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tmc · 10-30-2005, 07:18 AM

I think there's some confusion in this thread. The Z4 M is not a 2.5i nor 3.0i Z4, it's a new car based on the Z4. BMW Motorsport Division (Group M) reworks BMW production models and delivers souped up versions in lower production volumes. Mercedes' equivalent is their AMG division. There is no Porsche equivalent per se, but the "S" badge (e.g., Boxster S) is roughly equivalent to M.

Group M had made an M version of the Z3, called the M Roadster. It had two Group M-designed engines over its lifetime, the S52 and the S54. The latter is the (now both famous and infamous) engine that's also in the E46 M3. It produces 333 HP from a naturally-asperated 3.2L engine (note: >100HP per liter is a Group M hallmark).

There had long been a rumor that BMW would take their 2001-released Z4 frame and have Group M rework it. But the rumors also included a pause, because the sales of the original Z3-based M Roadster were very low. BMW stated flatly "there will be no Z4-based M Roadster."

That was, until last week.

My hunch is that the Z4 M Roadster is positioned to react to the strong sales of the 05-06 Boxster S / 987S and also the successful launch of the new MB SLK AMG. The original Z4 3.0i (non-M) had performance roughly equivalent to a 986 Boxster non-S. The S version was not a high volume competitor to the Z4 3.0i in BMW's view. But again, 987S's are selling very well. Porsche hit one out of the park.

So BMW's reaction is this:
* Z4 frame
* New steering rack that, from what I can find out, is thought to be the same rack as used in the E46 M3
* Limited slip differential
* A further souped up version of the S54 engine to bring it from 333HP to 343HP
* Cosmetic changes (such as new fender flares, new domed hood, new "carbon look" interior, etc.) Honestly, I think they make the Z4 frame look very aggressive and all-in-all less ugly, but still only "less ugly"

What does this mean to Porsche drivers? Probably not much. However, if I were still in the market for a new top-performing roadster, the Z4 M Roadster would give me great pause.

tmc

10-30-2005, 07:18 AM	#26
tmc Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 32	I think there's some confusion in this thread. The Z4 M is not a 2.5i nor 3.0i Z4, it's a new car based on the Z4. BMW Motorsport Division (Group M) reworks BMW production models and delivers souped up versions in lower production volumes. Mercedes' equivalent is their AMG division. There is no Porsche equivalent per se, but the "S" badge (e.g., Boxster S) is roughly equivalent to M. Group M had made an M version of the Z3, called the M Roadster. It had two Group M-designed engines over its lifetime, the S52 and the S54. The latter is the (now both famous and infamous) engine that's also in the E46 M3. It produces 333 HP from a naturally-asperated 3.2L engine (note: >100HP per liter is a Group M hallmark). There had long been a rumor that BMW would take their 2001-released Z4 frame and have Group M rework it. But the rumors also included a pause, because the sales of the original Z3-based M Roadster were very low. BMW stated flatly "there will be no Z4-based M Roadster." That was, until last week. My hunch is that the Z4 M Roadster is positioned to react to the strong sales of the 05-06 Boxster S / 987S and also the successful launch of the new MB SLK AMG. The original Z4 3.0i (non-M) had performance roughly equivalent to a 986 Boxster non-S. The S version was not a high volume competitor to the Z4 3.0i in BMW's view. But again, 987S's are selling very well. Porsche hit one out of the park. So BMW's reaction is this: * Z4 frame * New steering rack that, from what I can find out, is thought to be the same rack as used in the E46 M3 * Limited slip differential * A further souped up version of the S54 engine to bring it from 333HP to 343HP * Cosmetic changes (such as new fender flares, new domed hood, new "carbon look" interior, etc.) Honestly, I think they make the Z4 frame look very aggressive and all-in-all less ugly, but still only "less ugly" What does this mean to Porsche drivers? Probably not much. However, if I were still in the market for a new top-performing roadster, the Z4 M Roadster would give me great pause. tmc Last edited by tmc; 10-30-2005 at 07:21 AM.