2003 BMW Z4 3.0i
As the last Z3 roadster rolls off the assembly line at the BMW Manufacturing Corp. in Spartanburg, South Carolina, BMW Group announced today that it will be presenting an all new roadster at the Paris Motor Show in late September – the breathtaking new Z4.
The BMW Z4 proudly bears all the classic features of a typical roadster – a long and sleek engine compartment, a long wheelbase, short overhangs and a low seating position moved far to the back. The exciting design of the car is characterised by the intriguing interplay of convex and concave surfaces, hard edges and gentle curvature. This intense optical impression creates new transitions of light and shadow from every angle, shaping the very special character of the BMW Z4.
The Z4 will be available with two six-cylinder engines. The 3.0i has 231 bhp and a top speed of 155 mph and the 2.5i, 192 bhp and a maximum speed of 146 mph. The Z4 3.0i features a new six speed manual gearbox. SSG, BMW’s sequential manual gearbox will be available as an option on both engine models. This second generation system features a modified six-speed transmission and enables the driver to make instant gearshifts via paddles on the steering wheel or with the gear selector.
Engineered to set new standards in its class, the BMW Z4 has been designed with a focus on agility and handling. Featuring the modified rear axle of the BMW 3 Series the new Z4 has 50:50 front : rear weight distribution, fade-free high performance brakes, run-flat tyres and DSC III as standard.
More details will be available during the car’s release at Paris. Story by BMW, edited by Supercars.net
In Detail
| submitted by | Richard Owen |
| price $ | $ $40 900 USD |
| engine | Inline-6 |
| position | Front Longitudinal |
| aspiration | Natural |
| valvetrain | DOHC, 4 Valves per Cyl |
| displacement | 2979 cc / 181.8 in³ |
| bore | 84 mm / 3.31 in |
| stroke | 89.6 mm / 3.53 in |
| compression | 10.2:1 |
| power | 172.3 kw / 231 bhp @ 5900 rpm |
| specific output | 77.54 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 166.79 bhp per tonne |
| torque | 300 nm / 221.3 ft lbs @ 3500 rpm |
| front tires | 225/45 R17 |
| rear tires | 225/45 R17 |
| front brakes | Vented Discs w/ABS |
| f brake size | x 300 mm / x 11.8 in |
| rear brakes | Vented Discs w/ABS |
| r brake size | x 294 mm / x 11.6 in |
| front wheels | F 43.2 x 20.3 cm / 17 x 8 in |
| rear wheels | R 43.2 x 20.3 cm / 17 x 8 in |
| f suspension | Strut Axle |
| curb weight | 1385 kg / 3053 lbs |
| wheelbase | 2495 mm / 98.2 in |
| front track | 1473 mm / 58.0 in |
| rear track | 1523 mm / 60.0 in |
| length | 4091 mm / 161.1 in |
| width | 1781 mm / 70.1 in |
| height | 1299 mm / 51.1 in |
| transmission | ZFH 5-Speed Manual or 6-Speed Auto |
| gear ratios | 4.35:1, 2.50:1, 1.66:1, 1.24:1, 1.00:1, :1 |
| top speed | ~206 kph / 128.0 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | ~5.5 seconds |
| 0 – 100 mph | ~14.5 seconds |
| 0 – 1/4 mile | ~14.1 seconds |
