The AC Schnitzer 99d generates only 99g/km CO2 and driving pleasure is guaranteed thanks to 190 hp / 140 kW and 420 Nm of torque. The 99d accelerates from 0 – 100 km/h in  6.9 s and has a top speed of 235 km/h. And with a fuel consumption of just 3.8 litres diesel per 100 km.

The engine comes from the 320d EfficientDynamics Edition which has 163 hp in standard format.

The use of lightweight materials such as carbon, magnesium and titanium has managed to drop the weight of the Z4 by 230 kg.

But how does the 99d feel on the road? Let’s have a look.

“Our afternoon inside the 99d left us with a smile. The minute you get behind the wheel of the 99d, you feel that it has been designed to deliver responsive performance. You sit just in front of the rear wheels and you look out over a long hood ready to go. The most interesting part of the whole experience awaits when you turn the key. The sound track is unknown to any Z4 in the world, because a diesel engine erupts under its colorful hood. Up to the moment you turn it off, it will tell you what you are dealing with via a lightweight silencer which produces a moderate growl.

The overall balance of the car has not changed significantly. The 99d feels lighter and more nimble than a stock Z4, but AC Schnitzer did not change anything with respect to the favorable characteristics of the two-seater. The 99d is still a cornering champion, exhibiting little body roll and plenty of grip. There’s no waiting for the rest of the car to make it through the turn because you’re practically sitting at the back of the roadster. The only penalty for this sublime handling is the ride quality that can be quite rough on patched asphalt roads. Comfort is not something you would immediately search for in the 99d, but the ride is far from bumpy or hard. ”

Full review at GTSpirit

The replacement powerplant provides equivalent or better performance, refinement, and smoothness with two fewer cylinders. Like the Z4′s last TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter turbo inline-6, the new 2.0-liter engine will combine high-pressure direct-injection and BMW’s VALVETRONIC intake control. With 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, it offers more power and torque than BMW’s normally aspirated 3.0-liter inline-6 that it replaces in the Z4 sDrive30i.

The turbocharger is a twin-scroll system, a design already seen in other six-cylinder powerplants.

Average fuel consumption for the BMW Z4 sDrive28i in the EU test cycle has improved by an impressive 20 percent.

Driving Footage Extended Version

Its replacement provides equivalent or better performance, refinement, and smoothness with two fewer cylinders. Like the Z4′s last TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter turbo inline-6, the new 2.0-liter engine will combine highpressure direct-injection and BMW’s VALVETRONIC intake control. With 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, it offers more power and torque than BMW’s normally aspirated 3.0-liter inline-6 that it replaces in the Z4 sDrive30i.

The 4-cylinder engine with its all-aluminum crankcase is lighter and more compact than a 6-cylinder engine of equivalent power. The turbocharger is a twin-scroll system, a design already seen in other six-cylinder powerplants.

Average fuel consumption for the BMW Z4 sDrive28i in the EU test cycle has improved by an impressive 20 percent.

But does the new 2.0 liter four deliver the same driving experience as its predecessor? Does it impress with its turbo-specific growl? More on that in our upcoming test drive of the 2012 BMW Z4 sDrive28i.

For now, enjoy the beautiful photo gallery from Pacific Coast Highway.

The new package know internally as ZBP and includes the following features:

• Sport seats (481) with an exclusive extended Merino leather upholstery (option LKWT) in elegant Canyon Brown with contrasting stitching on the side bolsters of the seats.
• Upper dashboard in Canyon Brown Oregon leather with contrasting stitching.
• Front lateral and center armrests in black Nappa leather.
• Center of passenger-side dashboard and door handle in black Nappa leather.
• Fineline Anthracite wood trim (option 4CE – only available with this package).
• Exclusive exterior color Mineral White Metallic (option A96- only available with this package) with additional color choices from the standard Z4 exterior paint program.

Pricing for the exclusive package starts at $2,300 for the four-cylinder sDrive28i models, $2,050 for sDrive35i and $1,650 for sDrive35is.

Earlier this week, US artists Pitbull and Marc Anthony revealed their latest music video, “Rain Over Me”, a Sony Music production. The sensual video features the new BMW Z4 Roadster in the beautiful Deep Sea blue color.

Juliane Blasi, exterior designer Z4, finds the right words to define the new roadster in a single phrase: “If the car wants to be emotional and sexy, it needs to speak the language of people and not the language of a product.”

