BMW Z4 (E89)

BMW Z4 (E89)
Overview
Manufacturer	BMW
Production	2009–Present
Assembly	Regensburg, Bavaria Germany
Designer	Juliane Blasi (Exterior) [2006] Nadya Arnout (Interior) [2006]
Body and chassis
Class	Roadster
Body style	2-Door Coupe Convertible
Layout	FMR layout
Powertrain
Engine	N20B20 I4 N52B25 I6 N52B30 I6 N54B30 Twin-Turbocharged I6 N54B30TO Twin-Turbocharged I6
Transmission	6-Speed Manual 6-Speed Steptronic 8-Speed Steptronic 7-Speed DCT
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,495 mm (98.2 in)
Length	4,239 mm (166.9 in)
Width	1,790 mm (70.5 in)
Height	1,291 mm (50.8 in)
Curb weight	1,395 kg (3,075 lb) - 1,525 kg (3,362 lb)
Chronology
Predecessor	BMW Z4 (E85)

The BMW E89 Z4 is the chassis code of the current second generation BMW Z4. Unlike its predecessor, the BMW E89 Z4 features an automatic retractable hardtop convertible roof like the Mercedes SLK, and can be raised and lowered in under 19 seconds. Since the BMW E89 Z4 had a retractable hardtop, there are no longer separate roadster and coupé versions of the car. The BMW E89 Z4 is the first BMW to be designed by two female designers - Juliane Blasi (exterior) and Nadya Arnaout (interior) in 2006.

A total of €130 million was spent from 2007-2009 in expanding the plant for production of the BMW E89 Z4. Unlike its predecessor (the BMW E85 Z4), the BMW E89 Z4 is produced in the Regensburg plant, and not in Greer, South Carolina. The BMW X3 took its place, which made the Spartanburg plant the main production centre for the BMW X family. Production of the BMW E85 Z4 was discontinued in mid-2008, and the BMW E89 Z4 was produced from February, 2009 onwards.

The BMW E89 Z4 was officially announced on 13 December 2008 and was unveiled in the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit alongside the MINI Convertible. The BMW E89 Z4 was then launched in markets on May 2009. The Life Cycle Impulse for the BMW E89 Z4 was implemented on all models on March 2013.

Initial Release

The BMW E89 Z4 was unveiled to the public in 2009 in the North American International Auto Show alongside the MINI Convertible. Early BMW E89 Z4 models included the sDrive 23i, sDrive 30i and the sDrive 35i. The sDrive 23i and sDrive 30i models then ceased production in 2011, and were replaced by the sDrive 20i and sDrive 28i. A sDrive 35is model was introduced in 2010, and is a more powerful model to the sDrive 35i and featured an overboost feature. In March 2013 (in the Life Cycle Impulse), the sDrive 18i model was introduced to the Z4 lineup.

Design

The BMW E89 Z4 is the first BMW to be designed by two female designers - Nadya Armamout and Juliane Blasi who designed the interior and exterior respectively. Unlike its predecessor, the BMW E89 Z4 features a two-piece electro-hydraulic retractable hardtop with a lightweight aluminium shell and not a traditional soft top convertible. The BMW E89 Z4 also features an electronic handbrake.

Technology

The iDrive display retracts up and down. If the car does not have iDrive, the container can be used as extra storage.

As a result of BMW's Efficient Dynamic's program, the BMW E89 Z4 features Brake Energy Regeneration as a standard feature on all models. All BMW E89 Z4 sDrive 18i, 20i and 28i models equipped with a manual transmission, also get Start/Stop technology, which can be toggled on or off. The Start/Stop technology is not available for the Z4 sDrive 35i and 35is models.

All BMW E89 Z4's also feature Driving Experience Control as standard. Using a rocker switch, different modes including COMFORT, SPORT and SPORT+ modes can be selected on the centre console. The different modes adjust the driving characteristics including the response of the engine and DSC stability system, the shift times of the automatic gearbox, the responses of the Servotronic function and the mapping of the electronically controlled dampers.

Safety

All BMW E89 Z4’s come with safety equipment such as; Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) which includes Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Brake Assist and Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) and Hill-Start Assistant (for sDrive 35i and 35is models only). DSC stabilises the car before skidding occurs and Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) allows increased wheel slip to optimise acceleration in certain types of driving conditions to enable a dynamic drive.

