Singapore. BMW Asia, Performance Motors Limited and Performance Munich Autos today announced the availability of the all-new BMW Z4, an updated interpretation of the classical roadster concept.

The all-new BMW Z4 is ready to steal the show as a premium open-top sports car boasting an emotion-packed body design, a fully-electric soft-top roof, compact proportions and a squarely driver-focused interior. Agility, dynamic performance and precise handling were all top priorities when developing the two-seater’s body, powertrain and chassis. The extremely high rigidity of the body structure and chassis mountings, the intelligent lightweight design and optimised aerodynamic properties provided the ideal basis for meeting these objectives. The new design of the front and rear axles benefits not just the car’s sporty on-road prowess, but its ride comfort too. And the all-new BMW Z4 combines its pure sporting pedigree with a wealth of highly advanced, top-class equipment features on the driver assistance, operation and connectivity fronts.

From the outside, the way in which the roadster concept has evolved is particularly plain to see from the car’s proportions. The all-new BMW Z4 has a low-slung, sporty, compact appearance when viewed from any angle. It is 85 millimetres longer than its predecessor (at 4,324 millimetres), 74 millimetres wider (now 1,864 millimetres) and 13 millimetres taller (1,304 millimetres). The shortening of the wheelbase by 26 millimetres to 2,470 millimetres serves to sharpen agility, as do the notably wider tracks – 1,609 millimetres at the front (+ 98 mm) and 1,616 millimetres at the rear (+ 57 mm). The car’s central seating position, low centre of gravity and minimised weight, as well as ideal 50 : 50 weight distribution, also contribute to the intoxicating dynamism of the all-new BMW Z4.

The all-new BMW Z4 is built at the BMW Group’s Austrian manufacturing partner, Magna Steyr Fahrzeugtechnik in Graz. Production will take place on an assembly line installed and operated to the BMW Group’s strict standards.

Exterior design: a pure aesthetic wrapped in a new design language.

A precise use of forms and a number of signature details form the defining features of the emotion-packed, pure-bred exterior design of the all-new BMW Z4. The combination of just a few lines and a clean-cut surface design create a very distinctive take on sporting appeal. A powerfully sculpted front apron with large air intakes, a low, broad BMW kidney grille and headlights positioned at the outer edges ensure there is no mistaking the car from the front. The new-look mesh-design BMW kidney grille combines a track-inspired honeycomb pattern with a three-dimensional structure, whose elements have a vertical arrangement reminiscent of traditional kidney grille bars. The headlight units are another first, with the two light sources positioned one above the other for the first time. The vertical design is cut off at the top by a diagonal accent strip with integral direction indicator. The all-new BMW Z4 is equipped with LED headlights as standard, while the optional Adaptive LED headlights add a matrix function for the non-dazzling high beam and cornering lights.

The elongated bonnet with arrow-shaped contour lines directed at the kidney grille straddles the wheel arches in the “clamshell” style characteristic of classical sports cars. The joins at the bonnet’s sides merge into the flanks’ upper character line, which runs back to the tail lights. A second character line emerges from the large Air Breathers behind the front wheel arches. This interplay of surfaces mimics the flow of air sweeping along the new Z4.

The boot lid’s harmoniously integrated spoiler and the slender, horizontally arranged light assemblies in the brand’s customary L-shape help to give the tail of the all-new BMW Z4 a wide, road-hugging appearance. The rear apron’s powerful look is further strengthened by the side surrounds and the exhaust tailpipes flanking the eye-catching diffuser.

Scope for individuality: nine body and two soft-top colours, Sport Line, M Sport package and BMW M Performance model.

There is a choice of one non-metallic and eight metallic shades for the car’s exterior paintwork. The soft-top roof comes in Black as standard and Anthracite with silver effect as an option. It is electrically operated and can be opened or closed in the space of ten seconds, even while travelling at speeds up to 50 km/h.

Some striking individual touches can be added by opting for the Sport Line or M Sport package. Sport Line features design elements in High-gloss Black on the front crossbar and the rear apron’s insert, along with 18-inch light-alloy wheels. The highlights of the M Sport package, meanwhile, include a three-section air intake for the front apron, prominent side skirt contouring, a rear apron with highly distinctive side surrounds and 19-inch M light-alloy wheels. The all-new BMW Z4 M40i advertises its particularly sporty character with a Cerium Grey finish for the surround and front face of the mesh-design BMW kidney grille, the exterior mirror caps and other design features, plus trapezoidal exhaust tailpipes.

Interior: keen driver focus and an aura of class.

With its driver-focused cockpit design, lines that surge forward with dynamic élan and use of trim finishers restricted to just a few areas, the cabin of the all-new BMW Z4 is a picture of unadulterated driving pleasure. Electroplated detailing adds to the roadster’s sophisticated ambience, while the clearly structured arrangement of the controls focuses the attention even more on the driving experience. The design of the door panels echoes the wing-shaped contour visible externally in the car’s flanks, emphasising the harmony of the exterior and interior design.

Both driver and passenger settle into model-specific sports seats with integral head restraints. All variants are upholstered in Vernasca leather as standard, available in a choice of Black, Ivory White, Cognac and Magma Red, each with coordinated contrast stitching and piping. The trim finishers can be specified in High-gloss Black (BMW Z4 sDrive20i), Aluminium Mesh Effect (BMW Z4 M40i) or Aluminium Tetragon (BMW Z4 sDrive30i). The optional draught stop fits flush between the fixed rollover bars. The bars are finished in Aluminium satinated on Sport Line, High-gloss Black with the M Sport package and Cerium Grey on the BMW Z4 M40i. Specially designed door sill strips and trim finishers, a Sensatec instrument panel, and M sports seats with additional adjustment options come as standard for these model variants. The M Sport package and BMW M Performance model add an M leather steering wheel, M pedals and an M driver’s footrest.

Powertrain and driving experience.

With compact proportions, a low centre of gravity, low weight, perfect 50 : 50 weight distribution, a very rigid body and chassis structure, and optimised aerodynamic properties, the all-new BMW roadster comes with the ideal credentials for exhilarating, sporty performance. The requisite power is supplied by a choice of three petrol engines, each making their debut in the all-new BMW Z4 in their most recent incarnation. Assuming the role of range-topper in the all-new BMW Z4 M40i is a further improved straight-six unit featuring M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology. Four-cylinder petrol engines with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and increased output take their place in the all-new BMW Z4 sDrive30i and all-new BMW Z4 sDrive20i models for the first time. The line-up of technology designed to boost both dynamism and efficiency includes a twin-scroll turbocharging system, High Precision Injection, VALVETRONIC fully variable valve timing and Double-VANOS variable camshaft control. There is also a new generation of eight-speed Steptronic transmissions to handle the task of directing the engines’ power to the rear wheels.

The Z4’s chassis technology has been designed and tuned with a very clear objective in mind: to harness the engines’ zest and turn it into unbeatable driving pleasure. The agile handling and dynamic performance potential of the all-new BMW Z4 is down in no small part to the variable sport steering that comes as standard on all model variants, while the electronically controlled dampers, M Sport brakes and electronically controlled M Sport rear differential fitted on certain models make the car even nimbler on the road.

BMW M Performance model with straight-six engine.

The roadster’s model line-up is spearheaded by a BMW M Performance version. The all-new BMW Z4 M40i conjures the power required for its breath-taking performance from a 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine, whose inherently instantaneous response, hearty appetite for revs and smoothness combine with improved efficiency and reduced emissions. The new power unit’s standout features include a water-cooled exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder head, sharper turbocharger response and superior acceleration, and direct injection technology which now works at increased maximum pressure of 350 bar. Drivers have a maximum output of 340 hp at their disposal between 5,000 and 6,500 rpm, plus 500 Nm of peak torque can be summoned from 1,600 to 4,500 rpm.

A ceaseless build-up of power enables the car to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds. The straight-six engine now runs more cleanly, too, thanks to a system of emission control that comprises of an enlarged, close-coupled catalytic converter.

More power with lower emissions – the new four-cylinder engines.

The choice of engines for the new BMW Z4 is rounded off by a pair of new four-cylinder units. Both have a capacity of 2.0 litres and likewise set new standards in terms of power delivery, efficiency and emissions. The output of both engines has been upped by 13 hp over their predecessors. Their updated BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology packages include a High Precision Injection system whose maximum pressure has now been increased to 350 bar.

