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BMW to Show Up to Three New Concept Vehicles at Frankfurt

Could an M-Power Z4 Coupe Be in the Works?

BMW just might be the starring attraction of this years Frankfurt motor show. So far, its managed to duck out of the headlines, silently announcing many new production models for 2006, such as 5-Series and 6-Series vehicles powered by the new 360-horsepower 5.0-liter Valvetronic V8 which replaces the 333-horsepower 4.4-liter V8. BMW is also redefining all-wheel drive by offering xDrive on the 3-Series and for the first time ever on a diesel-powered 5-Series. Yes, its a big year so far for the automaker that professes to be the "ultimate driving machine", but its only going to get bigger.

Though BMW hasnt announced how it will be using its floor space at the IAA this year, there are sneaking suspicions that three concept vehicles will debut. The cars that are potentially on the list are a Z4 Coupe concept,

The Z4 Coupe will be a hardtop version of the Z4 Convertible, somewhat of a repetition of what BMW did with the Z3-based M Coupe. (Photo: BMW AG)

an X3 SAV Hybrid concept, and an M-Roadster concept or prototype, all of which have been rumored for quite some time.

In hot pursuit of the two-door, two-seat sports coupe segment that may get revived by Porsches upcoming Cayman S, BMW is expected to bring its own variant to market, previewed by a concept car. The Z4 Coupe will be a hardtop version of the Z4 Convertible, somewhat of a repetition of what BMW did with the Z3 Coupe. The styling of the rear end will be different however, answering to the previous Z3/M Coupes many critics. While its true that

Production will take place alongside the Z4 Roadster at the Spartanburg, North Carolina facility. (Photo: Artists Rendering)

a loyal following was obtained for the shoe-shaped predecessor, its upright rear hatchback didnt speak for overall sales numbers. To fix this conundrum, the Z4 Coupe will sport an infinitely more stylish albeit more conventional fastback this time around. With a hatchback, and only two seats, the car should make an excellent cross-country tourer with plenty of luggage space.

hearing that it will take on the look of the asymmetrical X-Coupe concept shown several years back. The production version will, however In launching the concept, BMW will probably take the opportunity to experiment with new styling; wereretain the look of the current Z4, sharing much of the roadsters sheetmetal. Production will take

Rumors are circulating that BMW isnt the only car manufacturer interested in creating a two-seat coupe. (Photo: Artists Rendering)

place alongside the Z4 Roadster at the Spartanburg, North Carolina facility. The base engine is expected to be BMWs new 255-horsepower 3.0-liter inline-six, mated to a choice of six-speed manual, automatic or SMG paddle-shift sequential manual. Rumors are circulating that BMW isnt the only car manufacturer interested in creating a two-seat coupe with plenty of cargo space - Audi and Mercedes-Benz are both said to be working on shooting brake versions of the next generation TT and a fixed-roof SLK respectively, the latter to be called the SLT.

Also expected to debut is the long-awaited M-Motorsports version of the Z4 Roadster. Likely to be called the M-Roadster, its the successor of the original Z3-based M-Roadster. It will fill in the high-performance two-seat sports car position that was left empty when the first model

BMW may decide to install the 3.2-liter inline-six fitted to the current E46-generation M3 Coupe. (Photo: BMW AG)

ended production.

Distinguishing it wont be hard, with heavily bulging fenders, and new front and rear valances that will feature extra air intakes and jutting air splitters. A limited slip rear differential as well as larger wheels wrapped in wider rubber will help transfer the power to the road, while a rear spoiler will keep the driving wheels glued to the pavement at high speeds.

The M version could be powered by one of two engines up for debate. BMW may decide to install the 3.2-liter inline-six fitted to the current E46-generation M3 Coupe, but with power boosted to 360-horsepower. The other option could see a 4.0-liter V8 based off of the modular V10 engine fitted to the M5 and M6, with the two final cylinders chopped off. At 415-horsepower, it would certainly clear the Z4s reputation of being a hairdressers car - all show but no real go. If it is the latter, such will confirm the rumor that BMW will indeed be fitting a V8 engine under

BMW demonstrated an all-new way of harnessing electrical power in a hybrid vehicle, as demonstrated through its "Efficient Dynamics" X5 demonstrator vehicle. (Photo: BMW AG)

the hood of the 2007 M3. Regardless of the engine, the car will be available with either a six-speed manual or six-speed SMG paddle-shift gearbox.

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