When braking gently in a fast bend, the standard Cornering Brake Control (CBC) increase vehicle stability. CBC works by using asymmetric brake pressure control in order to create a stabilising counterforce. Door reinforcements also protect the driver and passenger during a side impact. Diagonal crossmembers in doors adds extra strength. The BMW E89 Z4 comes with four airbags including front driver and passenger airbags, and head and upper body airbags that cushion the head, ribcage and pelvis area.

The bumpers have reversible aluminium impact absorbers at the front and steel impact absorbers at the rear. These bumpers can withstand impact of up to 2.5mph (4km/h) without damage. Run flat tyres are a standard feature, and the Tyre Pressure Monitoring system notifies the drive via the instrument cluster. An acoustic will sound if tyre pressure loosens quickly.

A Rollover Protection System is also standard on all BMW E89 Z4 models. One of the systems features include a high-strength tubular steel integrated into the roof and A-pillars.

Trims and Equipment

The inside of a Z4, with a cupholder which was available on the earlier models.

The BMW E89 Z4 is available in 3 different trim levels - sDrive, M Sport and Z4 35is in price order (cheapest to most expensive). The Pure Traction Design package and Pure Fusion Design package are not trims, as they can be fitted with any of the 3 trims listed before.

Standard equipment across all trim levels include BMW Emergency Call, BMW TeleServices and a DAB Tuner whilst options include: Adaptive Headlights, Cruise Control with Brake Function, Electric Driver Memory Seat Adjustment, Folding Exterior Mirrors, Exterior and Interior Folding Automatically Dimming, Wind Deflector, Grey Shade Band for Windscreen, Extended Storage, Steering Wheel Heating and a Media package (which includes BMW Apps, BMW Online Services, Information Plus, Internet, BMW Professional Multimedia - Navigation System, Remote Services, TV Function and Voice Control).

The BMW E89 Z4 can be ordered with Comfort Access, where the keyfob is not required when locking or unlocking the doors, windows and trunk. Comfort Access also allows you to open or close the convertible top or windows using the keyfob. Unlike other BMW models you do not need to press a ribbed pattern on the door handle to lock the doors, but to press on the area below the key insert (for the driver side).

sDrive

The sDrive trim is the most basic and cheapest trim in the Z4 lineup. sDrive means rear wheel drive, and not all-wheel-drive. Standard features on sDrive models include: 17” Light Alloy Star-Spoke Style 290 Rims, Auxiliary Input (iDrive not necessary), BMW Emergency Call, BMW TeleServices, Soft Close Bootlid, ISOFIX, Drive Performance Control, Electric Windows, Headlight Washer, On-Board Computer, Sport Multi-Function Steering Wheel, Tyre Pressure Monitoring, Heated Rear Windscreen and Xenon Headlights with Welcome Light and Daytime Driving Lights.

Z4 sDrive 18i models get Automatic Single-Zone Control Air Conditioning and Panama Cloth Upholstery. Extended Kansas leather can be ordered as an option, only on the sDrive 18i. sDrive 20i and 28i models get Automatic Two-Zone Control Air Conditioning and Rain Sensor with Automatic Headlight Activation. Z4 sDrive 28i models get an Automatically Dimming Rear View Mirror as standard. sDrive cars equipped with a manual transmission get Automatic Start-Stop engine technology.

sDrive 2x models receive Auto Start/Stop technology, Brake Energy Regeneration, Optimum Shift Indicator (for Manual’s only), Servotronic Power Steering, Kansas Leather, Exclusive Nappa Leather and Non Metallic Paintwork (Alpine White, Crimson Red* or Jet Black*). sDrive 2x models have options such as Extended Alcantara or Leather, M Sport Suspension and Extended Lighting.

M Sport

In addition to all the features in sDrive, M Sport models also get 18” Light Alloy M Star-Spoke Style 325M Rims, Door Sill Inlays with a BMW M Designation, High-Gloss Shadowline exterior trim, Anthracite headlining, Carbon Aluminium interior trim, Kansas leather upholstery, M Aerodynamic Bodystyling, M Sport Steering Wheel and Suspension, side exterior M designation badges and Sport seats. Melbourne Red metallic is an optional paint available exclusively for M Sport models.

M Sport 35i models get Extended Lighting, a Grille with Chrome with Matt Aluminium Vertical Slats, Metallic paintwork and Electric Seat Adjustment with Memory. M Sport cars equipped with a manual transmission have a M leather gear lever. M Sport trims have Sport Seats, Anthracite Headlining and Adaptive M Sport Suspension (with the exception of the Z4 35is) as options.