The engine under the bonnet of the all-new BMW Z4 sDrive30i delivers its maximum output of 258 hp between 5,000 and 6,500 rpm, while peak torque of 400 Nm is available from 1,550 up to 4,400 rpm. The result is a 0 to 100 km/h sprint time of 5.4 seconds.

The maximum output of 197 hp developed by the all-new BMW Z4 sDrive20i between 4,500 and 6,500 rpm and peak torque of 320 Nm on tap from 1,450 to 4,200 rpm propel the car to 100 km/ from rest in 6.6 seconds.

Eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission with optimised efficiency.

All model variants of the all-new BMW Z4 come equipped with the eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission as standard. Besides a wider ratio spread, the latest version of the automatic transmission also offers even sportier gear shifts. The shorter ratios for the transmission’s lower gears are a boon for acceleration and the unit’s improved internal efficiency allows it to operate more effectively too. Plus, there are shift paddles on the steering wheel enabling manual gear selections.

The transmission also features a Launch Control function for accelerating hard from a standing start with optimised traction. The eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission fitted in the all-new BMW Z4 M40i has been configured with M-specific shift characteristics very much in tune with the straight-six engine’s power delivery.

New chassis design enhances both agility and comfort.

The chassis technology in the all-new BMW Z4 has been designed squarely to deliver supreme agility and handling dynamics, and comprises of a newly designed double-joint spring strut axle at the front and a five-link rear axle making its debut in a BMW roadster. This combination strikes just the right balance between sportiness and ride comfort. The front axle subframe and control arm mountings are extremely rigid, which lends itself to precise cornering characteristics and also has a beneficial effect on the drivetrain’s acoustics. The sports car tuning of the front axle elastokinematics aids the all-new Z4’s steering precision at the same time as making its lateral handling characteristics more dynamic. Fitting aluminium control arms and swivel bearings has reduced unsprung masses, resulting in superior agility and efficiency. The new rear axle likewise employs a lightweight aluminium/steel design that saves weight. The large supporting base and very rigid structure of the rear axle subframe as well as the shear panels used for connecting it to the body result in extremely precise wheel guidance. All of which makes it possible to blend agile handling with a high level of ride comfort.

Another feature to be found on the standard equipment list is the variable sport steering with adjustment of both power assistance and steering angle to suit the situation at hand. This particular version of the Electric Power Steering system is designed to promote not just straight-line stability in the all-new BMW Z4, but also slick cornering and effortless low-speed manoeuvring. The car’s impressively sporty handling characteristics are further aided by a powerful lightweight braking system and the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system, whose wealth of features includes the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) and Start-Off Assistant. The Performance Control function also included as standard gives the all-new BMW Z4 even nimbler handling by varying the distribution of drive torque to the rear wheels according to the situation at hand.

M Sport differential, Adaptive M Sport suspension, M Sport brakes and high-performance tyres for maximum dynamism.

The Adaptive M Sport suspension, M Sport brakes and M Sport differential (all part of standard specification for the all-new BMW Z4 M40i, together with high-performance tyres) elevate the car’s sporty handling abilities to even greater heights. With these chassis systems on board, the differences in the car’s responses when moving between the COMFORT, SPORT and SPORT+ modes with the Driving Experience Control switch are particularly noticeable. As well as lowering the car’s ride height by ten millimetres, the Adaptive M Sport suspension also adds electronically controlled dampers, whose operating characteristics can assume a more comfortable or more dynamic bias depending on the mode selected with the Driving Experience Control switch. The electronically controlled M Sport rear differential gives the handling of the all-new BMW Z4 an even sharper sporting edge. An electric motor generates a locking effect that limits speed equalisation between the inside and outside rear wheel when cornering, making it possible to power out of bends with remarkable dynamic verve. The active differential lock also gives the car greater assurance when darting through corners, and aids ride comfort and traction, too. The variable distribution of drive torque between the left and right-hand rear wheels nips any understeer or oversteer in the bud without the need to brake.

The standard 18-inch (BMW Z4 sDrive20i) or 19-inch (BMW Z4 sDrive30i and BMW Z4 M40i) light-alloy wheels are all shod with mixed-size tyres. The wider rear tyres’ increased potential for directional control was factored into the chassis tuning for all variants of the Z4.

Equipment and driver assistance systems: innovations to enhance driving pleasure, comfort and safety.

The all-new BMW Z4 isn’t just about classical roadster proportions, punchy design and pure driving pleasure – it is also awash with top-class, state-of-the-art equipment features. Besides treating the driver and passenger to an exhilarating driving experience, the two-seater also pampers them with the latest comfort features. The options list contains all sorts of different ways to customise the all-new BMW Z4 so that it reflects the owner’s personal style.

The array of cutting-edge driver assistance systems available for the Z4 is unrivalled in this segment. They are designed to optimise specific aspects of comfort and safety and relieve the strain on the driver, particularly on long-distance journeys and in city traffic. The all-new BMW Z4 is also the first roadster to be made available with the BMW Head-Up Display (standard on the BMW Z4 sDrive30i and BMW Z4 M40i).

Safety can be given a further boost by opting for the Adaptive LED headlights, whose pioneering matrix technology for the high beam allows range to be increased while preventing other road users from being dazzled. Here, high beam is divided into four LED segments, which can be activated and deactivated independently of one another as the traffic situation demands, and when travelling at speeds above 70 km/h. The instant the front-mounted camera on the new BMW Z4 detects an oncoming vehicle or a vehicle in front, low beam only will be used to illuminate the area around the vehicle. The other features of the Adaptive LED headlights include the adaptive and cornering light functions, which use an additional LED module. Finally, the low-beam range is increased in motorway driving to optimise illumination of the road ahead.

A personal sense of well-being: two-zone automatic climate control, ambient lighting, Harman Kardon surround sound system. 

The driver-focused cockpit design and clearly structured arrangement of the controls help drivers of the all-new BMW Z4 to concentrate on the main job at hand. The Start/Stop button for switching the engine on and off has been incorporated into the control panel on the centre console, whose harmoniously styled surface is also home to the shift lever or gear selector, the iDrive Controller, the Driving Experience Control switch, as well as the button for the Electric Parking Brake and the switch for the electrically operated soft-top roof. There is a further panel of buttons in the centre of the instrument panel for controlling the air conditioning system. The standard two-zone automatic climate control with extended content allows the temperature and ventilation settings to be adjusted separately for the driver and passenger side. Automatically dimming and folding exterior mirrors are also available, as is Comfort Access (standard on all variants). With this feature fitted, the soft-top can be operated using the car key.

The standard ambient lighting brings a particularly atmospheric mood to the cabin. LED fibre-optic guides light up the instrument panel’s accent strips on either side of the steering wheel and provide indirect illumination of the centre console’s edging, accentuating the areas of the cockpit of most importance for focused driving. The colour and brightness of the lighting effect are adjusted in the iDrive menu. The standard hi-fi speaker system comes with a total of 10 speakers and output of 205 watts. For an even more impressive aural experience, there is the Harman Kardon surround sound system complete with digital amplifier, 12 speakers and 408-watt total output (standard on the BMW Z4 sDrive30i and BMW Z4 M40i).

Model-specific seats, large cupholders and over 50 per cent more boot capacity. 

The all-new BMW Z4 comes as standard with M sports seats including integral head restraints. The seat rails have been extended in length by 23 millimetres over those in the predecessor model, allowing the seats to be adjusted to the ideal fore/aft position. Electric seat adjustment with memory function is standard for both seats, allowing their fore/aft position, height and tilt as well as the backrest angle to be altered and stored using a control pad on the outer edge of the seat cushion. The M sports seats include electro-pneumatic backrest width adjustment to optimise lateral support through high-speed corners.

The practicality of the all-new BMW Z4 has been increased by features such as a storage space behind the seats with a retaining net, large cupholders under the centre armrest cover (which folds open in two sections with a longitudinal split) and roomy door pockets. The boot capacity is 281 litres (with the soft-top open or closed), an increase of more than 50 per cent compared to the previous Z4. The standard through-loading system extends the possibilities for handling various transportation tasks during everyday use and when going away on trips.

