Bangle's hideous Z4 is a flop; BMW calls for reinforcements

[NFS4]

Also included is a CGI of a Z4 Coupe

MUNICH ? In light of plummeting sales of its current Z4, BMW is pulling ahead the face-lift of its roadster and adding a coupe version.

The coupe could be shown at September's Frankfurt show but won't be in showrooms before next summer.

The Z4 has been anything but a roaring success. After a promising start in 2002, demand soon began to crumble. By 2003, the crumbles turned into an avalanche. Last year, production was scaled back drastically from 56,589 to 35,136, and in the first five months of 2005, production was cut by another 28 percent.

If the coupe/hatchback for 2006 is well received, the next-generation Z4, dubbed E89 and due in 2009, will again spawn a fixed-head derivative. The E89 is about the same size as today's Z4 but is likely to wear a less controversial design with a wider track and more dynamic proportions. Beneath the skin, insiders predict such options as active steering, adjustable dampers, and the new twin-clutch transmission that is due to replace the sequential M gearbox. BMW's controversial iDrive is all but guaranteed.

Sources say BMW plans to offer four direct-injection engines: a 185-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder; a 231-hp, 2.5-liter straight six; a 321-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter six; and a high-revving normally aspirated 4.0-liter V8 that could develop 449 hp.

What this means to you: Might BMW finally have a worthy competitor to the Porsche Boxster and Mercedes SLK?

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=106581

 

[dethman]

the z4 is one of the few bangle designs that has failed to grow on me.

 

[vi edit]

I just threw up in my mouth a little.

That coupe is even worse than the roadster.

 

[Anubis]

i thought it looked fine

 

[Demo24]

Seeing it on the road is better tahn pics

Wish I could say the same wiht 3 series, its ugly as sin.

 

[GTaudiophile]

Note to BMW:

FIRE BANGLE! FIRE BANGLE! FIRE BANGLE! FIRE BANGLE! FIRE BANGLE! FIRE BANGLE! FIRE BANGLE! FIRE BANGLE! FIRE BANGLE! FIRE BANGLE! FIRE BANGLE! FIRE BANGLE! FIRE BANGLE! FIRE BANGLE! FIRE BANGLE! FIRE BANGLE! FIRE BANGLE! FIRE BANGLE! FIRE BANGLE! FIRE BANGLE! FIRE BANGLE! FIRE BANGLE! FIRE BANGLE! FIRE BANGLE! FIRE BANGLE! FIRE BANGLE! FIRE BANGLE! FIRE BANGLE! FIRE BANGLE! FIRE BANGLE! FIRE BANGLE! FIRE BANGLE!

 

[pray4mojo]

At first I didn't like the looks of the new Z4 but then after seeing them again and again (though not very often) it grew on me. Doesn't mean I'd buy one though.

Seems like they might be going in the direction by increasing its power.

 

[mwtgg]

I didn't quite catch it, GT. What was it that you wanted BMW to do?

 

ps. bmw has turned into garbage.

 

[GTaudiophile]

The real news here:

Sources say BMW plans to offer four direct-injection engines: a 185-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder; a 231-hp, 2.5-liter straight six; a 321-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter six; and a high-revving normally aspirated 4.0-liter V8 that could develop 449 hp.

 

[m2kewl]

Originally posted by: dethman
the z4 is one of the few bangle designs that has failed to grow on me.

"one" of the few?? dude, how about ALL of the few short of the E46 M3.

chris bangle < *

 

[Viper GTS]

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
The real news here:

Sources say BMW plans to offer four direct-injection engines: a 185-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder; a 231-hp, 2.5-liter straight six; a 321-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter six; and a high-revving normally aspirated 4.0-liter V8 that could develop 449 hp.

A Z4 with 449 hp would be downright frightening.

Viper GTS

 

[z0mb13]

what they should worry about is the 3 series... that ass is just hideous

 

[FrustratedUser]

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
Note to BMW:

FIRE BANGLE! FIRE BANGLE! FIRE BANGLE! .............

QFFT!!!

I can not believe they didn't fire his a$$ a long time ago. His team has turned BMW from making elegant and stylish cars to making performance poo!

WTF!! It must be obvious!

 

[mchammer187]

Originally posted by: m2kewl

Originally posted by: dethman
the z4 is one of the few bangle designs that has failed to grow on me.

"one" of the few?? dude, how about ALL of the few short of the E46 M3.

chris bangle < *

i still prefer the look of facelifted E46 coupes and sedans first

i dont know why they never gave the M3 the coupe facelift

 

[Triumph]

Just like the M coupe before it, BMW's coupe version of a roadster looks horrendous.

I actually like the looks of the Z4.

 

[freebee]

edited.

 

[SWScorch]

I always liked the Z4. Definitely looked better than ther snarky, sharp-nosed Z3.

 

[GTaudiophile]

Originally posted by: z0mb13
what they should worry about is the 3 series... that ass is just hideous

I am seeing E90s all over the place in Atlanta...and saw TWO on flat-bed trucks last week alone...broken cars I assume.

Anyway, more proof that people will buy sh!t as long as it has a BMW roundel.

My beef with BMW is like 25% styling and 75% technology. The M5 review on last week's Top Gear says it all!

 

[Anubis]

Originally posted by: SWScorch
I always liked the Z4. Definitely looked better than ther snarky, sharp-nosed Z3.

i like it also

I alco couldent tell you the different between a non bangle and a bangle BWM, they all look the same to me and the all look pretty good

 

[sniperruff]

Originally posted by: Triumph
Just like the M coupe before it, BMW's coupe version of a roadster looks horrendous.

I actually like the looks of the Z4.

the M coupe is a beast tho.

 

[n7]

Whoa! :Q

Am i teh only one who finds that thing hawt ?

 

[shelaby]

it looks like a pen15

 

[Anubis]

Originally posted by: n7
Whoa! :Q

Am i teh only one who finds that thing hawt ?

no you are not

 

[GTaudiophile]

Well, if you want to influence BMW in any way, posting here falls on deaf ears.

However, the good folks at BMW NA actively monitor these boards: http://www.roadfly.com/bmw/forums/