BMW Z4 News

BMW this month launches its Z4 Coupe and Z4 M Coupe in Australia with a price advantage. The 195kW three-litre Z4 Coupe will cost $87,900 in six-speed manual and $90,500 in six-speed Steptronic auto, which is $3300 less than the Roadster. It also compares favourably with the SLK 350 at $114,400 and the Cayman at $118,000. The 252kW 3.2litre Z4 M Coupe comes in six-speed manual only at $127,200, which compares with the SLK 55 at $163,400 and Cayman S $148,500. The price differential from BMW Roadster to Coupe is $3300. BMW also claims its Coupes are faster, lighter and more fuel efficient. The Z4 Coupes will arrive with similar features to the Roadster models such as dynamic stability control which can be totally switched off, cornering brake control, dynamic traction control and dual front and side airbags. The M model adds Bluetooth mobile phone capability, sat nav, TV and an audio system that makes a lot of noise. BMW claims the Z4 Roadster and Coupe are the first European vehicles with audio systems to receive THX certification. That accreditation is only given to audio output and speakers that are endorsed by Lucas Films, the makers of the Star Wars movies. BMW uses Carver speakers which allow high sound pressures from small speaker sizes. They use 10 speakers including two subwoofers and achieve a total output of 430 watts. BMW claims potential buyers are mainly males aged 35 to 45 years with an appreciation of high-end audio systems. But the Z4s are not just about noise; they are also about performance, boasting a stiffer chassis, stiffer suspension and a 0-100km/h sprint time of 5 seconds. How the Z4 handles Australian roads will be revealed over the next few days of the Australian launch through the twists and turns of Tasmania.   FAST FACTS BMW Z4 and Z4 M Coupe Engines: straight 6, 2996cc (195kW/315Nm); 3246cc (252kW/365Nm) Transmission: 6-speed manual (Z4 , Z4 M), 6-speed Steptronic auto (Z4) Fuel: 55L tank, 8.9L/100km (man Z4), 12.1L (Z4 M), 9L (Z4 auto) CO2 emissions (g/km): 213 (man Z4), 216 (Z4 auto), 292 (Z4 M) Kerb weight (kg): 1320 (man Z4), 1350 (auto Z4), 1420 (Z4 M) Available: This month Price: $87,900 (6-speed manual), $90,500 (6-speed auto), $127,200 (M) Mark Hinchliffe is a senior roadtester on the CARSguide team and also editor of the Courier Mail CARSguide. A full review of the Z4, as well as other news, reviews and analysis will appear in the Courier Mail CARSguide this Saturday.

With the new TT, Audi’s challenge was to successfully update the iconic shape of the radical original model, launched in 1998.The new car is wider and longer and incorporates Audi’s distinctive new grille – as introduced on its other models in recent years.The Z4 Coupe is the latest iteration of the much talked about design philosophy of controversial BMW chief designer Chris Bangle.It builds on the aggressive, long-bonneted styling of the Z4 Roadster, with the addition of a sloping hard-topped glass-house and a rear tailgate opening to an expanded luggage area.The TT range starts with a 147kW direct-injection turbocharged four-cylinder engine while the top model will be the quattro permanent all-wheel drive version powered by a 3.2-litre V6 pushing out 184 kW.On the BMW stand, the Z4 Coupe will offer a 3.0-litre straight-six producing 195kW, while the M version ups the ante with a 3.2-litre 252kW engine shared with the famed BMW M3.The TT is constructed using an innovative ASF Space Frame that combines aluminium components at the front with metal components at the rear.The result is better weight distribution which, combined with a wider track and new transverse-link front and four-link rear suspension, is designed to give the TT improved handling.BMW says the Z4 Coupe has perfect 50/50 front/rear weight distribution and is only slightly heavier than the roadster version thanks to an aluminium bonnet and the use of high-strength steel.Technical highlights of the TT include a magnetic ride damping system, electrically retractable rear spoiler and adaptive xenon cornering lights.The Z4 Coupe features standard Dynamic Stability Control and traction control systems, while the M Coupe version adds a differential lock and 18-inch high-performance compound brake system.