Innovative systems to help drivers stay in lane, park and reverse. 

The highly advanced nature of the all-new BMW Z4 is further underlined by the class-leading variety of driver assistance systems on offer. The features include, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning and front collision warning with brake intervention, Cross-Traffic Alert, Rear Collision Prevention and Speed Limit Info.

Elsewhere, the BMW Head-Up Display (standard on the BMW Z4 sDrive30i and BMW Z4 M40i), which projects driving-related information onto the windscreen and therefore straight into the driver’s field of view, is available for a roadster for the first time. The only system of its kind in this segment, it shows the driver the car’s speed in figures, along with status indicators from the driver assistance systems, route guidance instructions and lane recommendations from the navigation system, Check Control messages, and in-car entertainment details, such as the radio station or track title. Full-colour graphics are used to convey the relevant information.

Active Park Distance Control and the rear view camera come to the driver’s aid when manoeuvring or parking. These two systems both form part of the standard Parking Assistant, which takes care of steering, accelerating, braking and selecting gears during parking manoeuvres. The assistant can be used for reverse parking in either parallel or perpendicular spaces, as well as for manoeuvring out of a parallel parking space at the side of the road. The range of functions also includes the Reversing Assistant, which offers the highly convenient option of automated reversing in situations where there is little margin for error or the driver does not have a clear view. To do this, the system stores the steering movements for the section of road the car has just driven forward along. It then traces these last forward movements when reversing and keeps the car on exactly the same path for a distance of up to 50 metres. All the driver has to do is operate the accelerator and brake pedals and keep an eye on the area around the car.

Display and operating system, BMW Connected and ConnectedDrive.

The BMW Live Cockpit Professional offered for the all-new BMW Z4 brings a new display & operating system and the ultimate in connectivity together into a superb all-round package. Its ensemble of fully digital displays consists of a high-resolution instrument cluster behind the steering wheel and the Control Display in the centre console, each of which has a screen diagonal of 10.25 inches. The BMW Live Cockpit Professional also features an adaptive navigation system, a hard-drive-based multimedia system, two USB ports and a Bluetooth interface.

The inclusion of the BMW Live Cockpit Professional means that the car benefits from the most recent incarnation of the display & operating system, powered by the brand new BMW Operating System 7.0. Its displays are fully digital and geared even more closely to the driver’s personal needs so as to optimise attention levels. Clear presentation and structuring are designed to always provide drivers with the right information at the right time, further helped by customisable and personalised displays. The redesigned information display in the middle of the instrument cluster now leaves enough room for an excerpt from the navigation map, for instance. The main menu of the Control Display allows the driver to configure up to ten pages, each showing two to four pads (tiles) with live content. Both the content and the visuals are personalised to an even greater degree, as illustrated by vehicle graphics that match the actual model colour and equipment line. The intuitive multimodal interaction between driver and vehicle has been further improved. The Control Display graphics adapt depending on the operating method, and the voice control system based on natural language understanding also reaches new heights. Depending on the situation, the driver can choose from the familiar iDrive Controller, the controls on the steering wheel, touch control using the Control Display or voice control.

Always up to date thanks to Remote Software Upgrade.

The Remote Software Upgrade feature keeps the all-new BMW Z4 up to date with the latest software. All updates can be imported over the air, either via the BMW Connected app on a smartphone or directly into the car using its built-in SIM card. Installation is every bit as simple as a smartphone update. The contents of the upgrades vary, from security and quality enhancements to new software services and improved vehicle functions. Customers can also select or deselect functions that have been added at a later date. This maximises flexibility while also saving customers a great deal of time, as they no longer need to pay a visit to the BMW Service Partner for updates.

BMW Digital Key: turning a smartphone into a car key.

The BMW Digital Key employs Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to allow the all-new BMW Z4 to be locked and unlocked from a smartphone, dispensing with the need for a conventional car key. The smartphone simply has to be held up to the door handle to open the vehicle and, once inside, the engine can be started as soon as it has been placed in the Wireless Charging or smartphone tray. Accessible via the BMW Connected app, the Digital Key offers unrivalled flexibility, as the driver can share it with up to five other people. The BMW Digital Key is available for selected NFC-capable Samsung smartphones. For customers with non-compatible smartphones, a high-quality BMW Key Card is provided.

The all-new BMW Z4 is now available for viewing at the Performance Motors Limited and Performance Munich Autos showrooms.

Additional information enclosed:

• The all-new BMW Z4 prices.
• The all-new BMW Z4 specifications.

-End-

1. The all-new BMW Z4 prices.

2. The all-new BMW Z4 specifications.

BMW Z4 sDrive20i
Four-cylinder petrol engine, BMW TwinPower Turbo technology: TwinScroll turbocharger, High Precision Direct Injection, VALVETRONIC fully variable valve control, Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing
Capacity: 1,998 cc.
Output: 197 hp at 4,500 – 6,500 rpm.
Torque: 320 Nm at 1,450 – 4,200 rpm.
Acceleration (0 – 100 km/h): 6.6 seconds.
Top speed: 240 km/h.
Combined fuel consumption: 6.5 l/100 km.

BMW Z4 sDrive30i
Four-cylinder petrol engine, BMW TwinPower Turbo technology: TwinScroll turbocharger, High Precision Direct Injection, VALVETRONIC fully variable valve control, Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing
Capacity: 1,998 cc.
Output: 258 hp at 5,000 – 6,500 rpm.
Torque: 400 Nm at 1,550 – 4,400 rpm.
Acceleration (0 – 100 km/h): 5.4 seconds.
Top speed: 250 km/h.
Combined fuel consumption: 6.5 l/100 km.

BMW Z4 M40i
Six-cylinder petrol engine, BMW TwinPower Turbo technology: TwinScroll turbocharger, High Precision Direct Injection, VALVETRONIC fully variable valve control, Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing
Capacity: 2,998 cc.
Output: 340 hp at 5,000 – 6,500 rpm.
Torque: 500 Nm at 1,600 – 4,500 rpm.
Acceleration (0 – 100 km/h): 4.5 seconds.
Top speed: 250 km/h.
Combined fuel consumption: 7.4 l/100 km.

Munich . The BMW Group is using the Concours d’Elegance at Pebble Beach to present its exciting new take on a BMW roadster. Dynamic, progressive and an irresistible purveyor of thrills, the BMW Concept Z4 boasts lithe and compact proportions, a dynamic silhouette and an emotionally appealing use of forms. The attention-grabbing design study offers a look ahead to the series-production version of the car set to be unveiled over the course of next year.

“The BMW Concept Z4 in an all-out driving machine,” said Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design. “Stripping the car back to the bare essentials allows the driver to experience all the ingredients of motoring pleasure with supreme directness. This is total freedom on four wheels.”

A statement of unbridled driving pleasure.

The sporty and progressive BMW Concept Z4 encapsulates the BMW Group’s vision of a modern roadster. “The BMW Concept Z4 expresses the new BMW design language from all perspectives and in all details. From the dynamic-looking front to the striking flanks to the clean-cut tail end: a few lines and the subtle interplay between surfaces are enough to generate a sense of power and emotion,” adds van Hooydonk.

BMW’s roadster tradition, reloaded.

The BMW Concept Z4 adopts classical roadster design cues, such as a long wheelbase, a low-slung, stretched silhouette and a compact rear end, wraps them in a fresh, confident package and enriches them with the contemporary BMW design language. A shorter bonnet and crisp overhangs ensure the driver sits closer to the centre of the car than in previous BMW roadsters. This gives the new proportions a focused, sporty and agile feel. The outline of the car follows a distinct wedge shape, which fills the BMW Concept Z4 with dynamism before it even pulls away. The large domes stretching out rearwards from the cabin elegantly integrate the function of rollover bars and provide a sporting conclusion to the low-to-the-road silhouette at the rear.

Reimagining the design language and surfaces.

The clearly sculpted shark nose at the front end spawns dramatic surface contouring that extends the full length of the flanks. The new direction taken by BMW’s design language can be seen here in just a few precise lines that form clear surfaces, while the body’s volumes are powerfully sculpted. The surfaces and forms therefore create an extremely modern and emotionally engaging impression. The large Air Breathers rearwards of the front wheels act as the source of the flanks’ elaborately modelled surfaces (they appear to be shaped by the flow of air as it exits the Air Breathers). Light and shaded surfaces develop in a rising movement towards the rear, then twist to form muscular wheel arches and athletic volumes. All of which shines a bright stylistic spotlight on the car’s rear-wheel drive. The dramatic interplay of lines and surfaces underscores the wedge shape of the flanks and infuses them with even greater dynamism. And the low door sills, with their distinctive crease, makes the body appear closer to the road, emphasising the low-slung sensation when viewing the car from the side.

