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2007 BMW Z4 and M-Roadster Preview

BMW Introduces Z4 M-Roadster and Updates Rest of Z4 Range Next Year

After denying its existence, or any plans to create it since the birth of the Z4, BMW has finally announced that it will in fact be producing an M-Motorsport version of the two-seater roadster. Officially, the model will be christened the Z4 M-Roadster (not M4), and acts as the halo to an update of the Z4 lineup, come 2006.
 
The one question that must be asked - if BMW was so persistent about the vehicle not existing, why bother to release it now? Fierce competition and stagnant sales is the answer, and in short, its what Munichs blue and white propeller is facing in the hotly contested, albeit somewhat slow roadster market segment. Lets

After denying its existence, or any plans to create it since the birth of the Z4, BMW has finally announced that it will in fact be producing the Z4 M-Roadster. (Photo: BMW of North America)

face it, when reputations are on the line, particularly among one that creates some of the worlds finest driving machines, you cannot afford to fall behind, particularly against arch-rivals.
 
Given four years have elapsed since its launch, 2006 is just about right for a mid-life Z4 update. While theres no denying that BMWs roadster was a brilliant step forward from the slapdash Z3,

The standard Z4 is updated for 2006 too. (Photo: BMW of North America)

which featured 80s E30 3-Series suspension components and lackluster powerplants (M-Roadster aside), the Z4, possibly due to its radical and therefore controversial styling, never managed to match up to the hype of its predecessor. An observant eye would have seen this update coming from a mile away, given the exhibition of the near production-ready Z4 Coupe Concept at Frankfurt, and now the M-Roadster variant.

As with the past M-Roadster, the new cars exterior changes are understated. Visual mods include a new front valance stylized after the M5s air-splitter,

Z4 M-Roadster visual mods include a new front valance stylized after the M5s air-splitter, while in back the bumper integrates quad pipes and a downforce-inducing rear diffuser. (Photo: BMW of North America)

while in back the bumper integrates quad pipes and a downforce-inducing rear diffuser. A 0.4 inch drop in ride height over comparable models, and 18-inch alloy wheels round out the exterior treatment. Minor revisions to the cars body mean that it is 0.9 inches longer, 0.1 inches higher and rides with 0.07 inches extra between its wheels, but track and width remain constant.

Under its sharkish snout, the M-Roadster is powered by the existing 3.2-liter inline-six from the current M3, not the next-gen 400-hp 4.0-liter modular V8. Outputs in power and torque are unchanged at 330 at 7,900 rpm and 262 at 4,900

The M-Roadster is powered by the existing 3.2-liter inline-six from the current M3. (Photo: BMW of North America)

rpm respectively (343-hp and 269 lb-ft European specification), but placed in the Z4s vastly lighter frame it makes for an increased power to weight ratio of 241 hp/tonne compared to the M3s 218 hp/tonne (metric figures). Zero to 60 mph acceleration time is 4.9 seconds flat, with an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph.
 
But just because the M-Roadster doesnt debut BMWs latest technology doesnt mean its not a credible sports car. Engineers have worked to make it one of the most complete sports roadsters to date by reworking the M3s six-speed manual gearbox with a shorter final drive to improve in-gear and overall acceleration. Also included is the M3s M-Variable locking differential, which has the unique ability to control power distribution by locking the rear axle

The brakes, which feature Automatic Dry Braking to sweep water off the discs, priming them for better wet-weather performance, are lightweight units borrowed from the track-tuned M3 CSL. (Photo: BMW of North America)

for improved traction in all road conditions. Seeing as this is a true enthusiast product, the six-speed SMG sequential gearbox is not offered.

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