Wallpapers: 2013 BMW Z4 Facelift in Valencia Orange

At the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, BMW introduced the Z4 facelifted model. The very mild styling updates include new headlights that now feature LED rings …

At the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, BMW introduced the Z4 facelifted model.

The very mild styling updates include new headlights that now feature LED rings in a new stunning 3 dimensional design topped off with LED accent lights. New side gills enhance the already flowing style of the side of the car.

For the first time, the BMW Z4 is offered in the striking and once upon a time exclusive Valencia Orange color. The beautiful orange paint made its debut with the 1 Series M Coupe. To further match the interior with the exterior design, BMW offers the Hyper Orange Design package that includes orange contrast stitching on black leather seats.

The current Z4 debut’d in 2009 and thankfully the Z4 sDrive 35is retains the N54

producing a prodigious 335hp and 332 lb-ft of torque mated to a 7 speed DCT. 0-60 is just a mere 4.8 seconds away.

BMW Z4 facelift will be available in Spring.

see more in source : [ bmwblog ] 

European Auto Source adds new ESS VT2-525 Supercharger for Z4M

California-based tuner European Auto Source upgrades a BMW Z4 M with a new supercharger. The VT2-525 supercharger system is the latest kit released by ESS …

California-based tuner European Auto Source upgrades a BMW Z4 M with a new supercharger.

The VT2-525 supercharger system is the latest kit released by ESS for the E85/6 Z4M platforms. With a 162whp and 80 ft-lb TQ gain after installation, this kit certainly isn’t for the faint of heart!

The ESS VT2-525 differs from its VT1-445 predecessor with a new Air/Air intercooler system, keeping intake charge temperatures nice and cool. This is especially helpful for extended 20+ minute sessions. An upgraded Setrab oil cooler replaced the OEM unit with heavy duty brackets to keep everything in place as if it were offered by factory.

Big injectors are included, the fueling alone is rated up to 475whp. With a jump in boost from 5psi to 7psi, the S54 transforms into a beast after installation. A huge air/air intercooler fits cleanly behind the factory bumper cover – giving a tease of what’s underneath the hood. Rotomolded intake tract rivals the factory pieces. Heavy duty hardware shows the kit is extremely well engineered. New billet crank and water pump pulleys are included.

ESS knocked it out of the park wit this kit. Those in the SoCal area, feel free to drop by European Auto Source and see the Z4M in person.

see more in source : [ bmwblog ]

2014 BMW Z4 Facelift – New Photos

The interplay of classical proportions and state-of-the-art technology defines the unmistakable character of the BMW Z4 – and now an updated version of the Roadster is …

The interplay of classical proportions and state-of-the-art technology defines the unmistakable character of the BMW Z4 – and now an updated version of the Roadster is ready for action, armed with a raft of additional powertrain and equipment innovations. The new BMW Z4 represents a time-honoured and yet alluringly contemporary interpretation of the traditional roadster concept.

New exterior features, detailed interior refinements, the new Design Pure Traction equipment package, the new entry-level sDrive18i model and the latest additions to the range of BMW ConnectedDrive features all provide fresh impetus and lend the BMW Roadster even greater appeal and individuality.

The new BMW Z4 takes to the stage 25 years after the legendary BMW Z1. That Roadster turned heads when it was unveiled at the 1987 International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt – not only on account of its revolutionary door concept, but also thanks to its agile and precisely controllable handling. With the BMW Z1 began the latest chapter in the history of BMW Roadsters – a tradition which stretches back to the 1930s and reached the first of many high points with the BMW 328 (winner of the 1940 Mille Miglia) and BMW 507 from 1955. The BMW Z3 and BMW Z8 triggered a fresh wave of excitement for the classical open-top two-seater concept in the 1990s. And they also paved the way for the first-generation BMW Z4 and its successor, the brand’s first Roadster fitted with a retractable hardtop roof.

