BMW Z4M

This rip-roaring prototype (right) is the long-awaited Z4M, which Autocar’s spies say shares its V8 engine with the upcoming M3 (above). The car will have the task of lifting the image of the whole Z4 range, especially with an all-new Porsche Boxster just gone on sale. The Z4M is also BMW’s riposte to the new Mercedes SLK 55, which has a 355bhp (non-supercharged) AMG-fettled V8 engine.

There’s no news yet on whether the Z4M will have the V8’s full 400bhp. Although it would be a logical move, this sort of wallop would make it hugely more powerful than any rival (the new Boxster S has just 276bhp) and almost as grunty as today’s 911 Turbo.

The car undergoing tests here at the Nürburgring circuit is distinguished by the classic quad exhaust pipes, new wheels and a revised suspension set-up.

BMW’s Z4 got off to a strong start in the important US market, but has faded since. Dealers have complained that it is substantially more expensive than the old Z3. This means that the Z4 is less likely to be bought as ‘fun’ second car, limiting its sales potential.

At the opposite end of the market to this V8 prototype, BMW is thought to be trailing a cheaper four-cylinder version of the Z4. This would be powered by the second-generation version of the company’s UK-built 2.0-litre Vanos engines.

It was originally thought that the Z4 would have a cheaper sister car spin-off, badged Austin-Healey. BMW’s US Designworks studios completed extensive styling work on the concept in the late 1990s.

Source:Autocar

http://www.autocarmagazine.com/news_...p?na_id=212373

Z4 M Roadster confirmed! 11/26/2004

i just came from helsinki motor show where i heard from a bmw sales man that it is now sure that there will be a new m roadster. he also said that m6 will be coming as we all well know but m7 is unlikely to see daylight (old news, i know ). he hadn´t heard of m6 csl (or m5 csl).

Source:Germancarfans forum