The expressive Energetic Orange frozen exterior paint finish showcases the contrasts of light and shade in the surfacing, accentuating the three-dimensionality of the exterior. And the 20-inch light-alloy wheels in a sporty bi-colour double-spoke design provide harmonious finishing touches to the styling of the flanks.

Low and progressive – the front end.

The design of the BMW Concept Z4’s front end is undeniably sporty in nature. The relationship between the low-set, broad kidney grille and the positioning of the headlights higher up sparks deliberate associations with the BMW Z8 and lends the BMW Concept Z4 a certain flamboyance. In place of the customary bars, the inside of the kidney grille features elaborately designed mesh, whose vertical orientation recalls the sporty, functional kidney design of early BMW roadsters such as the BMW 328 Mille Miglia. In a departure from the BMW norm, the Concept Z4 provides a vertical interpretation of the classical four-eyed headlight look, with two overlapping tubes on each side. The turn signal indicators point diagonally towards the kidneys from above and underline the dynamic flair of the front end. And the clamshell bonnet with stylised gill vents curves over the wheels, creating an intriguing and virtually seamless sweep over the front end as a whole.

The front apron cuts a genuinely athletic figure with its sculptural design language. Its trio of large air intakes are a nod to the powerful engine further back and so carry the promise of a dynamic driving experience. The large carbon-fibre insert in the central air intake is straight out of the motor sport playbook and champions the use of detail to emphasise the front end’s dynamic presence. Together, these design elements compose a fresh and memorable face for the Concept Z4 – one which pays a very modern and sporting tribute to the celebrated roadsters of BMW’s past.

Athletic and eye-catching – the rear end.

The design of the BMW Concept Z4 likewise references details and qualities from BMW’s rich roadster tradition and updates them for the years ahead. The wide and low design of the rear picks up the lines of the car’s flanks and massages them into a modern rear of beguiling clarity in terms of surfaces and styling elements. The powerfully flared wheel arches give the car broad haunches, which are emphasised by the slim, L-shaped rear lights and therefore further enhance the car’s sporting stance. Above the rear lights, the boot lid – complete with prominent spoiler – stretches across to the burly wheel arch extensions, sending out a message of power-infused agility. Below, large air outlets in the rear apron create their own dynamic impression. The carbon-fibre diffuser adds a sporty and exclusive flourish and signs off the rear end at its lowest point to the road.

Exterior and interior in unison.

The kinship between the interior and exterior of the BMW Concept Z4 is evident in both forms and colour scheme. The design language of the interior takes the powerful, three-dimensional character of the exterior and adds another voice to the dynamic chorus. Much of the interior adopts the colour of the car body, creating a clear visual link between the interior and exterior. Only a classy chrome trim strip provides separation.

Maximum focus on the driving experience.

At the same time, the interior serves to reinforce the total focus on the driving experience too. The driver’s seat as well as the door trim panels, instrument panel and centre stack that encircle the driver are finished entirely in black, meaning that they stand out prominently from the coordinated orange shades of the exterior and the rest of the interior. Together they form a clearly defined area that wraps around the driver like a capsule, producing a very sporty sensation. This creates a pure-of-purpose driving environment with a pronounced “cone of vision”, where the steering wheel as well as the surrounding black surfaces appear to be surging forward and, in so doing, accentuate the cabin’s powerful driver focus.

The instrument cluster and central information display form a high-quality cluster of screens that are integrated into the driver’s cockpit to flawless ergonomic effect. The two displays are now positioned at almost the same height and in close proximity to one another, which gives the impression of a single, cohesive unit. They work together to deliver the right information at the right time. The driver can choose which elements they wish to call up (via touch command) from the content available in the information display – route guidance, playlists or other infotainment features. Above the instrument cluster, the Head-Up Display presents the key driving information within the driver’s direct field of view.

Prominent surfacing.

Emerging from the driver’s side of the cabin is a sporty instrument panel of inherent lightness. The clever arrangement of surfaces and edging breaks up the considerable volumes and engenders the impression of a powerfully chiselled muscle. The clear wraparound design from the doors to the instrument panel enhances the sporty, cocooned feeling in both seats.

Pared back to the essentials.

In keeping with the focus on the essentials, all the controls are grouped into “function islands”. Nothing distracts from the driving experience. Trim elements inside the cabin are likewise minimalist in nature. Indeed, it is instead the classy materials, carefully applied polished chrome accents and swish, hexagonal laser-cut motifs in the seats that do most to create the interior’s exclusive ambience. Carbon-fibre door sill finishers and embossed asymmetrical logos in the seats and instrument panel set the seal on the interior’s sporting profile.

The new BMW Z4.

A roadster with character and sporting flair.

Singapore – BMW Asia today announced the launch of the new BMW Z4, a roadster with an interplay of classical proportions and state-of-the-art technology that defines its unmistakable character.

The updated BMW Z4 Roadster is ready for action. It represents a time-honoured and yet alluringly contemporary interpretation of the new traditional roadster concept. New exterior features, detailed interior refinements, the new Design Pure Traction Package and the latest additions to the range of BMW ConnectedDrive features all provide fresh impetus and lend the BMW Z4 Roadster even greater appeal and individuality.

“The new BMW Z4 takes the stage just a quarter of a century after the legendary BMW Z1. That classic roadster simply turned heads when it was unveiled at the 1987 International Motor Show in Frankfurt, not only with its revolutionary door concept but also thanks to its agile and precision-handling. The likes of other famous roadsters include the BMW 328 that won the 1940 Mille Miglia, as well as the BMW Z3 and BMW Z8 that literally sent the world in frenzy for classical open-top two-seater concept in the 1990s,” said Mr Neil Fiorentinos, Managing Director of BMW Group Asia.

“BMW roadsters have indeed come a long way. They have all laid the foundation for the first-generation BMW Z4 and subsequently its successor, the brand’s first roadster to be fitted with a retractable hardtop roof as we know it today. The updated BMW Z4 is set to mark another noteworthy chapter in BMW roadster history as we look back in the days ahead.”

Design: classical proportions infused with modern character.

The success of modern-day BMW roadsters is rooted in the rigorous execution of a concept, a process which has left its mark on both the design and the driving properties of each car and is clearly recognisable in the new BMW Z4. The sweeping bonnet, long wheelbase, low beltline and low-slung rear end play a more vivid and uncompromising part in shaping its appearance than is evident with any of its segment rivals. The low seating position just ahead of the rear axle gives the driver and passenger a particularly intense experience of the longitudinal and lateral forces working on the rear wheels. This sense of being “part of the car” also allows the driver to grade the amount of power he’s feeding through the rear axle with sensitivity and precision. That’s the recipe for roadster feeling, BMW-style.

The hardtop roof also blends seamlessly into the car’s form. As it closes, it seals a smoothly flowing roofline, while large window surfaces optimise all-round visibility and the feeling of space inside the car. Once opened, the two roof elements are accommodated, one on top of the other, in a compact package inside the Roadster’s road-hugging rear. The A-pillars – painted an understated black – also underline the low-slung silhouette of the new BMW Z4, especially when the roof is open. The optional BMW Individual hardtop – available in the two contrast colours Black non-metallic and Glacier Silver metallic.– provides a feast for the eyes when the roof is closed. The hardtop can be opened at the touch of a button while the car is moving at up to 40 km/h in an automated process lasting 19 seconds.

The distinctive twin circular headlights team up with the broad BMW kidney grille to form a roadster-specific interpretation of the brand’s signature front-end look. The standard bi-xenon headlights of the new BMW Z4 have an extremely slim design and extend well into the front wheel arches. They feature LED light rings which emit daytime driving light in the brand’s hallmark style. Added to which, the light sources now have a strikingly three-dimensional design which accentuates the intricate technology of the headlights. Cutting across the tops of the headlights are LED accent lights, whose metal insert bears BMW lettering. The integrated turn signal indicators have chrome-coloured surrounds, which lend further emphasis to the sophisticated character of the light units. Plus, a newly designed, tapered surround for the side indicators adds a dynamic sweep to the gills on the front side sections of the car.

