The new BMW Z4 Roadster/The new BMW Z4 M Roadster

Embargo date for journalists is 25.10.2005, 04.00 p.m. Contents. 1. The
new BMW Z4 Roadster. The new BMW Z4 M Roadster. (Short Version) 3 2.
Design of the BMW Z4 Roadster: Even More Fun in a New Outfit. 12 3.
Drivetrain of the BMW Z4 Roadster: Even More Power and Efficiency. 17 4.
Chassis and Suspension of the BMW Z4 Roadster: Ultimate Driving
Pleasure. 23 5. Bodyshell and Passive Safety of the BMW Z4 Roadster:
Light and Incredibly Safe. 28 6. Features and Equipment of the BMW Z4
Roadster: Purist and Authentic. 31 7. Design of the new BMW Z4 M
Roadster: The Ultimate in Open-Air Motoring. 36 8. Drivetrain of the
new BMW Z4 M Roadster: The Passion of Power. 40 9. Chassis and
Suspension of the new BMW Z4 M Roadster: Driving Pleasure at the Limit.
46 10.Bodyshell of the new BMW Z4 M Roadster: Light and Safe. 53
11.Features and Equipment of the new BMW Z4 M Roadster: Focusing on the
Road. 55 12.The BMW Z4 Roadster/BMW Z4 M Roadster: Specifications. 60
13.Exterior and Interior Dimensions. 62 1.The new BMW Z4 Roadster. The
new BMW Z4 M Roadster. (Short Version) More than any other sports
car in the world, this unique car embodies the typical roadster: The
BMW Z4 Roadster thrills the car world through its fascinating, sporting
dynamism created by a perfect synthesis of a high-performance power
unit, the outstanding chassis and suspension, and in¬novative
features all round. And not least it is the wonderful design of the BMW
Z4 Roadster which makes this car so unique, desirable and a genuine
must-have. And now, four years after its world debut, the BMW Z4
Roadster is making a new, brilliant appearance with new engines.
Marking another highlight on the same occasion, the only purist
high-performance roadster in the world is making its world debut at the
Detroit Auto Show in Detroit in January 2006: The upcoming BMW Z4 M
Roadster is the high-performance ultra-sports version of the Z4
Roadster so many cus¬tomers have been waiting for. Extending BMW's
roadster family right at the top, this unique car takes up and
continues the brand's tradition in a seg¬ment originally created by
BMW M in the first place: Back in 1997, the BMW Z3 M Roadster marked
the world's first high-performance production roadster, with more than
15,000 units being sold to customers by the year 2002, making the Z3 M
Roadster the best seller in its class and the absolute leader in dynamic
performance, agility, and sportiness. The Z4 M Roadster: Awe-Inspiring
Performance in Every Respect. Boasting BMW M's straight-six power unit,
the Z4 M Roadster features a high-performance engine unparalleled in
the roadster market: In 2005 this unique engine received the
"Engine of the Year Award" acknowledged and highly respected
the world over for the fifth time in a row, setting up a record never
seen before. Through its high-speed concept and virtually optimum
transmission ratios, this outstanding power unit generates enormous
thrust and performance in all speed ranges. Its specifications alone
are very im¬press¬ive: six cylinders, 3,246 cc, 252 kW/343 hp
at 7,900 rpm, 365 Newton-metres/269 lb-ft at 4,900 rpm, maximum engine
speed 8,000 rpm. Two other figures perhaps say even more about the
engine's outstanding performance: Output per litre is 106 hp and the
power-to-weight ratio is 4.1 kilos/hp. On the road this means
acceleration to 100 km/h in 5.0 seconds, with the same short time of
5.0 seconds being required for intermediate acceleration in fourth gear
from 80-120 km/h (50-75 mph). Top speed is limited electronically to
250 km/h or 155 mph. The Joy of Shifting Gears Six Times Over. The
high-speed engine concept is simply ideal for a sports car in
combina¬tion with a short overall transmission ratio, since this
allows the conversion of engine power into optimum thrust on the rear
wheels. And combining the M final drive with a six-speed manual
gearbox, the engineers at BMW M are able to fulfil this requirement to
the highest standard. Short and crisp shift travel, supreme running
smoothness, and precise guidance of the shift lever with sensitive
feedback ensuring that the gear is properly in mesh, are typi¬cal
fortes of this transmission. Variable M Differential Lock for Supreme
Power in Bends. The Z4 M Roadster comes with the speed-sensitive
variable M differential lock already well-known and greatly admired on
the M3. This special feature gives the car both superior driving
stability and optimum traction especially when accelerating out of a
bend. Allowing a very sporting style of motoring, especially on roads
with a higher frictional coefficient, the M differential lock enables
the experienced driver to enhance the positive features of rear-wheel
drive to an even higher standard. Under challenging conditions such as
a different frictional coefficient on each side of the car typical of
winter weather and road surfaces, the system gives the Z4 M Roadster
supreme traction and stability. New Six-Cylinder Power Units for the
Z4 Roadster. While the six- and four-cylinder power units featured in
the BMW Z4 Road¬ster naturally cannot match the output and
performance of the M engine, they are everything but under-powered.
