BMW Z4 Coupé Concept: 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show

Motoring Channel Staff - 14/9/2005

As a potential rival for Porsche's new Cayman sports car and Mercedes-Benz increasingly popular SLK-Class of roadsters, BMW has lifted the lid on the eye-catching BMW Z4 Coupé.

Shown for the first time at the 61st International Motor Show in, BMW presented the concept version of a closed sports car which it says gives dreams a name.

Glistening silken-matt like a sculpture made of solid aluminium, the Z4 Coupé is fascinating to say the least, emanating a flair of power and agility.

The concept car's new look is audacious in many respects: without interruption, the A-pillar extends through the roof in a soft curve all the way to the rear end, where it merges with the surrounding areas.

Then in the middle of the roof, the Coupé boasts the characteristic recess so typical of many classic sports cars, giving the car an extremely flat and low-slung appearance.

The seam coming from the rear lid extends discreetly along the rear windows and then merges into the car’s sill line, thus maintaining the sporting window graphics of the rear side windows with that typical Hofmeister “kick” even with the rear lid open.

The greenhouse sweeps down powerfully into the tail section, accentuating the rear wheel arches and creating a powerful and muscular look. The spoiler integrated in the rear lid, in turn, ensures optimum aerodynamics and streamlining with the third brake light integrated beneath the spoiler in the rear lid.

Glacier Silver paintwork developed exclusively for this Concept Car gives the Coupé the silken-matt gloss.

19-inch aluminium wheels in three-dimensional appearance and standing out from the car’s body paint - in particular through their dark finish - accentuate the overall impression of power and concentration. Clearly, these wheels are made exclusively for this Concept Car in elaborate casting technology.

And then we get to the car's powerplant, a longitudinally mounted straight 6-cylinder power unit develops its power beneath the bonnet and conveys it directly to the rear axle for a pure sports car feel.

In conjunction with the long wheelbase and the car's centre of gravity visibly moved to the rear, this muscular Coupé looks as if it is about to pounce and take off even when regarded at a standstill.

The Concept Car is powered by BMW's 3.0-litre straight-six already lauded by a number of the most renowned international awards – an engine which has become a genuine icon marking BMW's leadership in innovation in engine technology.

In its latest generation with a composite magnesium/aluminium crankcase, ValveTronic valve control, and numerous other technical innovations, this 6-cylinder is definitely one of the most advanced power units in the world (in general) and in its segment in particular.

At the same time it marks the pinnacle in output and performance: Developing 65kW or 88hp per litre, BMW’s 3.0-litre offers the highest level of specific output in its class. And as the world’s lightest 6-cylinder with a power-to-weight ratio of 1.18kW or 1.6hp/kilogram, it also offers the highest standard of relative performance.

Maximum output is 195kW (265hp) @ 6650rpm, while peak torque of 315Nm arrives @ 2500rpm and remains consistent until 4000rpm.

Powered by the lightweight 6-cylinder engine, the Z4 Coupé Concept Car sprints from zero to 100km/h in just 5.7 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.

The BMW Z4 Coupé Concept Car is a one-off creation and is not intended for everyday use. But in a subsequent production series, this outstanding sports car might well become one of the fastest and most dynamic driving machines on the road, its final drive ratio again shorter than in the Z4 Roadster allowing even better acceleration.

Benefiting from BMW Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), enhanced Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Electrical Power Steering (EPS) and a high-performance brake system, the driver is able at all times to use all the power and performance of his – or her – Z4 Coupé for optimum driving dynamics, enjoying equally outstanding safety in the process.

When the roof and tailgate are added to the Z4 design torsional stiffness increases, which in turn improves the Z4 Coupé's driving dynamics and ability to handle through corners.

Another bonus that the fixed roof brings is improved luggage capacity, with a large, deep well able to swallow two golf bags - often the ultimate luxury benchmark.

Giving great attention to detail, BMW’s colour and trim designers have created a truly unique interior tailored to the BMW Z4 Coupé in every respect. The most modern materials in first-class quality are blended with one another exclusively for this Concept Car, again adding another touch of uniqueness. As a result, the sophisticated and stylish interior points far into the future of interior design with all its ongoing potentials.

BMW has also given the Z4 Coupé concept a thoroughly upmarket - but still very sporty - interior, making use of materials such as brushed aluminium and high quality leather in a strong sandy hue. Even the roof lining is finished in light-brown Nubuk leather.

Three-dimensional rings around the circular instruments, the spokes on the steering wheel, the door openers and compartment openers, the rotary knob for the air conditioning, the pedals and the loading sill leading into the luggage compartment are all milled out of one single block of aluminium.

Not only the harmony of interior materials and colours will make the sports car enthusiast wax lyrical. Rather, the Z4 Coupé makes a clear pledge to sporting driving dynamics also in its design and the ergonomic features inside the car: the entire area around the driver’s cockpit is tailored to the individual at the wheel, offering authentic values in every respect.

A Coupé like the BMW Z4 Concept Car presented at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show reflects all of the demands and expectations made by discerning enthusiast drivers, but will customers choose a Z4 over a Porsche Cayman? The Z4 is not officially a BMW model yet - still a concept car - but there is a very strong chance it will be competing for market share with Porsche and Mercedes-Benz.