Design: classical proportions infused with modern character.The success of modern-day BMW Roadsters is rooted in the rigorous execution of a concept, a process which has left its mark on both the design and the driving properties of each car and is clearly recognisable in the new BMW Z4. The sweeping bonnet, long wheelbase, low beltline and low-slung rear end play a more vivid and uncompromising part in shaping its appearance than is evident with any of its segment rivals. The low seating position just ahead of the rear axle gives the driver and passenger a particularly intense experience of the longitudinal and lateral forces working on the rear wheels. This sense of being “part of the car” also allows the driver to grade the amount of power he’s feeding through the rear axle with sensitivity and precision. That’s the recipe for roadster feeling, BMW-style. 

The hardtop roof also blends seamlessly into the car’s form. As it closes, it seals a smoothly flowing roofline, while large window surfaces optimise all-round visibility and the feeling of space inside the car. Once opened, the two roof elements are accommodated, one on top of the other, in a compact package inside the Roadster’s road-hugging rear. The A-pillars – painted an understated black – also underline the low-slung silhouette of the new BMW Z4, especially when the roof is open. The optional BMW Individual hardtop – available in the two contrast colours Black non-metallic and Glacier Silver metallic – provides a feast for the eyes when the roof is closed. The hardtop can be opened at the touch of a button while the car is moving at up to 40 km/h (25 mph) in an automated process lasting 19 seconds.

The distinctive twin circular headlights team up with the broad BMW kidney grille to form a roadster-specific interpretation of the brand’s signature front-end look. The standard bi-xenon headlights of the new BMW Z4 have an extremely slim design and extend well into the front wheel arches. They feature LED light rings which emit daytime driving light in the brand’s hallmark style. Added to which, the light sources now have a strikingly three-dimensional design which accentuates the intricate technology of the headlights. Cutting across the tops of the headlights are LED accent lights, whose metal insert bears BMW lettering. The integrated turn signal indicators have chrome-coloured surrounds, which lend further emphasis to the sophisticated character of the light units. Plus, a newly designed, tapered surround for the side indicators adds a dynamic sweep to the gills on the front side sections of the car.

see more in source : [  bmwblog ]

2014 BMW Z4 sDrive35is first drive review by Autocar

Autocar UK reviews the facelifted 2014 BMW Z4 sDrive35is. The top of the line Z4 Roadster model was made available to journalists from around the …

Autocar UK reviews the facelifted 2014 BMW Z4 sDrive35is. The top of the line Z4 Roadster model was made available to journalists from around the world for a quick drive around Munich.

The very mild styling updates include new headlights that now feature LED rings in a new stunning 3 dimensional design topped off with LED accent lights. New side gills enhance the already flowing style of the side of the car.

For the first time, the BMW Z4 is offered in the striking and once upon a time exclusive Valencia Orange color.

The Z4 sDrive35is retains the N54 producing a prodigious 335hp and 332 lb-ft of torque mated to a 7 speed DCT. 0-60 is just a mere 4.8 seconds away.

Here is an excerpt from the review:

What is it like?

The turbocharged 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder petrol engine tested here in the Z4 sDrive35is is hardly new, but it remains the most compelling of the five engines with which it is produced with loads of low end torque and an eagerness to rev when the conditions allow. It sounds terrific, too: there’s a pleasing mechanical growl under load and a booming exhaust on the overrun.

The longitudinally mounted engine delivers a 335bhp – 20bhp more than the naturally aspirated 3.4-litre flat six petrol unit used in the Porsche Boxster S. In combination with a standard seven-speed dual clutch gearbox, it provides the BMW roadster with class leading straight line performance: the Z4 sDrive35is’s official 0-62mph time beats the Boxster S by 0.3sec at just 4.8sec.

To drive, the new Z4 sDrive35is is pretty much the same as its predecessor; it is a fun car in the right conditions with a rear-wheel-drive chassis that possesses a good deal of adjustability, so you can rely on the efforts of the engine to kick the tail out when the DSC (dynamic stability control) is switched off.