Indeed, the new 3.0-litre straight-six in the BMW Z4 Roadster 3.0si is
currently the most innovative engine in its class, setting the standard
in motoring refinement and dynamic perform¬ance. Further strengths
are the engine's high output per litre, a very good power- to-weight
ratio, and the lowest specific fuel consumption. Maximum output is 195
kW/265 hp at 6,600 rpm, maximum engine speed is 7,000 rpm, and the
engine maintains its peak torque of 315 Newton-metres or 232 lb-ft
maintained consistently from 2,500-4,000 rpm. Complying, last but not
least, with both the EU4 and ULEV II standards, this outstanding power
unit is also a role model from the perspective of the environment. The
most striking feature from the customer's perspective in comparison with
the former engine is the sporting responsiveness of the new power unit
in conjunction with thrilling engine sound whenever the driver calls up
its power, as well as supreme refinement and motoring culture when
cruising or just breezing along. Superior power and low weight
naturally also mean superior performance and efficiency: The Z4
Roadster 3.0si accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds,
acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h (50-75 mph) in fourth gear comes in
5.5 seconds. Like the Z4 M Roadster, the Z4 Roadster 3.0si is limited
electronically to a top speed of 250 or 155 mph. Fuel consumption in
the combined EU cycle, finally, is just 8.6 litres Premium plus/100 km,
equal to 32.8 mpg Imp. Everything but Mediocre: the Two 2.5-Litre
Six-Cylinders. Two 2.5-litre power units round off the range of
six-cylinders: The BMW Z4 Roadster 2.5si, developing maximum output of
160 kW/218 hp, is among the top performers in its segment. Peak torque
of 250 Newton-metres or 184 lb-ft is maintained consistently between
2900 and 4250 rpm, accelerating the Z4 Roadster 2.5si from 0-100 km/h
in a mere 6.5 seconds. Equally su¬perior torque and muscle is borne
out by the car's acceleration from 80-120 km/h in fourth gear likewise
in 6.5 seconds. Top speed is 240 km/h or 149 mph, standard fuel
consumption is 8.4 litres Premium plus/100 km, equal to 33.6 mpg Imp.
And again it goes without saying that the Z4 Roadster 2.5si
com¬plies in full with both the EU4 and ULEV II emission standards.
In another version also boasting a 2.5-litre power unit, the Z4 Roadster
2.5i comes with maximum output of 130 kW/177 hp and peak torque of 230
Newton-metres or 169 lb-ft, replacing the former BMW Z4 Roadster 2.2i.
The big benefit for the customer offered by the larger engine is the
extra power and torque, a significant advantage above all when
accelerating from low speeds. The performance data: 0-100 km/h in 7.1
seconds, acceleration from 80-120 km/h (50-75 mph) in 4th gear in 7.0
seconds. Top speed is 229 km/h or 142 mph, fuel consumption 8.2 litres
premium plus on 100 kilometres (equal to 34.5 mpg Imp), and naturally
this model also complies in full with the EU4 and ULEV II emission
standards. All of these straight-six power units offer the customer
best-in-class per¬formance and excellent running smoothness in
typical BMW style. They come with a composite aluminium/magnesium
crankcase, a bedplate struc¬ture, and the cylinder head made of
magnesium, fully variable VALVE¬TRON¬IC valve control, infinite
double-VANOS camshaft adjustment, and four-valve technology. BMW Z4
Roadster 2.0i - Entering the World of Real Roadster Motoring. The
2.0-litre four-cylinder power unit featured in the BMW Z4 Roadster 2.0i
rounds off the range of engines in this unique family of roadster.