Here is the catchy song…

From autumn 2011, two model versions will be equipped with state-of-the-art four-cylinder petrol engines featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. The new 2.0-litre engines are fitted in the BMW Z4 sDrive20i and in the BMW Z4 sDrive28i, which now replace the naturally aspirated six-cylinder BMW Z4 sDrive23i and BMW Z4 sDrive30i models.

Combining improved efficiency and performance with a simultaneous reduction in fuel consumption and emissions, the new 135 kW/184 hp and 180 kW/245 hp engines are also lighter in weight thanks to an all-aluminium crankcase. This reduces the load on the front axle, for improved agility and handling. The BMW Z4 is equipped as standard with a six-speed manual transmission, but optionally the new engines can be combined with an eight-speed automatic transmission. All models in the BMW Z4 range will in future feature Servotronic speed-sensitive power steering as standard.
The BMW Z4 sDrive 35i will also get 18-inch multispoke alloy wheels. The popular roadster range will also be available with the new Design Pure Balance equipment package for extra styling enhancement. Exclusively in combination with this package, Mineral White metallic paintwork is available.

BMW Z4 sDrive28i and BMW Z4 sDrive20i with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology.

The new four-cylinder petrol engines are key components in the BMW EfficientDynamics strategy, which aims to combine increased driving enjoyment with reduced fuel consumption and emissions. Both versions are based on the same reduced-friction 1997 cc core engine, their different output ratings being due mainly to different injection and turbocharging technology. Key features of the world-exclusive BMW TwinPower Turbo technology include High Precision Injection direct injection, twin-scroll turbocharging, Double-Vanos variable camshaft timing and VALVETRONIC variable valve timing. These features give the new four-cylinder engine the sort of power which in a naturally aspirated engine would require more cylinders and larger displacement. At the same time, with their all-aluminium crankcase, these engines are lighter and more compact than a six-cylinder engine of equivalent power. This has obvious benefits for driving dynamics: the reduced load on the front axle results in greater agility and further improved steering and cornering characteristics.

More dynamic performance, reduced fuel consumption.

In the version fitted in the new BMW Z4 sDrive28i, the 1997 cc four-cylinder engine develops maximum power of 180 kW/245 hp at 5,000 rpm, which is almost a match for the 190 kW/258 hp six-cylinder unit it replaces. And on torque it actually goes one better. With peak torque of 350 Newton metres (258 lb-ft) (+40 Nm / 29 lb-ft), which is available from 1,250 rpm, the new engine is noticeably more responsive. The lively power delivery from just above idle continues all the way into the higher engine load range. The resulting 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration time for the BMW Z4 sDrive28i is just 5.6 seconds, which is 0.1 seconds faster than for the predecessor BMW Z4 sDrive30i (0.4 seconds faster for automatic versions). The new four-cylinder unit also offers better in-gear acceleration. Top speed remains unchanged at 250 km/h (155 mph).

Despite the performance upgrade, the roadster also boasts substantially improved fuel consumption. Average fuel consumption for the BMW Z4 sDrive28i in the EU test cycle has improved by an impressive 1.7 litres – or 20 per cent – to 6.8 litres/100 km (41.4 mpg imp). And there is a corresponding reduction in CO2 emissions, which now stand at 159 grams per kilometre.

The four-cylinder engine fitted in the BMW Z4 sDrive20i is based on an identical core design. Due to modified injection and turbocharging technology, however, this version delivers 135 kW/184 hp of power at 4, 800 rpm, with peak torque of 270 Newton metres (199 lb-ft) at 1,250 rpm. Despite a torque increase of 20 Newton metres (14.7 lb-ft), this model too boasts a reduction in average EU fuel consumption of 1.7 litres, or approximately 20 per cent, on its six-cylinder predecessor, the BMW Z4 sDrive23i, while delivering a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint time of 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 235 km/h 146 mph).

Twin-scroll turbocharging.

The new four-cylinder engines also feature twin-scroll turbocharging. This means that the exhaust stream from cylinders 1 and 4, and the exhaust stream from cylinders 2 and 3, follow separate spiral-shaped paths to the turbine wheel. This reduces exhaust back-pressure at low engine rpm, allowing the energy of the exhaust gas pulses to be utilised as efficiently as possible. The result is instant throttle response and typical BMW fast-revving performance.