Z4 35is

BMW Z4 sDrive23i convertible

In addition to all the features above the sDrive 35is gets: 18” Light Alloy Star-Spoke Style 295 Rims, Adaptive M Sport suspension, Colour-Coded Rear Bumper insert with Diffuse Panel, Floor Mats with sDrive 35is Designation, Front Apron Air Inlets with Matt Aluminium Twist Motif, Seven-Speed Double Clutch Transmission, Brake Energy Regeneration, Servotronic Power Steering, Kansas Leather, Adaptive M Sport Suspension (35is), Extended Lighting, Metallic Paintwork (Black Sapphire, Deep Sea Blue [no longer selectable in European markets since 2014], Glacier Silver, Melbourne Red with M Sport, Mineral Grey, Mineral White, Sparkling Brown with Pure Fusion Design Package, Valencia Orange in conjunction with the Pure Traction Design package), a Sports Exhaust (which adds an extra 10db) and a Sport Steering setup.

Options for the Z4 35is include Adaptive M Sport Suspension (which is only standard on the Z4 35is), Alcantara or Leather, Extended Alcantara or Leather with the Pure Traction Design package and Exclusive Nappa Leather with the Pure Fusion Design package. Auto Start/Stop technology is unavailable and an Optimum Shift Indicator are for cars with a manual transmission.

The BMW E89 Z4 35is comes exclusively with a computer-controlled overboost function. The boost function activates after every gear change with full throttle, and lasts for 7 seconds between 1500 and 4500rpm. During that time frame, the car will have reached 500Nm of torque for 1-2 seconds, an increase of 50Nm (37lb-ft) over the 450Nm (332lb-ft) without overboost. The full 500Nm comes in 3rd-7th gear only.

A Z4 sDrive 35i and 35is can be differentiated from other models by looking at the exhausts. If there are singular exhaust pipes on both sides, then the car is a Z4 sDrive 35i or 35is model.

Pure Traction Design

A BMW Z4 35is with the Pure Traction Design package.

The BMW Pure Traction Design Package replaced the Design Pure Impulse package in 2013, and includes: A Metal Weave interior trim with Sport seats in Black Alcantara/leather combination with contrasting Orange highlights, Orange or Black Alcantara door inserts and instrument panel bottom, Piano Black centre console surround and door handle inserts, Anthracite Headlining and an exclusive exterior paint in Valencia Orange metallic combines with the contrasting black non-metallic hardtop. The Pure Traction Design package can optionally also be combined with various other exterior colours as an option. Extended Kansas leather upholstery is also available as an option.

Pure Fusion Design

The Pure Fusion Design Package sits above the BMW Pure Traction Design Package and includes: Exclusive Nappa Leather in Ivory White, High-Gloss Fineline Brown Wood trim, Anthracite Headlining, Sport Seats and Exclusive Sparkling Brown Metallic paint. The Pure Fusion Design package can be with other exterior colours.

Engines and Transmissions

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 better acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph).

All four-cylinder variants of the new BMW Z4 meet the stipulations of the EU6 exhaust emissions.

Engines

Pre-LCI Engine Information

	Years	Weight	Engine	Alignment	CC	Charge	Power	Torque	Top Speed	0-60
20i	2011-13	1395kg (3075lbs)	N20B20	I4	1997cc	Turbocharged	135kW/184PS/181hp@5000-6250	270Nm(199ft-lb)@1250-4500	142mph (228kmh)	6.6s
23i	2009-11	1405kg (3097 lbs)	N52B25	I6	2497cc	Naturally Aspirated	150kW/204PS/201hp@6400	250Nm (184ft-lb)@2750	150mph (242kmh)	6.3s
28i	2011-13	1400kg (3086lbs)	N20B20	I4	1997cc	Turbocharged	180kW/245PS/241hp@5000-6500	350Nm (258ft-lb)@1250-4800	155mph (250kmh)	5.5s
30i	2009-11	1415kg (3119lbs)	N52B30	I6	2996cc	Naturally Aspirated	190kW/258PS/255hp@6600	310Nm (229ft-lb))@2600	155mph (250kmh)	5.8s
35i	2009-13	1505kg (3318lbs)	N54B30	I6	2979cc	2 Turbochargers	225kW/306PS/302hp@5800	400Nm (295ft-lb)@1300-5000	155mph (250kmh)	5.0s
35is	2010-13	1525kg (3362lbs)	N54B30TO	I6	2979cc	2 Turbochargers	250kW/340PS/335hp@5800	450Nm (332ft-lb)@1400-4500	155mph (250kmh)	4.6s