Striking touches: new paint finishes, Design Pure Traction equipment package, additional light-alloy wheels and the M Sport package.

A total of 11 external paint finishes are available for the new BMW Z4, including the new Mineral Grey metallic and Glacier Silver metallic. Another visually stunning option, Valencia Orange metallic, is also a new addition and can only be ordered together with the Design Pure Traction option or Design Pure Traction in combination with the M Sport package. This new equipment package lends the Roadster an extremely lively aura; the interior, for example, boasts an energy-charged contrast of black and orange. The bespoke Alcantara door panel trim, like the lower section of the instrument panel, comes in orange. The black leather seats have contrast stitching in Valencia Orange and an accent stripe running down the central section of the backrests and seat cushions. This stripe is likewise orange and is flanked by two thin white lines. The door panel trim and lower section of the instrument panel can also be specified in black as an option. Another exclusive element of the Design Pure Traction package is the metal weave trim strip, which can be combined with further decorative elements in high-gloss black for the door openers and the gearshift or selector lever. This new equipment package replaces the previously available Design Pure Impulse and is also available in combination with other exterior paint colours as an option.

New interior additions to standard specification include high-gloss black surrounds for the central air vents and the iDrive control system’s folding Control Display, which comes as part of the standard Navigation system Professional. Elsewhere, exquisite Fineline Anthracite wood has been added to the selection of interior trim strips as an option for the new BMW Z4. The BMW Z4 sDrive20i and BMW Z4 sDrive28i are offered with Kansas leather trim, while the BMW Z4 sDrive35is is offered with the extended Kansas leather trim. The additional contents for the BMW Z4 sDrive35is finished in leather include the door upper arm trim panels, sun visors and the top of the instrument panel.

New variants have been added to the range of optional light-alloy wheels as well, including newly designed 17-inch and 18-inch wheels in V-spoke design, both of which will be combined with mixed tyres.

The engaging character of the Roadster as a driver’s tool is given particular emphasis by the likewise M Sport package, included in the BMW Z4 sDrive35is as standard, which contributes M Sport suspension, 18-inch M light-alloy wheels and an M aerodynamics package with large air intakes in the front wing and a rear bumper inlay painted in Anthracite metallic. Bringing an extra dose of sporting flair into the interior, meanwhile, are features such as sports seats, an M leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles, M door sill finishers and an anthracite-coloured roof liner. The Aluminium Carbon trim strip, and grey dials for the instrument cluster lend the finishing touches to the interior ambience. The new BMW Z4 sDrive35is comes standard with a model-specific version of the M Sport package.

Engines: BMW TwinPower Turbo technology at three output levels.

The BMW Z4 will be available with three-strong line-up of petrol engines from launch, and customers will be able to choose from two four-cylinder and one six-cylinder powerplants. Their most significant shared feature is BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, which ensures an exceptionally effective balance between driving pleasure and fuel consumption throughout the output range. All variants of the new BMW Z4 already meet – as standard – the stipulations of the EU6 exhaust emissions standard due to come into force in 2014.

The BMW Z4 Roadster comes with three engine variants – the sDrive20i, sDrive28i and sDrive35is, which are driven by BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology, High Precision Direct Petrol Injection, and Double-Vanos continuously variable camshaft control. The BMW sDrive20i and BMW sDrive28i further come with VALVETRONIC and Double VANOS, paired to an eight-speed Sport automatic gearbox with shift paddles on the steering wheel, which has been optimised to deliver even better acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h.

The BMW Z4 sDrive35is, meanwhile, comes with a seven-speed Sport automatic gearbox with dual-clutch, which provides uninterrupted power delivery due to its lightning quick shift times, and can complete the century sprint in a whopping 4.8 seconds.

Extensive comfort-enhancing equipment.

The new BMW Z4 delivers the driving pleasure customers have come to expect from the brand, fulfilling the desire for both sporting ability and comfort. Drivers can use the standard-fitted Driving Experience Control switch to select a configuration to suit the situation at hand and satisfy personal preferences. COMFORT, SPORT and SPORT+ modes can all be called up using the rocker switch on the centre console. As well as adjusting the responses of the engine and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) stability system, the different modes also alter the shift characteristics of the automatic gearbox, the responses of the Servotronic function and the mapping of the electronically controlled dampers, if these items are specified. These modes allow the driver to choose from a selection of distinctive and clearly differentiated set-ups for the car.

Other items of equipment fitted as standard are xenon headlights, automatic air conditioning, the Soft Close Automatic function for the boot lid and runflat tyres with a run-flat indicator. The Navigation system Professional and Convenience telephony with extended smartphone connectivity are standard features in all the variants of the Roadster. The standard Professional navigation system enables high-resolution map graphics – complete with 3D view – on the 8.8-inch iDrive monitor. The navigation data for the system is stored on an in-car hard disk, which also provides 12 GB of capacity for personal music collections. The BMW Z4 sDrive20i comes standard with the Hi-fi loudspeaker system with 11 loudspeakers while the BMW Z4 sDrive28i and BMW Z4 sDrive35is comes with the Hi-Fi Professional system with 14 loudspeakers.

The range of driver assistance systems and mobility services from BMW ConnectedDrive has also expanded once again. The new BMW Z4 comes equipped with standard features such as rain sensor, Cruise Control with braking function, as well as Park Distance Control with sensors at both front and rear of the car. Other standard features include Internet and BMW TeleServices.

The updated BMW Z4 Roadster will be available for viewing at Performance Motors Limited, 303 Alexandra Road, from 22 June 2013.

Additional information enclosed:

1. The BMW Z4 Roadster specifications.

-END-

For media enquiries, please contact:

BMW Group Asia

Corporate Affairs Department

Sethipong Anutarasoti

Tel: +65 6838 9630

Email: Sethipong.anutarasoti@bmwasia.com

Daniel Chan

Tel: +65 6838 9639

Email: daniel.chan@bmwasia.com

Media Website: https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

The BMW Group

The BMW Group is the leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles in the world with its BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brands. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 28 production and assembly facilities in 13 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2012, the BMW Group sold about 1.85 million cars and more than 117,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the financial year 2012 was euro 7.82 billion on revenues amounting to euro 76.85 billion. At 31 December 2012, the BMW Group had a workforce of 105,876 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been built on long-term thinking and responsible action.

The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy. As a result of its efforts, the BMW Group has been ranked industry leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes for the last eight years.

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A roadster with character and sporting flair: The new BMW Z4.

Munich. The interplay of classical proportions and state-of-the-art technology defines the unmistakable character of the BMW Z4 – and now an updated version of the Roadster is ready for action, armed with a raft of additional powertrain and equipment innovations. The new BMW Z4 represents a time-honoured and yet alluringly contemporary interpretation of the traditional roadster concept. New exterior features, detailed interior refinements, the new Design Pure Traction equipment package, the new entry-level sDrive18i model and the latest additions to the range of BMW ConnectedDrive features all provide fresh impetus and lend the BMW Roadster even greater appeal and individuality.

The new BMW Z4 takes to the stage 25 years after the legendary BMW Z1. That Roadster turned heads when it was unveiled at the 1987 International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt – not only on account of its revolutionary door concept, but also thanks to its agile and precisely controllable handling. With the BMW Z1 began the latest chapter in the history of BMW Roadsters – a tradition which stretches back to the 1930s and reached the first of many high points with the BMW 328 (winner of the 1940 Mille Miglia) and BMW 507 from 1955. The BMW Z3 and BMW Z8 triggered a fresh wave of excitement for the classical open-top two-seater concept in the 1990s. And they also paved the way for the first-generation BMW Z4 and its successor, the brand’s first Roadster fitted with a retractable hardtop roof.

Design: classical proportions infused with modern character.

The success of modern-day BMW Roadsters is rooted in the rigorous execution of a concept, a process which has left its mark on both the design and the driving properties of each car and is clearly recognisable in the new BMW Z4. The sweeping bonnet, long wheelbase, low beltline and low-slung rear end play a more vivid and uncompromising part in shaping its appearance than is evident with any of its segment rivals. The low seating position just ahead of the rear axle gives the driver and passenger a particularly intense experience of the longitudinal and lateral forces working on the rear wheels. This sense of being “part of the car” also allows the driver to grade the amount of power he’s  feeding through the rear axle with sensitivity and precision. That’s the recipe for roadster feeling, BMW-style.

