BMW planning to produce Z4 coupe

[LeMansX5]

BMW planning to produce Z4 coupe; concept version to be shown at Frankfurt show

AUTOMOTIVE NEWS EUROPE
Posted Date: 8/22/05
MUNICH, Germany -- BMW AG plans a coupe version of its Z4 roadster, according to company sources.

Like its predecessor, the Z3 coupe, the new coupe will be built at BMW's plant in Spartanburg, S.C., where the roadster is produced.

The decision to build the coupe is surprising. The previous model was not considered a success. During a five-year production run that ended in 2002, BMW sold fewer than 18,000 Z3 coupes.

The Z4 coupe is expected to go on sale next summer. BMW will show a concept version of the car at next month's Frankfurt auto show.

BMW says the car will compete with the Porsche 911 and Cayman coupe, which goes on sale in January.

The Z4 coupe will be powered by BMW's 260-hp, 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine. An M performance version also is planned with a 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine from the M3, upgraded to 360 hp from 343 hp.

A BMW source says the Z4 coupe will look sleeker than its predecessor. It also will have a roomier trunk.

Source