Optional eight-speed automatic transmission: more comfort, with no increase in fuel consumption.

The BMW Z4 sDrive28i and BMW Z4 sDrive20i are equipped as standard with a six-speed manual transmission. Optionally, however, drivers can now leave the shifting to a new eight-speed automatic transmission which is very similar in terms of size and weight to the previous six-speed unit. The two additional ratios provide an appreciable improvement in smoothness, sporty performance and efficiency. All automatic versions feature a sports steering wheel, which is equipped as standard with paddle shifts, so that the driver can also shift gears manually. The right-hand paddle is used for changing up and the left-hand paddle for changing down. A restyled selector lever is standard with the eight-speed automatic.

The new eight-speed automatic transmission features fast reaction and shift times, direct downshift capability, minimal torque converter slip and low friction losses, along with a wide ratio spread that has benefits both for sprinting performance and for low-rpm cruising. The electronic transmission controller allows the shift characteristics to be altered as required, to cater for a sporty or a more relaxed driving style. Improved overall efficiency means that the BMW Z4 with eight-speed automatic transmission offers identical fuel consumption and emissions performance to the corresponding manual version.

New Design Pure Balance equipment package and exclusive Mineral White metallic exterior paint finish for the BMW Z4.

With the new Design Pure Balance package, the BMW designers have developed an elegant trim package tailored specifically to this popular roadster model. It features an extensive leather interior, with the new Cohiba Brown shade and contrasting Lotus White stitching providing attractive highlights. The package is topped off by further leather trim elements in Black, with stitching in Umbra, plus Fineline Anthracite wood and standard-fitted sports seats.

For the first time the BMW Z4 will be available in Mineral White metallic, which is offered exclusively in combination with the new interior equipment package. Alternatively, the Design Pure Balance package can also be combined with other exterior paint finishes. The new package replaces the previous “Design Pure White” package.

Press Release: News of Japan’s disaster reached nearly every human in a first world country within a day. The footage was horrifying to watch and the toll on human life and property was terrible, but even as Japan went through it’s dark moments that week there was positive mixed with the negative, hope mixed with the despair of a country living through a disaster of epic proportions.

Days and weeks after the Tsunami, two facts became very clear about the people of Japan- they would not give up easily, and they would do anything possible to restore the country as quickly as possible and return to normal life.

Speaking to my friends in Japan about those events, I heard one common theme: “let’s not dwell on the bad, but plan for the good. Let’s move forward, rebuild, and enjoy life”. The tuning companies of Japan seemed to express the same feelings and continue to push forward every day. 3D Deisgn’s newest E89 Z4 is a reflection of this positive philosophy. Plans to create the car were made shortly after the Japanese Tsunami with the intention of making a statement. That statement is simply scribed over the car’s driver’s side window: “Don’t give up, Tohoku”.

3D Design partnered with key players in the US and Germany to create their new car, with each company contributing to the car’s unique style. WSTO and IND worked together to design the car’s overall theme and carefully measure the car’s aggressive wheel fitment. BBS brought their amazing Motorsport wheels to the table directly from BMW’s M3 GT4 program in an 18×9.5 +25 size in the front and 18×10 +30 size in the rear. Yokohama supplied the 235/40/18 front and 255/35/18 rear Advan Sport tires.

KW helped with their Variant 3 suspension for a comfortable ride on the street and great handling when the roads begin to wind, while Dinan helped provide a camber plate that gave us that extra secret ingredient to make the BBS wheels fit perfectly. Eisenmann’s technicians hand-built the car’s exhaust system for a sound that matches it’s aggressive exterior, and of course 3D Design’s own aerodynamics package in full carbon fiber works perfectly with the car’s already perfect lines. The car will soon receive a brake upgrade from Brembo, a gauge package from Stack, and an upgraded turbo kit from ESS Tuning.

Enjoy the photos and stay tuned for more updates!

Or you can build a fully loaded Z4 35is for $525 for 24 months, 10,000 miles per year with $3999 due at signing plus applicable taxes and registration. And if the person is an “Existing BMW Financial Services customer” that lease payment is $487. The MSRP on this car is $71,175.

The offer from BMW also comes with the following caveat:

If you’re in need of a new roadster, this might be the right time to pull the plug. And if you’re adventurous enough or looking for more savings, picking up the car through the European Delivery program will grant you a significant discount.