The hardtop roof also blends seamlessly into the car’s form. As it closes, it seals a smoothly flowing roofline, while large window surfaces optimise all-round visibility and the feeling of space inside the car. Once opened, the two roof elements are accommodated, one on top of the other, in a compact package inside the Roadster’s road-hugging rear. The A-pillars – painted an understated black – also underline the low-slung silhouette of the new BMW Z4, especially when the roof is open. The optional BMW Individual hardtop – available in the two contrast colours Black non-metallic and Titanium Silver metallic – provides a feast for the eyes when the roof is closed. The hardtop can be opened at the touch of a button while the car is moving at up to 40 km/h (25 mph) in an automated process lasting 19 seconds.

The distinctive twin circular headlights team up with the broad BMW kidney grille to form a roadster-specific interpretation of the brand’s signature front-end look. The standard bi-xenon headlights of the new BMW Z4 have an extremely slim design and extend well into the front wheel arches. They feature LED light rings which emit daytime driving light in the brand’s hallmark style. Added to which, the light sources now have a strikingly three-dimensional design which accentuates the intricate technology of the headlights. Cutting across the tops of the headlights are LED accent lights, whose metal insert bears BMW lettering. The integrated turn signal indicators have chrome-coloured surrounds, which lend further emphasis to the sophisticated character of the light units. Plus, a newly designed, tapered surround for the side indicators adds a dynamic sweep to the gills on the front side sections of the car.

Striking touches: new paint finishes, Design Pure Traction equipment package, additional light-alloy wheels and the M Sport package.

A total of 11 external paint finishes are available for the new BMW Z4, including the new Mineral Grey metallic, Glacier Silver metallic and Valencia Orange metallic, which can only be ordered together with the Design Pure Traction option. This new equipment package lends the Roadster an extremely lively aura; the interior, for example, boasts an energy-charged contrast of black and orange. The bespoke Alcantara door panel trim, like the lower section of the instrument panel, comes in orange. The black leather seats have contrast stitching in Valencia Orange and an accent stripe running down the central section of the backrests and seat cushions. This stripe is likewise orange and is flanked by two thin white lines. The door panel trim and lower section of the instrument panel can also be specified in black as an option. Another exclusive element of the Design Pure Traction package is the metal weave trim strip, which can be combined with further decorative elements in high-gloss black for the door openers and the gearshift or selector lever. This new equipment package replaces the previously available Design Pure Impulse and is also available in combination with other exterior paint colours as an option.

New interior additions to standard specification include high-gloss black surrounds for the central air vents and the iDrive control system’s folding Control Display, which comes as part of the optional Professional navigation system. Elsewhere, exquisite Fineline Anthracite wood has been added to the selection of interior trim strips available as an option for the new BMW Z4. The BMW Z4 sDrive28i, BMW Z4 sDrive35i and BMW Z4 sDrive35is are offered with Kansas leather trim, which is available as an option for the two other models.

New variants have been added to the range of optional light-alloy wheels as well, including newly designed 17-inch and 18-inch wheels in V-spoke design, both of which will be combined with mixed tyres.

The engaging character of the Roadster as a driver’s tool is given particular emphasis by the likewise optional M Sport package, which contributes M Sport suspension, 18-inch M light-alloy wheels and an M aerodynamics package with large air intakes in the front wing and a rear bumper inlay painted Anthracite metallic. Bringing an extra dose of sporting flair into the interior, meanwhile, are features such as sports seats, an M leather steering wheel, M driver’s footrest, M door sill finishers and an anthracite-coloured roof liner. The Aluminium Carbon trim strip, leather M gear lever knob and grey dials for the instrument cluster lend the finishing touches to the interior ambience. The new BMW Z4 sDrive35is comes as standard with a model-specific version of the M Sport package.

Engines: BMW TwinPower Turbo technology at five output levels.

The BMW Z4 will be available with a larger, five-strong line-up of petrol engines from launch, and customers will be able to choose from three four-cylinder and two six-cylinder powerplants. Their most significant shared feature is BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, which ensures an exceptionally effective balance between driving pleasure and fuel consumption throughout the output range. All variants of the new BMW Z4 already meet – as standard – the stipulations of the EU6 exhaust emissions standard due to come into force in 2014.

The BMW Z4 sDrive18i takes to the stage as the new entry-level model. It is powered by a 2.0-litre engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology which develops maximum output of 115 kW/156 hp at 5,000 rpm. The new variant of the four-cylinder unit delivers peak torque of 240 Newton metres (177 lb-ft) between 1,250 and 4,400 rpm. The BMW Z4 sDrive18i is fitted as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox, but an eight-speed sports automatic can also be ordered as an option. The new model accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.9 seconds (automatic: 8.1 seconds) and hits a top speed of 221 km/h / 137 mph (220 km/h / 136.5 mph). Average fuel consumption for the BMW Z4 sDrive18i in the EU test cycle is 6.8 litres per 100 kilometres (41.5 mpg imp) with both the manual and automatic gearbox. CO2 emissions stand at 159 grams per kilometre.

The BMW TwinPower Turbo technology package for the new BMW Z4 sDrive18i includes twin-scroll turbocharging, High Precision Direct Petrol Injection, VALVETRONIC fully variable valve control and Double-Vanos continuously variable camshaft control. An identical version of this technology package is also used in the engines – likewise 2.0-litre units – under the bonnet of the BMW Z4 sDrive20i and BMW Z4 sDrive28i. These engines can also be ordered with an eight-speed sports automatic gearbox with shift paddles on the steering wheel as an alternative to the standard-fitted six-speed manual. The automatic has been optimised to deliver even better acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph).

The existing engine variants – the sDrive20i, sDrive28i, sDrive35i and sDrive35is – retain their places in the range.

Extensive comfort-enhancing equipment.

The new BMW Z4 delivers the driving pleasure customers have come to expect from the brand, fulfilling the desire for both sporting ability and comfort. Drivers can use the standard-fitted Driving Experience Control switch to select a configuration to suit the situation at hand and satisfy personal preferences. COMFORT, SPORT and SPORT+ modes can all be called up using the rocker switch on the centre console. As well as adjusting the responses of the engine and DSC stability system, the different modes also alter the shift characteristics of the automatic gearbox, the responses of the Servotronic function and the mapping of the electronically controlled dampers, if these items are specified. These modes allow the driver to choose from a selection of distinctive and clearly differentiated set-ups for the car.

Other items of equipment fitted as standard are xenon headlights, air conditioning, a heated glass rear window, the Soft Close Automatic function for the boot lid and runflat tyres with a run-flat indicator. The BMW Business radio – including CD player, AUX-IN socket and six loudspeakers – is a standard feature in all the variants of the Roadster, while customers can also choose from options including the BMW Professional radio and the Professional hi-fi-system with 14 loudspeakers. The similarly optional Professional navigation system enables high-resolution map graphics – complete with 3D view – on the 8.8-inch iDrive monitor. The navigation data for the system is stored on an in-car hard disk, which also provides 12 GB of capacity for personal music collections.

The range of driver assistance systems and mobility services from BMW ConnectedDrive has also expanded once again. The new BMW Z4 can be equipped with features such as a rain sensor, Adaptive Headlights and High Beam Assistant. Cruise control with braking function and Park Distance Control with sensors at the front and rear of the car are also available. If the Professional navigation system is specified, the ConnectedDrive Services option allows use of internet-based information and entertainment services inside the car. This system must be fitted to enable access to the BMW Online portal and apps using the Control Display and iDrive Controller. The Real Time Traffic Information function is also on hand, supplying the driver with congestion warnings and diversion recommendations in real time. Apple iPhone owners can use BMW apps, for example, to receive web radio stations, display Facebook and Twitter posts on the monitor and ask for them to be read out. The range of BMW ConnectedDrive features available for the new BMW Z4 also includes BMW TeleServices, BMW Remote Services, Concierge Services and Intelligent Emergency Call with automatic vehicle location and accident severity detection.