Developing 110 kW/150 hp at 6,200 rpm and maximum torque of 200
Newton-metres or 147 lb-ft at 3,600 rpm, this straight-four also
guarantees superior dynamics and undiluted roadster pleasure:
Acceleration to 100 km/h takes just 8.2 seconds, exactly the same time
as the fast sprint from 80-100 km/h (50-75 mph) in fourth gear. Top
speed, in turn, is an equally superior 220 km/h or 136 mph. Consuming
just 7.5 litres premium plus/100 kilometres (equal to 37.7 mpg Imp),
the four-cylinder is very fuel-efficient and, complying with the EU4
and ULEV II emission standards, offers superior environmental
friendliness. The engine is also equipped with BMW's innovative
VALVETRONIC and dual-VANOS management systems. A further feature is
the DISA intake mani¬fold, a technology able to change the length
of the oscillating pipes as a function of engine load. Operating in
conjunction with the engine manage¬ment system, this technology
ensures a level of spontaneity when accele¬rating previously only
to be found in sports engines with individual throttle butterflies.
Six Gears on All Models. All new BMW Z4 Roadsters come with a six-speed
manual gearbox. The typical strengths of this transmission are the
short and crisp gearshift travel, superior running smoothness and
precise guidance of the gearshift lever in the middle, with shift
forces remaining smooth and consistent at all times. With the six gears
coming close together with only small increments in between, and with
the large gap between the lowest and highest gear, the driver is always
able to choose the ideal gear ratio quickly and smoothly even when
driving fast and dynamically. Another BMW First: the New Sport
Automatic. Automatic transmission in the Z4 Roadster 3.0si and 2.5si
comes as a high¬light with shift paddles on the steering wheel. In
conjunction with the new set-up of the transmission, this outstanding
gearshift gives even the aficionade of automatic transmission a dynamic
experience of sporting perform¬ance in the Z4 Roadster without
having to forego the superior comfort of an automatic gearshift.
Supreme Body Stiffness for Four Stars in the EuroNCAP Crash Test.
Designed and built from the start as an open-air model, the body of the
BMW Z4 Roadster is also simply ideal in terms of weight and stiffness:
Of¬fering 14, 500 Nm/degree of static torsional stiffness, this is
the stiffest body¬shell in the segment. Apart from thrilling
performance and agility in bends, this also means that the BMW Z4
Roadster achieves excellent results in the demanding EuroNCAP crash
test: Achieving four out of five possible stars, the car's result is
truly remarkable for an open-air two-seater. Indeed, in the 2004
EuroNCAP test, the Z4 Roadster scored 15.64 points for head-on
collisions and 16 points for side-on collisions out of a possible
maximum result of 16 points in each case, the best figures ever
measured on the dummies in a roadster, receiving the EuroNCAP
Best-in-Class Award. This means that in practice the Z4 Roadster
protects its occupants better than all the cars in this segment tested
so far.In fact the forces and strain acting on the car's occupants are
lower than in most cars with a fixed roof. Chassis and Suspension: a
Star in Bends. The BMW Z4 Roadster offers its driver exactly the right
chassis and sus¬pen¬sion virtually tailor-made for sports
motoring, guaranteeing sheer driving pleasure all the way to the
absolute limit. And should the driver ever be so enthusiastic that his
sheer driving pleasure reaches the limits to physical stability,
sophisticated control systems still guarantee active safety of the
highest standard. The chassis and suspension are designed in terms of
their spring and damper action, as well as kinematics and
elastokinematics, for superior dynamism, agility and handling. This
makes the BMW Z4 Roadster in all its variants most probably the most
agile and dynamic roadster in the world. For even more sporting
behaviour, the genuine enthusiast moreover has the choice of a sports
suspension lowering the entire car by 15 millimetres or 0.59''. The
runflat tyres featured as standard are specially matched to the sporting
character of the BMW Z4 Roadster and now offer somewhat more comfortable
suspension qualities without affecting the agility of the car. The Z4 M
Roadster: Ultimate Driving Pleasure of the Highest Standard. The chassis
and suspension of the Z4 M Roadster is a consistent enhance¬ment
upgrading the suspension of the Z4 Roadster to an even higher
stand¬ard. The entire system therefore offers even greater driving
pleasure, with¬out in any way impairing the car's everyday driving
qualities and comfort. New DSC Setting the Standard in Suspension
Control. Reflecting BMW's consistent philosophy, the chassis and
suspension control systems on the Z4 Roadster and the Z4 M Roadster do
not serve to upgrade the suspension as such - simply because the
suspension already offers a very high standard - but rather to help the
driver master critical situ¬ations when driving to the limit. And
indeed, the safety reserves offered by BMW's roadsters are already very
substantial to begin with. But this does not stop BMW from offering
new, supplementary functions such as Hill Start Assistance, Dry
Braking, etc. Using the integrated Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
function on the BMW Z4 Roadster, the driver is able at the touch of a
button to improve traction and, accordingly, the drive power actually
conveyed to the road on slippery surfaces such as snow. He is also able
to adjust the driving behaviour of the BMW Z4 to higher dynamic
requirements, thus capitalising on the sporting qualities of the car.
