Report Card - A Study In Performance -

Report Card – A Study In Performance

by Ed Sunkin

The BMW Z4 Coupe, which debuted as a concept vehicle in the U.S. earlier this year at the North American International Auto Show, shows off the automakers new stylistic, design and technical trends. The two-seater embodies the classic values of the BMW brand and served as the inspiration for Z4 Coupe and M Coupe production versions, which became available earlier this summer.

Powering this Thoroughbred Sports Car is BMWs recently-developed 3.0L inline six-cylinder engine. Supplying a developing maximum output of 195 kW/265 hp and peak torque of 315 Nm/232 lb-ft., the Z4 Coupe can accelerate from 060 mph (95 km/h) in about 5.7 seconds, with the cars top speed ending at the 155 mph mark (250 km/h ).

The focus during the development of the BMW Z4 Coupe was on driving performance. The designers have taken an equally uncompromising approach to realizing the visual dynamics. The esthetics of the vehicle build on the expressive design language of the similar BMW Z4 Roadster.

The long hood, the greenhouse passenger shell thats shifted to the rear and the short overhangs in front and rear signal classic design features of the BMW brand. In combination with the long wheelbase and a center of gravity far to the rear, the coupe even at rest gives the impression of relentlessly pressing forward.

A flowing roofline characterizes the BMW Z4 as a classic coupe with a center of gravity visually shifted towards the rear axle. The recess in the middle of the roof reinforces the sporting look and character. The coupe appears low, fast and, at the same time, elegant. The spoiler, designed into the trunk, ensures optimum aerodynamics and streamlining. Its designed with the third brake light integrated beneath the spoiler. A further effect of the spoiler and brake light is the additional emphasis they give to the sheer width of the cars rear end.

The exterior paintwork in Glacier Silver, developed exclusively for this vehicle, gives the coupe the silky-matte glossiness of a solid aluminum sculpture. Nineteen-inch aluminum wheels, clearly showing their dimensionality and with an intentionally dark finish to contrast with the exterior paintwork, highlight the concentrated, powerful overall impression. Produced using elaborate casting technology, these wheels were designed exclusively for this vehicle.

Also part of the BMW Z4 Coupe is a modern suspension control system, electric power steering (EPS) and a high performance brake system, all contributing to an optimum driving experience. The extreme chassis rigidity, which characterizes the BMW Z4 Coupe, ensures optimum driving performance while providing above-average crash safety for a sports car.

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