Since we would like to support our advertisers, feel free to contact the following dealerships in your area:

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BMW of Peabody
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BMW of Manhattan

As anticipated by BMWBLOG, the first four-cylinder BMW to return to the United States is the Z4 sDrive28i Roadster. Introduced today at the BMW press conference in NYC, the Z4 in Atacama Yellow is powered by the all-new N20 four-cylinder TwinPower engine.

Like the Z4′s last TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter turbo inline-6, the new 2.0-liter engine will combine highpressure direct-injection and BMW’s VALVETRONIC intake control. With 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, it offers more power and torque than BMW’s normally aspirated 3.0-liter inline-6 that it replaces in the Z4 sDrive30i.

The 4-cylinder engine with its all-aluminum crankcase is lighter and more compact than a 6-cylinder engine of equivalent power. The turbocharger is a twin-scroll system. The exhaust streams leaving the two pairs of cylinders are kept completely separate as they flow through the exhaust manifold and the turbocharger, taking a spiral path to the turbine wheel. This configuration results in very low exhaust back pressure at low engine rpm, and allows the energy of the exhaust gas pulses to be optimally managed and translated into powerful rotation of the turbine blades, without a delay in throttle response.

The High Precision Injection direct-injection system also helps to improve efficiency.  Centrally positioned between the valves, solenoid injectors with a maximum injection pressure of 200 bar (2,900 psi) precisely control the supply of fuel. The fuel is injected very close to the spark plug, resulting in clean and homogeneous combustion.

BMW has yet to release the official fuel consumption numbers, but we know that the heavier X1 28i has an average MPG of 29.7, so we expect even better numbers in the Z4.

No details either on whether the price of the Z4 will be increased.

[Photos: Christiaan Conover ]

“The new BMW Z4 sDrive28i Roadster will be the first model in the U.S. to feature the company’s new powerful, efficient and clean TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine. It also marks the return of BMW 4 cylinder power to the United States for the first time in over a decade.

Photo by Jalopnik

This newest engine, another part of the company’s on-going development of BMW EfficientDynamics, is the latest to combine twin-scroll turbocharging technology with high-precision direct injection and BMW’s Valvetronic throttle-less control system. Taken together, these technologies improve performance while at the same time reducing emissions and lowering consumption.

With 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, this new engine offers similar  power to the normally aspirated 3.0-liter inline six currently offered in the Z4 Roadster and more torque.. Maximum output of 240 horsepower is achieved at 5,000 rpm, 1,500 rpm lower than in the normally-aspirated 3.0-liter inline six. The peak torque of 260 lb-ft comes on stream at just 1,250 rpm. Not only is that nearly 20 percent more torque than the aforementioned inline six, it also peaks 1,500 rpm earlier.  The new BMW Z4 sDrive28i will arrive in US showrooms this fall.”

[Source: BMW ]

Ms. Blasi, 34 years old, joined BMW back in 2003 and previously studied transportation design at Germany’s Pforzheim University, one of the oldest design programs in the world. As part of a six-month exchange program, she joined the DesignworksUSA design studio in California back in 2005.

Ms. Blasi teamed up with another talented designer, Nadya Arnaout, now Tesla’s lead interior designer, and together won the competition for the new E89 Z4. The Z4 was Ms. Blasi’s first full-size clay model she had done she was hired at the Munich design studio.

And despite this, driving pleasure is guaranteed thanks to 190 HP / 140 kW. The 99d accelerates from 0 – 100 in an electrifying 6.9 s and has a top speed of 235 km/h – a vehicle with all the sporting genes, in fact a true AC Schnitzer. And with a fuel consumption of just 3.8 litres diesel per 100 km.

So how does this Concept Car by AC Schnitzer manage to achieve such low figures? AC Schnitzer calls the combination of features Efficient Performance.

“Pleasure is the driving force!“ That applies not only to the BMW engineers but also – and in particular – to the tuning specialists at AC Schnitzer.

Secret 1: Diesel engine and matching drive train
A diesel engine in a BMW Z4, and the most efficient currently available from BMW. It comes from the 320d EfficientDynamics Edition. And of course now the power has been optimised by the Aachen specialists to 190 HP and 420 Nm torque (standard 320d EfficientDynamics Edition: 163 HP).

