Harry Plopper

BMW M COUPE AND Z4 COUPE MAKE NORTH AMERICAN DEBUT IN NEW YORK

04/06/2006

Prices start at $40,795 for Z4 Coupe 3.0si and $49,995 for the M Coupe

Woodcliff Lake, NJ - April 6, 2006... The BMW M Coupe and Z4 Coupe 3.0si will make their North American debuts at the New York International Auto Show. The Z4 Coupe 3.0si, with its 255-horsepower Valvetronic inline six-cylinder will have a base MSRP of $40,795. The M coupe will feature the 330 horsepower, 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine and numerous suspension and drivetrain modifications from BMW M. It will have an MSRP of $49,995. Both prices include full scheduled maintenance for four years or 50,000 miles as well as destination and handling charges. As with their Roadster counterparts, all Z4 Coupes and M Coupes will be produced at BMW Manufacturing in Spartanburg, SC. These latest editions to BMW's long history of sporting coupes will arrive in U.S. showrooms on May 27th.

New Z4 Coupe based on newly updated Z4 Roadster
Based on the newly revised BMW Z4 Roadster 3.0si, the Z4 Coupe 3.0si features BMW's latest award-winning 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine. With BMW Valvetronic technology and unique magnesium/aluminum construction, this 255-horsepower engine can be mated to either a six-speed manual or new six-speed STEPTRONIC transmission with shift paddles behind the steering wheel and direct selection of manual shifting. If, while driving in D, the driver manually downshifts via paddle or shift lever, the Manual mode engages. But if the driver makes no further manual shifts within 15 seconds, the transmission returns to automatic operation.

The design of the Z4 Coupe instantly catches the eye. It also offers practical benefits, including the ability to carry two golf bags. The outstanding handling of the Z4 Roadster is enhanced by the Coupe's increased torsional rigidity. As with the Z4 Roadster, the Z4 Coupe 3.0si features runflat tires as standard equipment. It is also the latest BMW model to include the most advance version of BMW's Dynamic Stability Control. Emergency braking capability is maximized by features such as Brake Drying, which works to keep the brakes dry in wet conditions, and Brake Standby, which immediately positions the brake pads nearer the discs whenever the driver lifts off the accelerator pedal quickly in anticipation of an immediate move for the brakes. Emergency braking is further enhanced by automatic Brake Fade Compensation, which helps to maximize brake pressure and stopping ability whenever the brakes get hot. Smooth starts are facilitated by the Start-Off Assistant, which holds the brakes briefly on a hill after the brake pedal is released in order to prevent the car from rolling back.

The interior of the Z4 Coupe 3.0si can be tailored to individual tastes with a choice of wood trim and the availability of M Sport Seats and Extended Leather Upholstery. A Premium and a Sport Package may both be added. The impressive array of standard equipment includes automatic climate control, on-board computer, and a Premium Sound System that is THX certified.

Uncompromising, purist, and exceptionally powerful: the new Z4 M Coupe
At the heart of the new Z4 M Coupe is BMW M's award winning 3.2-liter in-line six-cylinder engine. In 2005, this engine was voted "Engine of the Year" by an international jury a record fifth consecutive time. With its high-speed concept, this engine works through a six-speed manual transmission to provide exhilarating performance in all speed ranges. As in the BMW M3, this engine features dual overhead cams, double-VANOS variable valve timing, and six individual throttle plates. This normally aspirated engine generates more than 100 hp per liter. On the road, this means 0 - 60 in less than five seconds and a top speed electronically limited to 155 mph.

Identical in concept to the suspension on the BMW Z4 M Roadster, the suspension of the Z4 M Coupe shares many features and details with the BMW M3; including the speed-sensitive variable M differential lock. It provides outstanding stability and traction, particularly when accelerating out of bends. To maximize its braking capabilities, the new M Coupe uses BMW M's floating compound high performance braking system originally conceived for the M3 CSL and included in the M3 Competition Package as well as the Z4 M Roadster.

Seen from the side, this two-door coupe with its low and dynamic roofline sweeping down to the rear, as well as the "Hofmeister kick" in the rear side windows, ensures a particularly dynamic touch. The M Coupe distinguishes itself from the Z4 Coupe 3.0si starting with its front air dam, consisting of an X-shaped combination of lines and openings, plus the large air intake scoops. The rear of the M Coupe incorporates a horizontal diffuser and the four round tailpipes which have become a hallmark of BMW M design.

The distinctive M touches continue in the interior. As on other BMW M products, the white-on-black instruments include red indicator needles accentuated by white illumination. Also included is the engine speed band in the tachometer. The yellow pre-warning field and red warning field show the safe operating range of engine speed as a function of oil temperature.

New exterior colors, including three that are exclusive to BMW M, allow the new Z4 M Coupe to be tailored to individual tastes.

Source: BMW Press

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Harry Plopper

The pricing is very interesting. The coupe is cheaper than roadster. Good move.

And the pricing against Porsche Cayman & SLK55 AMG is very aggressive:

Cayman S (295hp) - $58,900 MSRP
Z4 M Coupe (330hp) - $49,995 MSRP
SLK55 AMG (355hp) - $62,275 MSRP

Just_me

what are the prices for Boxster S and SLK55 in the states?

Harry Plopper

MSRP

Boxster (240hp): $45,000
Boxster S (280hp): $54,700
Cayman S (295 hp): $58,900

SLK55 AMG (355hp): $62,275
SLK 350 (268hp): $47,725

Z4 3.0si Roadster (255hp): $42,100
Z4 3.0si Coupe (255hp): $40,795
Z4 M Roadster (330hp): $51,300
Z4 M Coupe (330hp): $49,995

martinbo

Yowsers! That's very significant information. In terms of dynamics, there's so little to choose between the two; the Cayman is expected to be the sweeter handling, the M Coupé, more muscular. But at $10 000 less? Smart money's on the Beemer imo... as much of a fan as I am of the Cayman, superiority comes at a hefty price.

The Emperor

Bingo! As expected, the Z4M will be a big hit at the other side of the shore...

Just_me

i love it, in Sweden SLK55 and Cayman cost much more than Z4M. Z4M obviously give us more performance for the money

Harry Plopper

Not only there. BMW Deutschland have already more pre-orders for Z4 coupe & M Coupe then the 2006 allocation for German market. In the UK the situation is similar.

siko

Eni... any news on Canada getting the Z4 Coupe 3.0si? Or are we still limited to the M Coupe?

Harry Plopper

M Coupe only.

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