2006 BMW Z4 M Roadster
As the last Z3 roadster rolls off the assembly line at the BMW Manufacturing Corp. in Spartanburg, South Carolina, BMW Group announced today that it will be presenting an all new roadster at the Paris Motor Show in late September – the breathtaking new Z4.
The BMW Z4 proudly bears all the classic features of a typical roadster – a long and sleek engine compartment, a long wheelbase, short overhangs and a low seating position moved far to the back. The exciting design of the car is characterised by the intriguing interplay of convex and concave surfaces, hard edges and gentle curvature. This intense optical impression creates new transitions of light and shadow from every angle, shaping the very special character of the BMW Z4.
The Z4 will be available with two six-cylinder engines. The 3.0i has 231 bhp and a top speed of 155 mph and the 2.5i, 192 bhp and a maximum speed of 146 mph. The Z4 3.0i features a new six speed manual gearbox. SSG, BMW’s sequential manual gearbox will be available as an option on both engine models. This second generation system features a modified six-speed transmission and enables the driver to make instant gearshifts via paddles on the steering wheel or with the gear selector.
Engineered to set new standards in its class, the BMW Z4 has been designed with a focus on agility and handling. Featuring the modified rear axle of the BMW 3 Series the new Z4 has 50:50 front : rear weight distribution, fade-free high performance brakes, run-flat tyres and DSC III as standard.
More details will be available during the car’s release at Paris. Story by BMW, edited by Supercars.net
In Detail
| submitted by | Richard Owen |
| price $ | $ $51 400 |
| engine | Cast Iron Block, Water Cooled, S54 Inline-6 |
| position | Front Longitudinal |
| aspiration | Natural |
| valvetrain | DOHC 4 Valves per Cyl w/Stepless VANOS 2 |
| fuel feed | Electronic Injection |
| displacement | 3246 cc / 198.1 in³ |
| bore | 87 mm / 3.43 in |
| stroke | 91 mm / 3.58 in |
| compression | 11.5:1 |
| power | 255.8 kw / 343 bhp @ 7900 rpm |
| specific output | 105.67 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 231.29 bhp per tonne |
| torque | 355.22 nm / 262 ft lbs @ 4900 rpm |
| redline | 8000 |
| body / frame | Unit Steel |
| driven wheels | RWD w/Variable M Differential |
| wheel type | Cast Alloy |
| front tires | 225/45ZR18 |
| rear tires | 255/40ZR18 |
| front brakes | Vented Discs w/Single Piston Flating Caliper |
| f brake size | x 348 mm / x 13.7 in |
| rear brakes | Vented Discs w/Single Piston Flating Caliper |
| r brake size | x 328 mm / x 12.9 in |
| front wheels | F 45.7 x 20.3 cm / 18 x 8 in |
| rear wheels | R 45.7 x 22.9 cm / 18 x 9 in |
| steering | Rack & Pinion w/Power Assist |
| f suspension | MacPherson Struts w/Coil Springs, Tube Shocks, Anti-Roll Bar |
| r suspension | Multilink w/Coil Springs, Tube Shocks, Anti-Roll Bar |
| curb weight | 1483 kg / 3270 lbs |
| wheelbase | 2497 mm / 98.3 in |
| front track | 1486 mm / 58.5 in |
| rear track | 1516 mm / 59.7 in |
| length | 4112 mm / 161.9 in |
| width | 1781 mm / 70.1 in |
| height | 1303 mm / 51.3 in |
| transmission | 6-Speed Manual |
| gear ratios | 4.35:1, 2.50:1, 1.66:1, 1.23:1, 1.00:1, 0.85:1, :1 |
| top speed | ~249.4 kph / 155 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | ~4.8 seconds |
| 0 – 100 mph | ~11.7 seconds |
| 0 – 1/4 mile | ~13.4 seconds |