Secret 2: 230 kg weight saving
The elegant lightweight coupé demonstrates what is technically possible today. The energy source for example is a lightweight lithium ion battery instead of the usual lead accumulator. The use of further lightweight materials such as carbon, magnesium and titanium has achieved further substantial savings in the interior equipment. So it’s lighter than any current standard BMW.

Secret 3: Weight reduction in unsprung mass
35 kg less weight in the parts directly connected to the wheels, such as wheels, tyres and brakes, leads to a perceptible gain in agility and driving pleasure. The latest forging techniques using materials from the aerospace industry guarantee strength and an unbeatable weight saving. For example, the AC Schnitzer lightweight 4-pot high performance brake system with retraction system for the front axle, and the lightweight brake discs on the front and rear axles, ensure the shortest braking distances.
Or the Type VIII one-piece high-strength forged rims used on the AC Schnitzer 99d. These weigh in at just 7.9 kg per wheel and are connected to the vehicle with titanium wheel bolts. Experts say that measures to reduce the unsprung mass have a benefit of up to four times the weight saving. This means that in terms of agility, the AC Schnitzer 99d feels like a vehicle which overall weighs 335 kg less.

Secret 4: Special Eco-tyres from Continental
The Continental BLUECO tyres size 225/35*19 were a special concept development in conjunction with AC Schnitzer. These tyres help optimise the rolling resistance. The design is a refinement of the Conti Sport Contact 5P, and allows sporting driving thanks to its high cornering stability and ZR speed rating of over 240 km/h.

Secret 5: Adaptation of EfficientDynamics
Behind the BMW EfficientDynamics concept lies a technology package of intelligent measures which significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions. These technologies from the BMW 320d were integrated into the AC Schnitzer 99d: Automatic start-stop, brake energy recuperation, gear shift display, low-friction lubricants and active aerodynamics.

Secret 6: Improved aerodynamics
The bodywork lowered by 30 mm, in conjunction with several AC Schnitzer carbon aerodynamic components, reduces drag. The AC Schnitzer racing suspension with adjustable dampers reduces the residual spring travel to a sporting but still comfortable level, especially when driving at low speeds.

Secret 7: Reduced friction
Special ceramic wheel bearings achieve a decisive reduction in friction resistance. In addition, optimised low-friction lubricants minimise friction. The high performance brake system is fitted with a special PFC Retraction System which, after each brake process, retracts the brake pads by 0.1 mm from the brake discs. The wheels of the AC Schnitzer 99d then turn much more easily.

Secret 8: Driving pleasure
Individuality, exclusivity, ultramodern lightweight construction and over 20 years of experience in refinement have led in the AC Schnitzer 99d to a vehicle which perfectly combines efficient fuel consumption and driving pleasure: Efficient Performance by AC Schnitzer.
Naturally all safety elements are retained such as ABS, airbags and ESP. The multimedia world too is not lacking thanks to the Apple iPhone4 integrated into the vehicle. This gives access to all data from the on-board computer. So the actual fuel consumption, or for example the function of the particle filter can be checked. Music, telephone, navigation, handsfree or internet complete the overall experience in the AC Schnitzer 99d.

The AC Schnitzer 99d is a concept car not for sale, which was developed as a technology platform. In the form shown here, the vehicle would cost € 149,000.00.

The conversions in the fields of brakes, suspension, bodywork, interior and wheels are part of the accessory range for the BMW Z4 model range. All are TÜV-tested and available from BMW dealers.

[Source: AC Schnitzer ]

The only one every built Z3 Hartge comes equipped with a 5.0 liter V8 naturally aspirated engine and has a maximum output of 420 hp and a peak torque of 530 Nm. The car reaches a top speed of more than 300 km/h and gets to 200 km/h in just 13 seconds. The engine is matted to a 6-speed gearbox.

The engine is the same one used in the BMW E39 M5. The car started its life as a Z3 M Coupé in September 1998. This one time project was meant for automotive shows, but eventually it was put on license plates. And after it had driven around in Germany for a while, it was bought by someone from Holland.

First, the ACS5 Sport S, a sporty interpretation of the BMW 5 Series F10. The car takes the factory 407 horsepower from the BMW 550i to an impressive 540 horsepower. The peak torque climbs to 750Nm. Overall, this is performance could measure up to the levels of the next M5. The 0 to 62 mph is said to come in only 4.5 seconds, top speed is clocks out at 320 km/h.