One example is that DTC allows greater slip on the rear wheels whenever
appropriate. Numerous Interesting Ancillary Functions. BMW's new DSC
Dynamic Stability Control offers a number of additional functions:
Start-Off Assistance on uphill gradients, for example, automatically
operates the brakes for a short period, preventing the car from rolling
back on an uphill gradient and thus no longer requiring the driver to
pull the handbrake when setting off. Safety is further enhanced by
automatic Fading Compensation as well as the Brake Standby function
automatically pre-loading the brake linings. Auto¬matic Dry Braking
of the brake discs on wet roads, in turn, serve to improve brake
response when needed. The Z4 M Roadster incorporates BMW's variable M
differential lock in combination with a special configuration of the
DSC dynamic control system. Electric Power Steering Optimising the
Steering System. The Z4 Roadster and the Z4 M Roadster also differ in
terms of their steering system: The Z4 Roadster features BMW's
electromechanical EPS Electric Power Steering highlighting the dynamic
and agile set-up of the BMW Roadster. This unique system offers a very
high standard of flexibility in its steer¬ing characteristics, an
optimum compromise of the steering damping effect and feedback from the
steering, as well as low control forces at low speeds and when
manoeuvring. A further important point is the very good centering
effect, with the steering wheel returning smoothly and reliably to its
zero position. Servotronic, finally, comes as standard. Cutting-Edge
Precision when Steering. The steering system in the Z4 M Roadster, by
contrast, is supported by hydraulic power assistance. This ensures
unparalleled steering manoeuvres in terms of overall precision and
optimum feedback of all driving conditions. The overall steering
transmission ratio is 47 : 1, allowing even faster steering control and
operation and thus offering benefits in terms of supreme driving
dynamics. Lightweight Brakes with Outstanding Performance. A new
feature is the 17-inch brake system on the Z4 Roadster 3.0i. The
particular fortes in this case are extreme stopping power, very good
resistance to fading, and optimum long-term brake qualities. Compound
High-Performance Brakes Keeping M Power under Control. With its even
higher standard of performance, the Z4 M Roadster features BMW M's
floating compound high-performance brake system originally conceived for
the BMW M3 CSL as a system carried over directly from motor¬sport.
This superior brake system ensures stopping power of the highest
standard, giving the Z4 M Roadster a stopping distance of just 34
metres or 112 feet from a speed of 100 km/h. New Highlights in Design.
