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First official pictures of the new BMW Z4 roadster
2002-07-08 - By Philip Byrne
BMW has revealed the first official pictures of the new BMW Z4 roadster. The new car will be shown for the first time at the Paris motor show in September of this year. The Z4 will be on sale in the UK in the summer of 2003.
Design
 Characterised by convex and concave surfaces, hard edges and gentle curvature, the Z4 displays BMW's new design language. It has all the classic hallmarks of a roadster - a long and sleek bonnet, a long wheelbase with short overhangs, wide track and a low centre of gravity, all of which create a purposeful, sporting impression.
Luggage space has been increased to provide the new Z4 with a boot capacity of up to 260 litres, enough space for two golf bags.
Performance
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.
New for the Z4 is Dynamic Drive Control or DDC which is activated by pressing the 'sport' button on the centre console. DDC allows the Z4 engine management system to deliver an even sportier accelerator pedal response curve and change the steering weight to a more direct feel.
Specification
The new Z4 will be available with an extensive list of options including a satellite navigation system that retracts fully into the instrument panel, car telephone and state of the art hi-fi equipment. Standard features include leather sports steering wheel, a rollover safety system and Z folding fully automatic roof with heated glass rear window.
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