At its launch in 1997, the very appearance of the BMW Z3 M Coupé polarised both IAA visitors and journalists alike: a closed version of the Z3 Roadster from BMW M? The design was progressive and markedly independent. The long bonnet, coupled with a compact rear and wide wheel housings, was untypical for a sports car of this format. Typically M was the engine with the most powerful version of the straight-6 cylinder engine for its time. For the press, first tests made clear that if there was anything the BMW Z3 M Coupé stood for, it was pure driving pleasure.
5 POWERFUL FACTS:
- Max. output: 236 kW (321 hp) / 239 kW (325 hp)
- Displacement: 3,153 cm³ / 3,246 cm³
- Vmax: 250 km/h
- Curb weight: 1,270 Kg
- Production figure: 6,291
THE DESIGN - IN THE BEST GT-TRADITION.
This vehicle won’t be everybody’s darling, but it’s a BMW through and through: sporty, powerful, dynamic.
former board member, BMW AG
The form of the concise rear end also offered a practical advantage that couldn’t be ignored: The large tailgate provided access to a roomy luggage compartment, with 410 litres of volume behind the two sporting seats – more than enough for real touring. Not insignificant for a car in the best tradition of classic Gran Turismo vehicles like the Triumph GT6, MGC GT or Jaguar E-type.
With an exterior length of just over 4m, the BMW Z3 M Coupé is one of the most compact M automobiles of the brand’s history.
In the tradition of the great sports cars of the 60s, every line of the Z3 Coupé is proof of the BMW passion for driving
former head of BMW Design
THE ENGINE - M POWER WITH HIGH-REV CONCEPT.
THE CHASSIS - MAXIMUM RIGIDITY AS A GUARANTEE OF THE HIGHEST DYNAMICS.
Using the already torsion-resistant chassis of the BMW Z3 Roadster as a basis, the engineers gave the Z3 M Coupé other characteristics which had a positive influence on the car’s handling. The frame of the windscreen was strengthened, with further stability coming from two quarter-lights. Additional door braces, a fixed roof and special reinforcements to the basic chassis guaranteed not only optimal handling, but also an extremely stable passenger compartment.
The brake system was developed to serve both safety purposes and driving pleasure in equal measure and had compound discs with radial friction bearings. This system allows the brake disc to freely expand and ensures consistent, excellent braking power even under enormous strain.
THE INTERIOR - RIGOROUSLY DRIVER ORIENTED.
This sports car has elements from the 70s in its lines, in its form. I like the idea that the people of the time were imagining what the 1990s and the year 2000 would be like.
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