In their design, both the updated BMW Z4 Roadster and the new Z4 M
Road¬ster consistently continue the characteristic design language
of BMW's thoroughbred roadster concept: The BMW Z4 Roadster boasts
moderate updates including a modified front section drawn down closer
to the road. Other new features are the foglamps and the reflectors so
typical of the car. Benefiting from new tail lights with integrated
light conductors as well as more horizontal lines, the modifications at
the rear give the car an even wider, lower, and more muscular
appearance. Featuring even more sophisticated, top-quality materials
and additional colours, the interior is truly exquisite in its looks
without in any way foregoing its sporting, purist character. Z4 M
Roadster: High Performance at Very First Sight. Clearly recognisable as
a Z4 Roadster, the Z4 M Roadster visualises its su¬perior character
of high performance even more convincingly. The functional and
technical qualities of the car are reflected directly and authentically
by the design of the Z4 M Roadster, numerous details both outside and
inside distinguishing it from the "basic" model. The most
conspicuous highlights are the front air dam with its X-shaped
combination of lines and openings, the large air intake scoops, as well
as the low-slung kidney grille and the two striking precision lines on
the engine compartment lid. A feature exclusive to the Z4 M Roadster is
the double-spoke design of the 18-inch aluminium rims. And last but
certainly not least, the rear end also comes in that typical M style,
with four striking tailpipes and a horizontal diffuser. The Interior:
Sporting and Functional All in One. Inside, the new BMW Z4 M Roadster
boasts a sporting, purist but at the same time exclusive look
throughout. Clear shapes and the very best materials give the interior
its particular touch, powerfully emphasising the thrill of sports
motoring. The BMW M colours are also to be found on the speedometer
and rev counter with their face finished in black and boasting both
white numbers and red indicator needles accentuated by permanent white
illumination. Yet another unique feature is the engine speed band
presented in the rev counter like in the other BMW M cars: The yellow
pre-warning field and the red warning field limit the permissible range
of engine speed as a function of current engine oil temperature. With
the temperature of the oil in the engine increasing, the useful speed
range increases accordingly, making it easier for the driver to
intuitively monitor the current temperature level. The steering wheel,
gearshift lever knob and door entry strips are further features
specific to BMW M, just like the air conditioning and fresh air
adjusters, the door openers and door closing handles galvanically
upgraded in pearl gloss chrome. Three exterior colours exclusive to
BMW M and five special paintwork col¬ours for the BMW Z4 Roadster
enable the customer to give his - or her - Z4 M Roadster a very special
personal touch. Within the interior, no less than four different
colours, two leather trim options with a varying degree of leather
finish, as well as three exclusive trim surfaces add to the high degree
of individual style. Sufficient Space for Two. Both the BMW Z4
Roadster and the BMW Z4 M Roadster offer a lot of space for a car of
this kind: The glove compartment, several storage boxes, as well as a
large, approximately ten-litre box in the rear bulkhead ensure a high
degree of practical value. And whenever required, the variable roof
compartment folds up to provide additional space in the luggage
compartment at the rear increasing from an already generous 240 litres
or 8.4 cu ft sufficient for transporting two golf sets to 260 litres or
9.1 cu ft - in the Z4 M Roadster from 200 (7.0 cu ft) to 220 litres
(7.7 cu ft) due to the battery housed in the luggage compartment in
this case. A Special Roof with Special Folding Configuration. All of
BMW's new Z4 Roadsters come with an extremely compact folding roof where
the front, rigid section moves down on top of the fabric roof like a
cover and locks in position flush with the body of the car. The roof is
easy to open and close with one hand; the heated rear window is made of
scratch-proof mineral glass. A fully automatic, electrically operated
roof is naturally available as an option and comes as standard on the
Z4 M Roadster, also opening and closing from outside by remote control.
Bi-Xenon Headlights for Optimum Visibility. The BMW Z4 Roadster comes as
standard with dual halogen headlights. As an option - and as a standard
feature on the Z4 Roadster 3.0si and the Z4 M Roadster - static
bi-xenon headlights ensure maximum high- and low-beam intensity. The
car's position lights are formed by two light conductor rings, this
feature so characteristic of the BMW brand now also highlighting the
Roadster series. Extra Safety Thanks to the Adaptive Brake Display. All
Z4 Roadsters come as standard with BMW's two-stage Adaptive Brake
Display helping efficiently to avoid collisions from behind: Whenever
the driv¬er applies the brakes hard or with ABS intervening, the
illuminated areas in the rear lights grow larger and are intuitively
perceived by motorists fol¬low¬ing from behind as a clear sign
of an emergency braking manoeuvre. Accordingly, drivers following the
BMW will respond appropriately by ap¬plying the brakes harder in
good time and thus benefiting from extra stop¬ping distance.
Options Galore: Top-Class Audio and Navigation Systems. Apart from the
"basic" audio system, the Z4 Roadster is available with two
truly outstanding HiFi systems developed especially for this car. Two
navi¬gation systems also enable the roadster driver to benefit from
BMW's lead¬ing position in navigation technology. And the final
point is that all of these systems may be combined with virtually all
telecommunication features cur¬rently available.