LCI Engine Information

	Years	Weight	Engine	Alignment	CC	Charge	Power	Torque	Top Speed	0-60
18i	2013-	1395kg (3075lbs)	N20B20	I4	1997cc	Turbocharged	115kW/156PS/154hp@5000	240Nm (177ft-lb)@1250-4400	137mph (220kmh)	7.6s
20i	2013-	1395kg (3075lbs)	N20B20	I4	1997cc	Turbocharged	135kW/184PS/181hp@5000-6250	270Nm(199ft-lb)@1250-4500	142mph (228kmh)	6.6s
28i	2013-	1400kg (3086lbs)	N20B20	I4	1997cc	Turbocharged	180kW/245PS/241hp@5000-6500	350Nm (258ft-lb)@1250-4800	155mph (250kmh)	5.5s
35i	2013-	1505kg (3318lbs)	N54B30	I6	2979cc	2 Turbochargers	225kW/306PS/302hp@5800	400Nm (295ft-lb)@1300-5000	155mph (250kmh)	5.2s
35is	2013-	1525kg (3362lbs)	N54B30TO	I6	2979cc	2 Turbochargers	250kW/340PS/335hp@5800	450Nm (332ft-lb)@1400-4500	155mph (250kmh)	4.6s

Production Data

Production Figures

Year	Production Figures	Change in Previous Year	Available Engines
2009	22,761		23i, 30i and 35i
2010	24,575	+8.0%	23i, 30i, 35i and 35is
2011	18,809	-23.5%	20i, 23i, 28i, 30i, 35i and 35is
2012	15,249	-18.9%	20i, 28i, 35i and 35is
2013	12,866	-15.6%	20i, 28i, 35i and 35is
2014	10,802	-16.0%	20i, 28i, 35i and 35is
Total	105,062 Units		7 Total Different Engines

2013 Life Cycle Impulse

The revised BMW Z4 model was introduced in March 2013 onto all models. Standard cosmetic changes include LED headlights, high-gloss black surrounds for the central air vents, higher quality material for the control panel and buttons and switches and redesigned front and rear lights. The light strip ends at the vertex of the headlight, instead of stretching all the way to the middle of the height of the headlight. A new 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine was also introduced, producing 154hp@5000rpm and 240Nm(177ft-lb)@1200-4400rpm.

New optional items from the facelift includes a contrasting hardtop colour (offered in black non-metallic or Glacier Silver Metallic) and a new interior trim strip called 'Exquisite Fineline Anthracite' wood. A Pure Traction Design package and Pure Fusion Design package were two new packages introduced in the facelift, and can be combined with sDrive, M Sport and Z4 35is models. BMW Z4 sDrive 28i, 35i and 35is models are offered with Kansas leather trim, and is an option for Z4 sDrive 18i and 20i models.

Zagato Coupé

The Zagato Coupé in the 2012 Concorso d'Eleganza.

First introduced in Lake Como, Italy at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este on 25 May 2012, The BMW Zagato Coupé is a concept car based on the Z4 Coupé, and was made in collaboration with Zagato - the Milan-based coach builder. Since Adrian van Hooydonk and Zagato chief designer Norihiko Harada were friends, the decision was quickly made when Andrea Zagato proposed a collaboration with BMW.

The bright red exterior paint finish on the car is called Rosso Vivace, and changes colour depending on how the light hits the body. The colour spectrum ranges from a near black colour all the way to a brilliant red. The paint was first applied by the primer coat (which is made up of black application), followed by a layer of metallic silver. Then, six thin coats of the exclusively developed red shade is applied. Finally, two layers of clear coat seal in the colour.

The body of the BMW Zagato Coupé was built entirely by hand, and its new skin was tailored to fit the car’s mechanical architecture. The kidney grille of the BMW Zagato Coupé is made out of many small matt "z" letters, and the chrome “z”s are used only on the visible side of the octagons, this arrangement injects added depth into the kidney grating. The two “z”s in the air intakes and BMW badges are the only gleaming chrome elements on the BMW Zagato Coupé. A pair of air intakes integrated into the bonnet send extra supplies of air into the engine compartment. Matt colour effect can be seen throughout the car including the diffuser which has a matt edging, the exhaust tailpipes (which are positioned towards the outer edges of the rear) with their matt finish and the 19-inch five-spoke light-alloy wheels inspired by a propeller.

