BMW Z4 M Coupé

BMW Z4 M Coupé: The new high-performance BMW Z4 M Coupé generates 343hp and 365Nm of torque from its 3.2-litre straight-six cylinder engine. Maximum power is generated at 7,900rpm while 80 per cent of the maximum torque is available from 2,000rpm.

The renowned power and flexibility of the ‘M’ engine contributes to a zero to 62mph time of 5.0 seconds and propels the car to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. Power is transferred to the road via a six-speed short-shift manual transmission. Key to the purity of driving dynamics and handling characteristics of the Z4 Coupé is its exceptionally stiff body structure of 32,000Nm/degree.

The suspension of the new Z4 M Coupé is largely the same as the recently announced BMW Z4 M Roadster, apart from the spring and damper settings that take account of the different weight distribution of the fixed head car. The chassis and suspension also share many common features from the benchmark BMW M3 Coupé, such as the M variable differential and compound brake system taken directly from the M3 CSL.

Also in common with the forthcoming Roadster, the new Z4 M Coupé rides on unique, lightweight Z4 M alloy wheels shod with 225/45 ZR18 tyres on the front and 255/40 ZR18 tyres on the rear. From the outside, there is no mistaking the new BMW Z4 M Coupé with its purposeful stance. The roof of the two seater is contoured for added headroom.

From the sides, the long bonnet accentuates the dramatic styling with occupants set back in true sports car style. Owners can personalise their new BMW Z4 M Coupé with a choice of three exclusive M colours and five ‘standard’ colours.

From the front, a deep front air-dam with distinct x-shaped lines differentiates the ‘M’ car from the 3.0si. Large air scoops in the valance and two precision lines running along the bonnet signal the car’s performance credentials.

Xenon headlamps and BMW’s unique corona light rings also accentuate the dynamism of the front view. From the rear, the car’s wide rear wheel arches combined with horizontal diffusers and BMW M’s trademark double-twin tailpipes creates a powerful, resolved stance. BMW’s traditional ‘Hofmeister kink’ is integrated into the large clamshell boot lid and shallow-sloping hatchback that hides a practical 300 litres boot capacity.

Internally, the new BMW Z4 M Coupé features BMW’s M Sports seats covered in a choice of four nappa leather colours that provide the highest levels of lateral support.

TOP GEAR Writeup: BMW is all set to launch the Z4 M Coupe this summer. Giving the outgoing M3’s 343bhp, 3.2-litre six-cylinder engine a final hurrah, the Z4 M Coupe storms from 0-62mph in just five seconds and goes on to a limited 155mph.

This performance is more than enough to have the Porsche Cayman S worried, because it can only manage 0-62mph in 5.4 seconds. The coupe body, based on the Z4 M Roadster’s, is almost identical to the Coupé Concept shown at last September’s Frankfurt motor show. The two-seater carries on the tradition set by the original and unusual Z3 M Coupe – offering decent luggage space on the rear deck.

For the Z4 M, there’s 300 litres of cargo capacity. However, few will spend the expected £42,000 price tag on the M Coupe for its practicality when it goes on sale in July this year, with first deliveries expected in August. BMW’s test drivers have been charging around the Nürburgring and report that the M Coupe is quicker than the Z4 M Roadster and M3, helped by brakes lifted directly form the M3 CSL.

The Z4 M Coupe will come with all of the expected luxury goodies, while buyers have the choice of three exterior colours exclusive to the Z4 M and three dedicated interior trim options.