2007 BMW Z4 M Coupe Preview

A few years back, BMW offered a funky coupe version of its M convertible, with both models being based on the popular Z3. It was a unique ride that offered a bit more functionality than its drop-topped sibling, as well as an added splash of individuality. Then came the M’s demise, coinciding with the launch of the all-new Z4, and that groovy hardtop was gone. Until now, that is, because the coupe is back. For 2007, there will be regular and extra-strength versions available, the latter being the Z4 M Coupe. Along with its unique styling, BMW’s newest hardtop delivers 343 horsepower, a five second 0-62 mph time, 18-inch alloy wheels, and an assortment of M-specific updates.There’s no word on pricing yet, but BMW has confirmed that the 2007 Z4 M Coupe will be built at the company’s Spartanburg, South Carolina facility.

Why it matters

With the release of the 2006 Porsche Cayman S, a hardtop Boxster with nearly 300 horsepower, BMW needed something other than the 3 Series Coupe to compete. Hence, the 2007 Z4 M Coupe was created, filling the void created when the Z3 Coupe had its last curtain call in 2002. Back then, BMW’s two-passenger two-door attracted a niche crowd, one that has since longed for the return of its niche product. It’s also a suitable alternative to the Z4 M Roadster, for those who desire a fixed roof.

What’s under the hood

Under the hood of the 2007 BMW Z4 M coupe is a 3.2-liter, inline six-cylinder engine cranking out 343 horsepower and 269 lb.-ft. of torque, pushing this ride to 62 mph in five seconds and hitting an electronically-governed 155 mph. The standard transmission is a six-speed manual.Behind the scenes, the 2006 BMW Z4 M Coupe will likely offer the same nifty technology announced for the 2007 Z4 M Roadster. That includes a floating compound performance brake system, like that in the M3’s Competition Package, to provide excellent stopping power; Brake Drying; Brake Standby; Brake Fade Compensation; and Start-Off Assistant, a system designed to hold the M Coupe still when the brakes are released on an incline. The high-performance suspension found on the M Roadster has been specifically tuned for application on the Coupe.All of this adds up to an amazing machine, considering BMW’s claim that the 2007 Z4 M Coupe outran the M3 and Z4 M Roadster during testing on the famous Nurburgring race track.

What it looks like

From a design perspective, the M Coupe looks much like the updated 2006 BMW Z4 M Roadster, a model accented by revised fog lights and air inlets, the BMW signature kidney grille, and a tail marked by reworked taillights and a sharper body line. However, the coupe adds 11 pounds and an arched hatch that incorporates a subtle spoiler, under which resides a 10.6-cubic foot cargo area. Five-spoke, 18-inch alloy wheels are unique to the M model and wear 225/45 high-performance tires up front, with 255/40s fitted to the rear. Other M exclusives include chrome dual exhaust pipes, a rear diffuser, and white gauges with red needles.

What we think

As impressive as most BMW vehicles are, the M treatment always seems to bump things up a notch or two. Therefore, it’s realistic to expect the 2007 Z4 M Coupe to be an exhilarating ride, an assumption supported by the car’s reported 343 horsepower, notable 0-62 mph performance, and various upgrades to the braking and suspension systems. It should prove to be a formidable adversary for the all-new Porsche Cayman S. None of that, however, changes the fact that this is one fugly ride.

Photos courtesy of BMW