Z Series Report: BMW Z4 M Axed!?

[siko]

Sadly, BMW has confirmed that it has canceled the Z4 M.

The automaker said the economic downturn and a lack of customer interest in the model ruled out going forward with an M version of the Z4.

But it seems odd to cite the crisis hitting automotive sales as a reason for killing the model when the company is also going forward with the X5 M and the X6 M and a whole host of new products that are large, expensive and not very economical on fuel costs.

So maybe the second reason cited was a larger factor than they are letting on, the lack of customer demand. Hard to imagine that of all the new upcoming BMW models, including the 5-series GT, that the Z4 would be the one where customer interest in an M version hasn't been piqued enough.

A BMW spokesperson was quoted by iMotor.co.uk as saying,"Given the current economic crisis there is no business case for a full-on M version of the Z4." The spokesperson also admitted that the X5 M and X6 M were given the go-ahead before the collapse in sales which, in many cases, have hit premium brands just as hard as the volume automakers.

The consolation prize will be an M Sport package for the Z4, like the one for the 135i. That would include a few M-badges tucked here and there but mainly on the steering wheel, a more tightly tuned suspension, a body kit and bigger alloy wheels. Couple all that with the BMW's 3.0 liter, twin-turbo with 306 hp and it should pack enough of a punch. What else do you want? Don't you know there's global economic crisis?

[Source: WCF]

 

[siko]

Hope this is all bull!

 

[Centurion]

This is very expected as an Z4-M doesn't slot in anywhere now when the M3 might return to it's 6 cylinder glory and a potential M1 is lurking in the grass. It would not be economically viable for all three to be rocking 6 cylinder engines without the hierarchy of the M3 being compromised.

 

[bum-man]

Thats ok, we have the X6M instead.

 

[Sunny]

This is very expected as an Z4-M doesn't slot in anywhere now when the M3 might return to it's 6 cylinder glory and a potential M1 is lurking in the grass. It would not be economically viable for all three to be rocking 6 cylinder engines without the hierarchy of the M3 being compromised.

BS, like most of your posts about BMW/M. Z3/Z4 M always shared the engine with M3 and it did nothing to 'hierarchy', both co-existed just fine.

As for the new Z4 M being axed, well they said the same about the existing one also. I think it is pretty much standard modus operandi for BMW to deny an M version of everything when the base model launches.

 

[Gullwing]

BMW is just scared about the next AMG SLK.

 

[Merc1]

They said this before, in fact the said that they wouldn't do a M Z4 and then it appeared. Best to just wait and see what happens.


M

 

[bmer]

Yup, they've said it before with the previous generation and with X5 too. It's also possible that this only concerns the Z4 Roadster as I think scott has previously said that the M-model will be based on the upcoming Z4 Coupe.

 

[Centurion]

BS, like most of your posts about BMW/M. Z3/Z4 M always shared the engine with M3 and it did nothing to 'hierarchy', both co-existed just fine.

As for the new Z4 M being axed, well they said the same about the existing one also. I think it is pretty much standard modus operandi for BMW to deny an M version of everything when the base model launches.

The Z4 M version was always close to one entire generation behind the M3, and there has not been any problems because the progression with engines have been forward and not backwards. Imagine if BMW introduces a V8 Z4 in 2-3 years it might be perceived as more exotic than a 6 cylinder M3 making an entry just a few years afterwards. One way of dealing with that could be gifting the new M3 with hybrid for a boost of power and KERS too. They are excellent ways of making up for the downsizing.

 

[Mr Robert]

I think the engine might be a problem here. Like stated here before, the Z3/4 have always used M3 engines, but also quite some time after it was introduced in the M3. This time around that would probably have worked out just fine if all of a sudden the environment had not become such an issue. Then we would have the Z4M with the 4L V8 in a few years, maybe around 2010 with the next M3 comming a year or so after that. Now BMW will have to use something new, efficient and clean.

So, since there is no such M engine to pull of the shelves, I don't really know what they will do. Sure, the Z4 M would be twisted with the V8 but I guess that will not happen.

 

[Tarek]

I highly doubt that,BMW must have a performance model to battle MB,Porsche and Audi.They simply can't afford to dilute their performance image that much.

 

[martinbo]

I believe that the S65 V8, irrespective of how good it is, is a flash in the pan. I also believe that it is the very resson why we'll only see a Z4 M 3 years or so down the line. What a shame - engineering greatness curtailed by environmentalism and financial burden.

 

[Mr Robert]

I highly doubt that,BMW must have a performance model to battle MB,Porsche and Audi.They simply can't afford to dilute their performance image that much.

I have heard that BMW does not need performance cars to maintain a sporty image. The BMW 318i is sporty enough.

It is very sad.

It is very sad, that M started their work on the trucks before they did on the Z4. I would have loved to see headlines like "X5 M axed due to all the most "in-line with the times"-reasons ever". Not that I dont like the X5 M (I do, but not enough) but it would have been such a great move in terms of image.

 

[Yperion]

I 'm glad we still have "Z4 sDrive 35i M pack sport" ect.

Z4M is too small to show the true capability of a BMW...the model name has to be at least 20 words...

 

[klier]

^ And Audi the R8 5.2 FSI V10 quattro S-line executive. That no less than Z4 sDrive35i.

 

[Mr Robert]

^ And Audi the R8 5.2 FSI V10 quattro S-line executive. That no less than Z4 sDrive35i.

...and what a great car that is!

 

[martinbo]

It's just R8 V10 and it's just Z4 sDrive35i for now. The rest are simply option list additions so let's leave the bun-fight at that.

 

[gnx]

I believe that the S65 V8, irrespective of how good it is, is a flash in the pan. I also believe that it is the very resson why we'll only see a Z4 M 3 years or so down the line. What a shame - engineering greatness curtailed by environmentalism and financial burden.

The s65 should not be a flash in the pan...It is a great engine that should find its way into the e89. It could also be bored out, employ direct injection etc.

I think that eventually it will be used in the e89, when the e92 M3 gets closer to being phased out. The point though is why focus on promoting halo effect sedans, turning your back to sportscars?

I dont think the financial burden is huge, and I don't think that the time needed to develop such a car is longer than the time needed to turn an X into an M.

Think about the upcoming slk as an amg 63 with the lsd from the c63 and the mcd gearbox from the sl. That will be some car. If the truck maker bothers to make such a car, bmw should own the f***ing market segment.

 

[Andreas1984]

By the way, it's supposed that the "Z4 3.5i M-package" will get a little bit more power than the 306hp. The rumours say the engine delivers ~ 350 hp.
Regards

Andreas

 

[SCOTT27]

It wont get 350PS.