Car makers are following in the footsteps of Mercedes-Benz and Lexus by putting folding metal hard-tops within the reach of more car buyers than ever before.It's a case of Viva la France in this instance, as Renault and Peugeot have folding metal hardtops starting well under the $50,000 mark, with the Pug 307CC Sport the only transgressor at $55,000.The rest of the Peugeot drop-top range – the two 206CC models and the 307CC Dynamic – will feature on the Peugeot display at Wayville, giving wind in the hair motoring with French fl air for a $32,990 starting price.The base 206CC is powered by a 1.6-litre engine – there's a two-litre model as well – and it's only got decent room for two people, although it offi cially seats four. The 206 is nearing the end of its model life so stay tuned for a drop-top 207.The 307CC offers a little more room for the rearseat occupants, although it uses similar drivetrains. Holden might be sourcing its light and small car entrants from Korea, but its fashionable two-seater drop-top is still from Europe. The two-seater is keenly priced and, while only available in manual, will get plenty of attention from new car buyers. Holden's present Astra has a soft-top but expect the next one to follow in the Tigra's tyre tracks, although it's no sure thing for Australia.Mitsubishi will be showing something close to its drop-top contender, the Colt coupe-cabriolet, which has started production in Italy.The folding metal hardtop is built from the Colt fi ve-door platform and rather than the three-door, the 2+2 convertible will join a revamped Mitsubishi light car range.But don't think the rag-top has gone the way of the dodo – anything but.The reigning Wheels Car of the Year is Mazda's new MX-5, which retained its manual folding soft-top for the sake of saving weight.BMW's 6-Series drop-top might cost more than $200,000 but that pricetag buys a soft-top, albeit one that is well-insulated. The company's Z4 has retained a rag-top, as has the BMWowned Mini range.Chrysler's Crossfire – a feature of the brand's stand at this year's show – also has a rag-top.Volvo's new open-topped star, the C70, has ditched the cloth roof for a solid top, while the Lexus SC430 has offered buyers of the brand the security of a metal roof with wind-in-hair enjoyment since its inception.Bentley and Lamborghini will be wellrepresented in the megabuck drop-top realm with cloth lids, as will the all-new Jaguar XK convertible.

1. What is the state of the Australia luxury-car market at the moment?"It is stable on a high level, but it's a competitive market. "We expect to be traveling on the same level as last year on a full- year basis, and we are confident we can grow the BMW Group business.2. How does BMW rate globally?"On a worldwide scale, if you take away South Africa where there a very special regulations and BMW is an assembler, we have the highest market share in the world."We have 29.2 per cent of the luxury sector in Australia, and in Germany the figure is 27.4 per cent and the worldwide number is 19.9 per cent."3. Why is BMW doing so well in Australia?"Australians like our products and we have a very strong brand here. "We have other things which are particularly appealing to potential owners, like guaranteed future values for our cars. We are the only manufacturer to do that across the range. It shows the confidence we have because we know the situation with BMW residuall values."Others will follow us, because they do, but we are the first. That is especially appealing to luxury users, as they have the option to hand the car back at the end of their lease term."This program is fitted to the Australian market, but we have other things and there is also a good demand here for the BMW four-wheel drives with the X5 and X3."4. How has BMW been tracking in Australia over recent years?"Since 1999 we have grown by 79 per cent and, although we usually don't talk about our competitors, that is more than anyone else and gives us a lead of 20 per cent over the same time last year. "That includes the 4x4s but not the commercial vehicles sold by one of our competitors. It's passenger cars and four-wheel drives."If you look at other manufacturers there is one other brand which is doing well but coming from a low base, yet we outsold them 3:1 in 1999 and now we outsold them 3.3:1 in 2005."5. Looking forward, what can we expect in 2006 and 2007?"We are now expanding our range on the diesel front, and we will have the 120d and 320d in the second quarter of this year. There will also be the 323i Touring in the second quarter, and later in the year a new 3 Series coupe. Also the 323i sedan."We have now the revised Z4 including the M Roadster, and of course we have the Z4 coupe coming in the secnd half of the year and the M coupe version which will be very exciting."2007 is still quite a way down the track, so we will have a few renewals."In the 1 Series we are far away from having exploited the market potential and we will have a few very nice things that will fit perfectly in Australia. But that will be 2007."Also, a little bit down the track we will have . . . a sporty version of the X5. It is in the design stage and, from what we have seen, it will be a stunning success."6. You are also responsible for Mini as part of the BMW Group. How far away is the replacement car?"The new model Mini will be in the market in Australia next year. "In that life cycle it will also have several more variants that will also come to Australia and they will help to substantially grow Mini in the market. It was originally a one-model vehicle but will grow to a full product family."