The car also features transparent rear panels in dark tint, a tinted rear window, horizontal lines in the instrument panel and doors and red decorative contrast stitching in the instrument panel, doors and seats.

The interior trim has a light and dark shade of gray as base colours, while red decorative stitching in the instrument panel, doors and seats brings the colour of the body into the interior. The luggage compartment also has two shades of grey, and red accents. The BMW Zagato Coupé comes with a hat bag and travel bag, and recreates the form of the double-bubble roof on the car. A “z” embroidered into the seats. ^[1]

Zagato Roadster

The Zagato Roadster in the 2012 Concours d'Elegance.

The BMW Zagato Roadster is a one-off concept car made by Zagato in collaboration with BMW and was introduced at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance on 19 August 2012. After the positive reaction to the BMW Zagato Coupé, Adrian van Hooydonk and Andrea Zagato soon agreed to take their partnership a step further. The BMW Zagato Roadster was created in six weeks, from the first design idea to the finished model.

Like the BMW Zagato Coupé, the roadster also has a low-set kidney grille with z-design grating, as well as focused twin circular headlights and a three-dimensional front apron shape. The headlights follow the "razorlight" concept - a LED light strip set into the matt surface above the headlights. The contoured hood with air intakes supply the engine compartment with extra air. The air outlets mirror the form of the hood vents. The silver “z” positioned below the flank vents references the BMW Zagato collaboration.

The rollover hoops are covered in brown leather.

The soft-top cover of the BMW Zagato Roadster uses a double-bubble element to extend the lines of the hood all the way to the rear. Like those of its Coupé counterpart, the BMW Zagato Roadster’s rear lights are arranged behind black tinted glass. The glass area extends in a shallow black band around the whole of the rear end. The exclusive exterior paint finish, a brilliant grey changes colour depending on how the light hits the body, and the colour spectrum ranges from dark grey to a light silver.

Alongside the black interior, a strip of brown leather wraps around the interior and extends from the instrument panel over the door sill and around behind the seats, and even incorporates the roll-over bars the latter was inspired by an aircraft wing. The brown can be seen in various areas of the interior, including the contrast stitching of the seats, the steering wheel and doors, and the centre console. ^[2]

BMW 328 Homage (2011)

This was a concept vehicle commemorating 75th anniversary of BMW 328. It included exterior and interior parts made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP); leather, matt and high-gloss black polished aluminium as well as the CFRP interior; asymmetrically designed windscreen with a recess in the middle, four wide leather straps run across the bonnet, two-part light alloy wheels with black aluminium rim and black chrome butterfly nut bearing the BMW emblem.^[3]

The vehicle was unveiled in 2011 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion and later in 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.^[4]

BMW Z4 GTE

BMW Z4 GTE

Category	American Le Mans Series GT (2013) United SportsCar Championship GT (2014)
Constructor	BMW
Predecessor	BMW M3 GT2
Technical specifications
Chassis	Unitary construction steel body with welded safety cell made of extremely rigid precision steel tubing; safety fuel tank in CRP sandwich tray; pneumatic four-stamp jack system
Suspension (front)	MacPherson axle with pushrods and wishbone, additionally with adjustable shock absorbers, H&R coil springs
Suspension (rear)	As front
Length	4,395 mm (173 in)
Width	2,010 mm (79 in)
Height	1,205 mm (47 in)
Wheelbase	2,512 mm (99 in)
Engine	BMW P65B44 4.36 L (4,360 cc; 266 cu in) V8 90° cylinder angle, 32-valve, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, naturally aspirated (no turbocharger), front engined, longitudinally mounted
Transmission	Hewland/Xtrac 6-speed semi-automatic paddle-shift gearbox, mechanical limited slip differential with additional oil/air cooler
Power	480 hp (358 kW) @ 7000 rpm (including air restrictor) 500 hp (373 kW) @ 7500 rpm (excluding air restrictor)
Weight	1,150 kg (2,535 lb) (excluding driver and fuel) 1,245 kg (2,745 lb) (including driver and fuel)
Fuel	VP Racing Fuels Ethanol E85 + Petronas Primax 97 15% gasoline
Lubricants	Castrol EDGE Petronas Syntium
Tyres	Michelin Front: 300/680 - R18 Rear: 310/710 - R18 BBS Kraftfahrzeugtechnik/O.Z. Racing aluminum wheels Front: 12.5 x 18 inches Rear: 13 x 18 inches
Competition history
Notable entrants	/ BMW Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing
Notable drivers	Bill Auberlen Maxime Martin Jörg Müller Joey Hand Uwe Alzen Dirk Müller John Edwards Andy Priaulx Dirk Werner Graham Rahal Bruno Spengler
Debut	2013 12 Hours of Sebring
Races Wins Poles F.Laps 23 2 0 0
Constructors' Championships	0
Drivers' Championships	0

