2005 BMW Z4 Review

Specifications

Special Z4 Hardtop Tempts with Pure Undefiled Performance

Can we call em or what? In our August 30th story feature, we predicted that BMW would be showing a Z4 Coupe Concept; lo and behold not two weeks later, the brand that sports a blue and white propeller on its badge showed the world its latest metal. With this concept car, BMW hopes to make the pulse of both BMW and sports car enthusiasts rise with a vehicle that puts driver enjoyment first. A no-compromise approach in the concepts execution ensures that this driver-oriented machine will deliver agility and pure undefiled performance.

Whether the Z4 Coupe Concept is a hair-trigger response to the Porsche Cayman S, a preparation for the next-generation TT or Benz SLT - an SLK-based shooting brake (sport wagon) - or something to fight off retreating sports car sales, the concept BMW delivered to Frankfurt is a true two-seat sports machine. Its more than just a Z4 with a hardtop roof, with work being done to the body and chassis in order to create a design that not only speaks to ones every emotion, but a car that also embodies sporting flair. This one looks to be a true, authentic sports car with ideal weight distribution, plus a traditional long-nose layout with rear-shifted cabin similar to classic coupes from our past, such as Jaguars legendary XKE and Nissans revolutionary 240Z.

In BMW lingo the Z4 Coupe Concept is the Z4s “fixed roof” sibling, and a player to the BMW “team”. This new roof boldly arches from the front pillars, sweeping across and down, where it meets at the tail. The doors are of pillarless design, and do not feature an upper door frame. A recessed rib forms a backbone across the roof - a stylish if not classic addition to the coupe. Similar to the 6-Series coupe, the Z4 Coupe Concepts rear fenders bulge outwards, rather than meld into the upper fairing. They are separate entities from the trunks lid as with most other BMW models, however, in this application the infamous “Bangle Butt” has been toned down to incorporate the cars narrowing tailgate.

A couple of other traditional BMW design cues and a few non-traditional elements can also be found on this concept. As with almost all BMW cars, the rear quarter window features the Hofmeister kick, while a slightly newer tradition of flaming surfaces has been used extensively. The complex accumulation of convex, concave and creased surfaces makes the matte silver paint dance in sunlight, contrasted by charcoal-colored 19-inch alloy wheels. The back half of the car features an integrated spoiler as well as twin side-mounted exhaust pipes and a sportier rear valance skit. Together, these styling cues, plus the swept look of the new hardtop roof make this new concept look like a classic, traditional sports car.

As with the previous Z3 or M-Coupe, and Jags latest XK, the Z4 Coupe also features a hatchback, though its not so much in the form of an upright panel wagon as it is sporty fastback. A natural competitor to the likes of the two-trunked Porsche Cayman S and the immensely popular Audi TT and Nissan 350Z, the Z4 Coupe Concepts liftback design allows for added practicality. Where the open top version is limited by a small trunk (even smaller when the roof is retracted), two bags of golf clubs or similar volume can be brought aboard the Z4 Coupe Concept. Custom-made wells house handmade travel bags in the concepts trunk.

The concept is powered by BMWs latest high-power R6 3.0-liter inline-six; the same engine that made its debut in the 630 Ci last year, and the same unit currently powering the 530i and the new 330i. An award winning motor, its the lightest six-cylinder in the world with an output to weight ratio of 1.60 horsepower per kilogram! If this werent enough, its 265-horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque - a good 30 horsepower gain over the M54 series motor fitted in the Z4 3.0i - should definitely improve performance. A shorter final drive ratio makes for even better in-gear acceleration.

By adding an integrated roof, BMW claims to have significantly improved driving dynamics over the current Z4. But aside from taking away the wind-in-the-hair experience, what would a production version of the Coupe Concept offer over the Roadster? Youd be surprised, but the addition of the roof has substantially increased torsional rigidity, making for a flex-free chassis, and we all know what that means - better cornering, ride and crash protection. The Z4 Coupe also benefits from BMWs Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Electrical Power Steering (EPS), plus a world-class braking system.

Inside, drivers of the current Z4 should be familiar; there isnt anything new aside from a beautifully handcrafted theme interior that pampers the driver. BMW has chosen soft natural-colored Nubuck leather to accent standard black leather sport bucket seats. All major stitching is done in 5 mm wide leather by hand, turning the cabin into a cozy but beautiful driving environment. Overall, the rich textures and smells of the color-coordinated leather are said to create a warm, welcoming cabin.

The second major ingredient to the Z4 Coupes fantastic interior is the use of real milled aluminum. Rings around the instrument cluster, the spokes on the steering wheel, rotary knobs on the HVAC controls, and door openers are all milled from solid blocks of the lightweight alloy. The pedals are also made of metal, but feature black leather inserts for a decidedly retro look. Together, the aluminum and leather create a cold-warm relationship thats not only seen but felt.

It is very clear that the Z4 Coupe Concept vehicle is not only a driving device, but a vehicle that seeks the enthusiasts heart and soul, satiating all senses. If you like the idea behind the Z4 Coupe Concept, youll probably be delighted to hear that its almost certain to hit production. With many factors pushing for the Z4 Coupe, such as dwindling sales numbers of the Z4 and the fact that its a cost-effective model, we highly doubt BMW would want to completely give away the two-passenger entry-level market to the competition, plus it opens the door to the return of the M-Coupe, something thats really worth getting pumped up about.