The market launch of the new BMW Z4 is scheduled for March 2013.

For further questions please contact:

Corporate Communications

Christophe Koenig, Product Communications BMW Automobiles

Phone: +49-89-382-56097, Fax: +49-89-382-20626

Ralph Huber, Head of Product Communications BMW Automobiles

Phone: +49-89-382-68778, Fax: +49-89-382-20626

E-Mail: presse@bmw.de

Internet: www.press.bmwgroup.de

The BMW Group

The BMW Group is one of the most successful manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles in the world with its BMW, MINI, Husqvarna Motorcycles and Rolls-Royce brands. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 29 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2011, the BMW Group sold about 1.67 million cars and more than 113,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the financial year 2011 was euro 7.38 billion on revenues amounting to euro 68.82 billion. At 31 December 2011, the BMW Group had a workforce of approximately 100,000 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been built on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy. As a result of its efforts, the BMW Group has been ranked industry leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes for the last eight years.

www.bmwgroup.com

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Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup

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Munich./Los Angeles. Imagine a canvas nearly as large as a football
field. On it bold, swirling shapes in primary colors like red, yellow
and blue. As the eye uncovers the rhythm of the lines, curves, circles
and color splotches, something else is revealed: these forms must have
been created by tire treads! A work of art like no other, created by an
artist like no other - the new BMW Z4 Roadster. Over the years BMW has
offered great contemporary artists the chance to express themselves on
the surfaces of a variety of the marque's sports cars. However, the art
performance created by the young South-African Robin Rhode daringly
moves beyond the concept behind the BMW Art Car Collection. Here the car
is no longer just a stunning model, but itself executing artist.
"This work is an expression of painting in action - my hope is to
communicate the power and thrill inherent in the creation of art",
says Rhode. "For me, the use of an untraditional paintbrush like a
high performance car is a great way to investigate the relationship
between emotion, technology and industrial creativity." The
development of the picture, this process of formation itself is as
important as the completed oeuvre. For this reason the Z4 performance is
suggestively titled "An Expression of Joy". The powerful and
vibrant images created by the treads on the huge canvas appear dynamic
and spontaneous, as if created out of the whim of the moment. Yet each
movement had been painstakingly planned to the last detail and was the
result of an immense technical effort. Unlike the legendary
"action paintings" created by Jackson Pollock nothing was
left to chance. As an artist working at the cutting edge of performing
and fine arts, Robin Rhode is an experienced planner and capable of
organizing and directing a large technical staff, but with "An
Expression of Joy" even he broke new ground. This in every respect
extraordinary work of art that was to emerge in the huge Downey Studios
of Los Angeles offered another equally challenging aspect. During the
creation of the painting, prize-winning young director Jake Scott
intended to film the complete performance for the TV campaign
accompanying the new Z4 Roadster's launch in 2009. But how was the
palette of colors actually applied to the tires? How was the BMW Z4
harnessed to Robin Rhode's specific concept? And how was Jake Scott able
to transform this dynamic act of creation into an equally fascinating
film? These questions reflect how many demanding aspects needed to be
dealt with in order to create a performance blending high tech and
artistic vision. Obviously, in the beginning was an idea. The idea was
to present the innovative next generation of the BMW Z4 in a totally
unusual location. "One source of inspiration was the seminal work
of Gerhard Richter's series of paintings 'Red, Yellow, Blue' made in
1973 for the company headquarters in Munich, Germany", Rhode
explains. Another reference point were the experimental optic animations
from the 1920's and German Expressionist Film. "The tracks left by
the tires combine the two-dimensional plane of the picture with the
three-dimensional space of the actual driving experience." The
artist began by sketches, using black finger paints on paper to draw an
outline of the general shapes and rhythms. Then Robin Rhode created the
visual equivalent of a storyboard with the exact details of each
driving sequence and the specific color used. Of course, the driver
received a copy of the storyboard that he was able to prop up in the
cockpit. Since it was nearly impossible to follow the development of
the emerging tracks, given the sheer size of the pictoral dimensions,
Rhode also furnished a miniature of "An Expression of Joy"
complete with two models of the car in order to simulate driving
maneuvers in advance of the actual "paint drive". The art
performance was a challenge for the driver as well as driving the MINI
for the movie "Italian Job". Accustomed to taking high
performance cars to their limit on test tracks, here he needed to
follow the exacting choreography established by Rhode. Which meant
executing the same moves back and forth several times if the artist
wasn't satisfied by the specific color intensity, and yet keeping the
tracks of the treads perfectly aligned each time. Each of the colors
was individually applied through remote-controlled nozzles mounted near
the axles of the roadster. To avoid an accidental mix of the colors due
to residue in the treads, new sets of tires were constantly being
rolled in and carefully exchanged, a feat of logistics in itself. From
time to time a sock-clad Robin Rhode literally stepped into the picture
to pour on more color, where necessary adding generous drips. An
alluring aspect accidentally created by this motorized paint brush were
the sprays and splotches of color highlighting the wheel casings of the
Z4, resulting in visual traces and echoes of the dynamics of the
composition. The monumental canvas itself was composed of individual
segments that had been attached together to create a surface measuring
100' by 200' and thus allowing the driving and painting process to be
sequenced in quadrants. This solution also benefits all future storing
and moving of the artwork. Segments of the spectacular giant picture
will be on the road in 2009, first to be shown at the Detroit Motor
Show. Robin Rhode and his team executed the project in 12 hours. That
was also the time frame essentially allotted to director Jake Scott and
his crew in which to shoot the Z4's chromatic driving movements. The
challenge was that each segment of his film for the BMW campaign needed
to be "just right" the first time around. The usual number of
takes just would not possible for this kind of recording. Scott, who is
just wrapping up his first feature-length film, has won numerous prizes
for music videos and commercials. The cinematographer was able to draw
on his experience documenting rock concerts in order to deal with the
singular character of this particular live performance. The dynamic
undertaking of a car painting was captured with 45 simultaneous camera
angles. So, while Robin Rhode was watching the color choreography
unfurl, Jake Scott kept a critical eye on all the many screens
monitoring the camera movements. "It is always a gift for a
filmmaker to watch an artist of any discipline work", Scott
recounts. "It is creation at its core and I have been privileged
to observe musicians, actors and now a significant, young artist. I am
excited to showcase the rarely seen link between art and technology in
action." The huge space of the studio and the giant dimensions of
the lowered tub in which the canvas had been spread out, offered
exciting vantage points for the placement of the cameras. At the same
time it also meant coordinating two highly complex and diverse projects
- the actual art performance and the shooting of a TV commercial - down
to the last second. But despite this double challenge demanding
concentration and precision timing the atmosphere surrounding all the
teams involved was relaxed. Robin Rhode The artist, who was born in
1976 in Cape Town and now lives in Berlin, has made a name for himself
in the past few years on account of his distinctive artistic work. His
oeuvre centers on performances that have evolved from his experiences
as a highschool student growing in the Johannesburg suburbs,
supplemented culture (sports, music, and fashion) that he likes to
mingle with the process of "making art". In 2001, Rhode was
nominated for South Africa's FNB Vita Art Prize. He has been included
in several group exhibitions, including Dislocation. Image. Identity.
South Africa, Centro Cultural de Maria, O'Porto, Portugal (2002); Shelf
Life, Gasworks Gallery, London, England (2001); and Juncture, The
Granary, Cape Town, and Studio Voltaire, London (2001). His solo
exhibitions include Fresh: Robin Rhode at South Africa National Gallery,
Cape Town (2000). Jake Scott The Englishman Jake Scott, born 1965,
has been directing commercials and music videos for over 15 years,
during which time he has accumulated stellar recognition in his field
such as numerous MTV awards, a Grammy Nomination, an Emmy and the Grand
Prix at Cannes. His clients include renowned brands like Adidas,
American Express, AOL, Coca Cola and JP Morgan. The list of artists he
has worked with also reads like a Who's Who of the music industry: REM,
U2, Smashing Pumpkins and George Michaels. Jake Scott who ist the son
of famous director Sir Ridley Scott ("Alien", "Blade
Runner", "Gladiator") has just completed work on his
second feature-length film, "Welcome to the Riley's" with
"Sopranos" star James Gandolfini.