In late 2012, BMW Motorsport set out to replace the successful M3 GT/GT2, a car which brought BMW two team and manufacturers' championships (2010 & 2011), one drivers championship (2011), back to back Sebring 12 Hour GT class wins in 2011 and 2012 in the American Le Mans Series, as well as numerous victories in the then Intercontinental Le Mans Cup (now the World Endurance Championship) in Europe. BMW turned to the successful Z4 GT3 platform to develop a LM GTE specification race car for the ALMS, and any GTE class series. The Z4 GTE uses the Z4 body, and same 4.4 litre V8 engine as the GT3 car. The drivetrain and gearbox are much the same in the two different types of Z4. The engine in the GT3 version produces around 500 horsepower, likewise in the GTE version, but the RPM limits are 9000, and 7500, respectively. Most of the differences between the two automobiles are in aerodynamics. The GT3 car has much more sophisticated aero, with a set of winglets on the front fenders to provide additional downforce. Both cars share a front splitter, while the GTE has slight modifications on the side edges to condition the airflow around the front wheels. The GT3 version also has a double deck rear wing, with the GTE car having a single deck wing. The rear diffuser is also less aggressive in the GTE car; it also has much wider bodywork in the rear of the car, with heavily modified aero around the wheel arches, front, and specifically rear, compared to the GT3.

The car was debuted at the 2013 12 Hours of Sebring by BMW Team Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing running competitively despite being a new car. Leading the GTE class at times, both Z4 GTE's encountered suspension problems with three hours to go, and went 3-5 laps down from the class leaders. The cars also showed exceptional handling, but a slight lack in straight line speed as a result. The 2013 Long Beach Grand Prix proved to be the first win for the car, with the #55 Z4 GTE driven by Bill Auberlen and Maxime Martin driving a fine race, bringing home a 1-2 finish for BMW. A second win for the #56 car of John Edwards and Dirk Muller from pole position at Lime Rock Park proved the pace of the car.

The Z4 GTE will feature in the GTLM class of the Tudor United SportsCar Championship - a merger of the ALMS and Grand-Am, debuting at the 2014 Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona in January.

BMW Z4 GT3

BMW Z4 GT3

An FIA GT3-specification car was available to private teams.^[5] While the production version of the BMW Z4 has a six-cylinder engine, the GT3 car is powered by a 4.4-litre eight-cylinder engine derived from the BMW M3 GTS, which produces approx. 515 PS (379 kW; 508 bhp). The weight of the BMW Z4 GT3 is approx. 1,190 kilograms (2,624 lb). In its first year of racing, the car proved competitive in the FIA GT3 European Championship as well as not only emerging victorious from the Dubai 24 Hour endurance event, but also heading to second place from a low 49th position at the 2011 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps event by the Need For Speed Team Schubert.^[6]

Nobuteru Taniguchi and Taku Bamba were the champions of the GT300 class in the 2011 Super GT season.

Turner Motorsport won the inaugural 2014 Tudor United SportsCar GT-Daytona Championship with an altered version of the Z4 GT3. Drivers Dane Cameron and Markus Palttala won four races (Laguna Seca, Watkins Glen 6-Hour, Road America, and Virginia) with Cameron earning the pole position for the 12 Hours of Sebring. To compete in the GTD class, the Turner Z4 lost its GT3-spec aerodynamics, ABS, and traction control systems.

References

1. "BMW Zagato Coupé". BMWGroup. Retrieved 2015-01-21.
2. "BMW Zagato Roadster". BMWGroup. Retrieved 2015-01-31.
3. BMW 328 Hommage unveiled to celebrate 75th anniversary of original
4. BMW 328 Hommage makes first U.S. appearance at Pebble Beach
5. "BMW Z4 GT3". Bmw-motorsport.com. Retrieved 2012-01-14.
6. "BMW Z4 GT3". Simraceway. Retrieved 2012-01-14.

External links

• http://www.bmw-motorsport.com/en/cars/bmw-z4-gt3.html