off the fuel pump to minimise the risk of fire. In addition, the system will open the central locking and illuminate the interior lights and hazard warning lights to warn approaching traffic of the problem.

Customers of cars fitted with BMW's innovative BMW Assist system (in conjunction with Navigation) benefit from additional peace of mind. In the event of an emergency, occupants can select the Assist feature in the on-board monitor. This opens a telephone call that connects them to the Emergency Services call centre who can dispatch assistance as necessary. Should the car be involved in an accident where the airbags deploy, the car will automatically connect to the call centre. If the call centre receives no response, they will dispatch help to the co-ordinates supplied by the navigation system. 

previous page | go to page 7