The new BMW Z4 Contents 1. Description in Brief.
2 2. Re-Birth of the Roadster: The new BMW Z4. (Short Version)
6 3. Design: Modern, Emotional, Authentic.
20 4. The Retractable Hardtop: High-Tech, Convenient, Innovative.
25 5. Drivetrain: Straight-Six in the Roadster - the Perfect Team.
29 6. Chassis and Suspension: More Comfort, Greater Dynamism, More
Freedom of Choice thanks to Dynamic Drive Control. 35 7. Body and
Safety: Maximum Stability for Unrestricted Driving Pleasure.
41 8. Equipment: Driving Pleasure All the Way.
45 9. Production: Flexible Production at BMW Plant Regensburg. 52 10.
Specifications. 55 11. Exterior and Interior Dimensions.
57 12. Power and Torque Diagrams. 58 1. Description in Brief. •
Re-launch of BMW's successful Roadster in modern and authentic style.
The new BMW Z4 offers a unique driving experience combining outstanding
pleasure with supreme sportiness. • First BMW Roadster with a
retractable hardtop. The new model is the successor to both the BMW Z4
Roadster and the BMW Z4 Coupé. • New BMW Z4 with an
extra-long front lid, large wheel arches, long wheelbase and small
overhangs. Unmistakable look with a low-slung front end, a striking
shoulder line and the rear end accentuating the sheer width of the car.
The engine compartment lid extending beyond the wheel arches, the large
BMW kidney grille, intake gills at the side, black A-pillars, the
contoured roof and rear lights in innovative light technology set
characteristic highlights. • Two-piece electrohydraulically
retractable hardtop in lightweight aluminium shell construction. The
hardtop opens and closes fully automatically in each case within 20
seconds, the roof elements coming to rest in the roof compartment to
give the car a low-slung rear-end design reflecting the traditional
proportions of a roadster as well as a large luggage compartment
ranging in capacity from 180-310 litres (6.3-10.9 cu ft). The
high-quality interior lining finished in an extra-light colour as well
as large windows including the heated glass window at the rear ensure
an exclusive ambience and optimised all-round visibility. •
Driving comfort and the feeling of space in the new BMW Z4 achieve a
standard quite unique in this segment. Head and elbow room as well as
the degree of comfort in entering the car have been significantly
enhanced over the former model. The low seating position near the rear
axle guarantees the driving experience typical of a BMW Roadster.
High-quality materials, first-class quality of finish and
driver-oriented design of both the instrument panel and the centre
console guarantee an emotional driving experience in a particularly
refined ambience. • Wide range of storage options within the
passenger compartment including a spacious crosswise storage
compartment behind the seats. The optional storage package and
through-loading including a transport bag for bulky items of luggage
such as skis or a golf bag ensure even greater variability. •
First use of the BMW iDrive control system in the BMW Roadster. In
conjunction with the optional Professional navigation system the new
generation of BMW iDrive comprises an ergonomically optimised
Controller for the selection and control of functions by turning,
pressing and tipping the Controller, function buttons on the Controller
for direct menu entry, freely programmable favourite buttons for even
easier operation, as well as a folding 8.8-inch display with
high-resolution graphic presentation and an optimised menu structure.
Enhanced navigation system with an even wider range of functions in
entering destinations, planning trips and presenting maps. Optional
audio system with hard disc memory. Unrestricted use of the internet in
the car as an option in conjunction with the Professional navigation
system. • Introduction of the new BMW Z4 with a choice of three
straight-six power units ranging in output from 150 kW/204 hp to 225
kW/306 hp. All versions offering an optimum combination of acceleration
and fuel economy in their respective class. BMW EfficientDynamics
featured as standard with specific highlights tailored to each model:
variable VALVETRONIC valve management or, respectively, High Precision
Injection direct petrol injection technology, Brake Energy
Regeneration, on-demand management of ¬ancillary units,
map-controlled oil pump, gearshift point indicator, all-aluminium or,
respectively, composite magnesium/aluminium crankcase, optimised
aerodynamics, intelligent lightweight technology, tyres with reduced
roll resistance. All engine variants fulfil the future EU 5 emission
standard. • Seven-speed sports automatic with double clutch as an
option on the BMW Z4 sDrive35i. Shifting gears without the slightest
interruption of ¬traction, the transmission provides a unique
combination of the extra comfort of a BMW automatic transmission with
maximum dynamism and performance. Acceleration and fuel economy
improved once again over the manual gearbox models. Six-speed sports
automatic with optimised gearshift dynamics, direct connection to the
engine and minimised converter slip available as an option on the BMW Z4
sDrive30i and BMW Z4 sDrive23i. All sports automatic transmissions with
gearshift paddles on the steering wheel. • Outstanding driving
dynamics thanks to harmonious axle load distribution, rear-wheel drive
and lightweight aluminium suspension with a double-joint tiebar front
axle and centrally guided rear axle. Electromechanical power steering,
high-performance brakes, latest generation of DSC Dynamic Stability
Control. Dynamic Drive Control featured as standard allows the driver to
set up the car in three stages at the touch of a button. Dynamic
Driving Control acts on the gas pedal control map, engine management,
DSC response, the power steering control map, the dynamic gearshift on
the optional sports automatic transmission and, on cars fitted with the
optional, Adaptive M Suspension, the control map for electronic damper
adjustment. • Comprehensive safety concept with extremely stiff
body structures, defined load paths, specific use of high-strength
steel and special deformation elements, head/thorax airbags integrated
at the front and at the side in the seat backrests, three-point
inertia-reel seat belts with new belt tightening technology, massively
reinforced A-pillars and roll bars behind the headrests, runflat tyres
and a Tyre Defect Indicator fitted as standard, dual headlights with
bi-xenon light technology likewise featured as standard equipment.
• Engines: BMW Z4 sDrive35i: straight-six petrol engine with Twin
Turbo and direct fuel injection (High Precision Injection) Capacity:
2,979 cc, max output: 225 kW/306 hp at 5,800 rpm, max torque: 400
Nm/295 lb-ft from 1,300-5,000 rpm Acceleration [0-100 km/h]: 5.2 sec
(seven-speed sports automatic with double clutch: 5.1 sec) Top speed:
250 km/h (155 mph) Average fuel consumption to EU standard: 9.4 ltr
(9.0 ltr)/100 km (30.0/31.4 mpg imp) CO2 emissions to EU standard: 219
g (210 g)/km. • BMW Z4 sDrive30i: straight-six petrol engine
with magnesium/aluminium composite crankcase, VALVETRONIC and
double-VANOS Capacity: 2,996 cc, max output: 190 kW/258 hp at 6,600 rpm,
max torque: 310 Nm/228 lb-ft at 2,750 rpm Acceleration [0-100 km/h]: 5.8
sec (sports automatic: 6.1 sec) Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph) Average
fuel consumption to EU standard: 8.5 ltr (8.3 ltr)/100 km (33.2/34.0
mpg imp) CO2 emissions to EU standard: 199 g (195 g)/km. • BMW Z4
sDrive23i: straight-six petrol engine with magnesium/aluminium
composite crankcase, VALVETRONIC and double-VANOS Capacity: 2,497 cc,
max output: 150 kW/204 hp at 6,200 rpm, max torque: 250 Nm/184 lb-ft at
2,950 rpm Acceleration [0-100 km/h]: 6.6 sec (sports automatic: 7.3 sec)
Top speed: 242 km/h (239 km/h) (150/148 mph) Average fuel consumption
to EU standard: 8.5 ltr (8.2 ltr)/100 km (33.2/34.4 mpg imp) CO2
emissions to EU standard: 199 g (192 g)/km.

The New BMW Z4 (Short Version) The New BMW Z4 (Long Version) Production
of the New BMW Z4 History of Sporting BMW Two-Seaters Data Sheet
Exterior and Interior Dimensions Output and Torque Diagrams The BMW Z4
certainly means business: This is exactly what a BMW roadster must look
like, this is exactly how it must drive. The Z4 is a breathtaking
experience on the road appealing to all your senses as a purist
automobile for the connoisseur. It not only represents one side of
BMW's new design language, but also sets new roadster standards in many
areas: Self-confident, powerful, sporting and aesthetic, the Z4 offers
extremely precise and safe handling ensuring driving pleasure of the
most supreme calibre beyond comparison in the market.