In addition, the Aachen-based tuner says the lateral dynamic capabilities are located much higher than in the regular model. Despite the massive power increase, the consumption does not exceed the standard BMW 550i F10 levels.

Second vehicle to be introduced is a new lightweight project called AC Schnitzer 99d which is based on the current BMW Z4 Roadster. The “99″ in the naming designation actually stands for the CO2 emissions of the vehicle.

The factory 163 horsepower turbo diesel was brought to 190 horsepower and transplanted into the Z4. For an even better power to weight ratio, the Z4 was converted to replace the metal folding roof.

The vehicle weight savings were 230 kilograms. The acceleration to 62 mph is in 6.9 seconds, top speed is 235 km / h.

The most salient feature is the standard consumption, 3.8 liters diesel.

Price for the Z4 99? 149,000 €.

We will report live from Geneva with more details and photos on Tuesday, March 2nd.

[Source: BimmerToday ]

3D chooses to favor the enthusiast who is patient. Those seasoned veterans of the BMW scene who know that years of effort, experience, and development are what is needed to create a truly great product.

3D’s new E89 Z4 concept is no different. 3D has created a complete aerodynamics package that augments the factory lines of the car to create a race-inspired appearance that is unlike anything previously seen for the E89. The aggressive front splitter, side skirt extensions, and rear diffuser all augment the sporting nature of BMW’s newest Z car masterpiece.

Their E89 concept also includes a powerful-sounding, valve actuated sports exhaust system, 8000 ton forged 19″ wheels, engine performance software, and a full gauge package to monitor the vitals of the Z4 as it’s being used the way BMW intended.

Please contact 3D Design North America for more information.

The new SLK follows the same design language seen lately in all the new Mercedes vehicles. The svelte and athletic body is complemented by a vertical standing front. At the back, the designers managed to make the trunk sit lower than the rear fender, a nice visual touch.

As seen in any roadster, the SLK offers exactly like the Z4, a long hood, a compact and well set back green house and a short tail.

Inside, the SLK offers the typical Mercedes sports car look. Above the central infotainment system, there is an optional analog clock, with the single purpose to underline the stylish character of the vehicle. Large round gauges and brushed aluminum provide the sporty flair. Wood trim can also be fitted in the interior design.

As with its predecessor, the new SLK includes a system called Air Scarf, which is integrated into the headrests of the sport seats and protects the neck of the driver and front passenger with warm air from cold drafts.

In the power department, the SLK range starts with the 184 horsepower SLK 200 BlueEFFICIENCY, a four-cylinder 1.8 liter engine which takes the car to 62 mph in 7.0 seconds. Standard consumption is 6.1 liters per 100 km, the most fuel efficient vehicle in its class of four cylinders. Next in the line-up is the SLK 250 BlueEFFICIENCY, 204 horsepower, 0 to 62 mph in 6.6 seconds and 6.2 liter per 100 km. The equivalent in the BMW line-up would be the Z4 sDrive23i (8.2 liter per 100 km).

The only six-cylinder vehicle is the 350 BlueEFFICIENCY, a V6 naturally aspirated engine with direct injection. The 3.5 liter engine produces 306 horsepower and accelerates to 62 mph in 5.6 seconds. With standard consumption of 7.1 liters, this model offers significantly better fuel consumption than the BMW Z4 sDrive35i that requires 9.0 liters.

The impressive fuel consumption numbers are direct related to the use of a 7G-Tronic automatic transmission that offers start-stop functionality. Consumption values for models with manual transmissions have not yet been communicated, but they are probably a little higher.

Prices for the new R172 start at 38,675 euros for the SLK 200, 44,256 euros for the SLK 250 and 52,300 euros for the top model SLK 350. At a later point in time, an AMG version is expected to be powered by a naturally aspirated V8 engine.

As with any new direct competitor to BMW, we decided to offer a photo comparison from different angles.

[Source: BimmerToday ]

Dai Yun is a Chinese sculptor from Xi’an, according to his bio on the Anni Art gallery Web site, and working in Shenzhen. He built the Z4 made out of bricks in 2007, as part of his “Bricks Automobile” series. The series also includes a Mercedes-Benz SLK made out of red bricks and located in Shanghai.

Today, OddityCentral reports on the selling price of this unique non-functional Z4: $125,000. According tot he same website, Dai Yun spent more than a year cementing bricks together and then carving the massive block in the Z4 we see now.

To recoup some of his time and investment, Dai Yun has placed the “stone” Z4 for sale and he has high hopes that one of China’s “richies” will place the Z4 in their art collection.

Press Release: The BMW Z4 Roadster represents the first generation are still outstanding driving enjoyment – whether friend or Used as an attractive long-cherished. Some drivers like the 231 horsepower range of 2002 to 2005 built BMW Z4 3.0i (E85) and days do not need more traction. G-Power thought of the older athletes and developed the “SK Plus” compressor system from the old model brings out 286 hp and thus increases the performance significantly. Cost point for the installation made compressor system: € 2975.

Popular is the 3.0-liter six-cylinder was even then. Undoubtedly provided an M version cost significantly more power, but also to maintain far more money. The heart of the charge is an ASA compressor. An optimized geometry of the compressor and its housing, enable a more efficient structure of the previous charge pressure and thus ensure a more powerful performance at medium speed range.

Fully achieved turned out the “G-Power Plus SK” compressor system with a boost of only 0.3 bar a power increase of up to 55 bhp over the series. The 3.0-liter engine of the BMW Z4 3.0si, the maximum power thus increases to around 286 hp at 6,000 rpm. The maximum torque is now 345 Nm, which rest at 3,500 rpm (series 300 Nm).

Completed with the new power of the enhanced BMW Z4 3.0i can accelerate from 0 to 100 in just 5.4 seconds. The series needed for this discipline took 5.9 seconds and 250 km/h fast. As G-Power BMW Z4 3.0i is even stronger and faster than the engine in the BMW Z4 3.0si successor, brought it to 265 hp and 5.7 seconds for the sprint to 100 mph.

More important than the raw numbers for the customer but the power delivery, meaning the way in which the extra capacity is given. The compressor system of G-Power will offer a sporty direct throttle response. Each accelerator command, the tuner implemented without delay in advance, without taking account (including modern) turbocharged engines usual delay.

Another feature of charge by the mechanically driven radial compressor ASA is the strong level of torque in the mid-speed, which especially occurs when overtaking impressive in appearance. This spurt strong departure from the mid-range increases when you loosen the gears continuously up to the maximum speed at which then becomes the maximum boost achieved.

In order to secure more power to the road, finishing a combination of the 20-inch G-Power Silverstone Diamond wheels with tires in size 245/30 ZR 20 recommends to the front axle and 285/25 ZR 20 on the rear axle . These are available on request is to allow nine times in train and rebound adjustable coil-overs “GZ4-RS”, the higher cornering speeds and improved directional stability at high speeds.

The anniversary model is a Crimson Red BMW Z4 sDrive23i and it will be shipped to a China-based customer.

The second generation Z4 transitioned from the US plant in Spartanburg to the German werks in Regensburg. To produce the new vehicle, which beside the new design also comes for the first time with a hardtop, BMW invested around 130 million euros in the plant. In addition to the Z4, the BMW 3 Series Convertible E93 is also produced in Regensburg.

The two-seater roadster is considered a global leader with its impressive 56 percent market share, but the upcoming Mercedes-Benz SLK might challenge that position. About a quarter of all cars sold remain in Germany which constitutes the largest single market for the roadster.

About 16 percent of the E89-production went to the U.S. and another 11 percent to England. The emerging luxury market in China has a share of 11 percent. Japan and Italy come next with a market share of 7, respectively 6 percent.

Dr. Andreas Wendt (Plant Manager): “The new BMW Z4 impresses customers and employees. The production of the vehicle because of the retractable roof aluminum is very demanding. The high quality we achieve, and strong demand from customers make us so proud. Our staff does an excellent job.”

[Source: Wochenblatt.de | BimmerToday ]

The Z4 features a Black Sapphire paint while the folding hardtop and the side mirror caps have been painted with Titanium Silver.

The interior design sports Coral Red Kansas leather seats, a standard feature on all the Silver Top Edition Z4s.

The base model is the Z4 sDrive23i with an inline six cylinder 2.5l engine mated to a 6-speed Automatic transmission.. The powerplant produces 201 hp at 6300 RPM and 250Nm of torque coming in about 2750-3000rpm.

The limited edition model set to be released by April 2012 is priced at 5,590, 000 YEN, around $68,829.

[Source: Jon Sibal ]