There remains some sign of scuttle shake on badly pockmarked roads, but for the most part the new BMW rides well. The weak point remains the steering, a speed-sensitive electro-mechancial system. While nicely weighted, it lacks consistency, proving extra direct turning off centre and becoming less direct as lock is applied.

see more in source : [  bmwblog ]  

Evolve Carbon Airbox and Alpha N ECU Tune for BMW Z4 M

Evolve’s Carbon Airbox for the E46 M3 has been very popular both in the UK and also in the US. Due to a number of …

Evolve’s Carbon Airbox for the E46 M3 has been very popular both in the UK and also in the US. Due to a number of BMW Z4 M owners contacting Evolve to develop the air box for their cars, the company found an UK-based Z4 M to develop on and now these owners can enjoy a CSL induction roar and additional power they were missing.

The air box is 100% pre-preg carbon fibre even down to the internal trumpets and is hand manufactured in England and it is available in both 2×2 or 1×1 weave with gloss or matte finish, the most popular being 2×2 Gloss which is the same as
the OE CSL Airbox.

The crucial element of getting the air box to run properly now that the MAF is no longer used is taken care of by the Evolve Alpha N ECU tune which is delivered via the Evolve-R OBDII ECU flashing cable. This means that the air box and tune can be supplied anywhere in the world.

The complete package includes Airbox, air filter, hoses, IAT relocation kit, CSL oil dipstick and the Evolve-R cable with Evolve Alpha N ECU tune. This is everything that is required to fit the air box.

Power gains are up to 30 BHP and up to 20 lb.ft torque in the mid range. Sound clips are available on Evolve’s website.

The complete package is £3250 inc VAT for UK/EU customers and £2700 ex VAT for those outside the EU.

see more in source : [bmwblog ]

The BMW Z4 in Pure Fusion Design

Classic roadster proportions, superior engine and drivetrain technology plus innovative equipment features highlight the individual character of the BMW Z4. The two-seater features an electric retractable …

Classic roadster proportions, superior engine and drivetrain technology plus innovative equipment features highlight the individual character of the BMW Z4. The two-seater features an electric retractable hardtop that can be raised or lowered when the vehicle is in motion, a feature that makes driving a joy under sunny skies or any kind of weather conditions all year long.

The equipment package known as Pure Fusion Design adds an exclusive aesthetic appeal to the sporty open-air experience.

Pure Fusion Design refines the interior of the BMW Z4 to intensify the premium character of the car even more. The various exclusive colors and materials available are expressions of sporty luxury. These are embellished with precision seams, surfaces and exclusive stitching that bring harmony to the orchestration of the interior. The package includes extended premium Nappa leather trim, specially designed sport seats in Ivory White with contrasting brown stitching that highlights the perforated surface of the contoured side supports in the seat backs. The armrests, door panels and the passenger pull handle are also enhanced by the exclusive leather and contrast stitching. The lower portion of the dashboard also presents itself in Ivory White and adds to the harmony of the interior color tones. The same effect is achieved with the black leather contrasted with brown lapfolded seams that cover the window sills, the top of the dashboard and the instrument cluster scoop.

Another bold and stylish accent of note is the horizontal trim line made of Saddle Brown Nappa leather with bright contrast stitching that stretches from the passenger side into the driver’s cockpit. The trim on the center console and near the five round controls just below the central air vent in the dash are finished in Fineline wood, a new addition to the interior accents now available. The look and feel of Pure Fusion Design is rounded off by sun visors covered with black Nappa leather.

As an exclusive touch and only in combination with the Pure Fusion Design package, the BMW Z4 can now, for the first time, be ordered with the Sparkling Brown metallic paint finish. A rich choice of other colors is also available. Pure Fusion Design can also be combined with the M Sport package.

see more in source : [ bmwblog ] 

BMW Z4 Widebody Kit by Duke Dynamics

Duke Dynamics introduced a widebody kit for the E89 BMW Z4. Designed to give the model an aggressive look, the wide bodykit includes a new …

Duke Dynamics introduced a widebody kit for the E89 BMW Z4.

Designed to give the model an aggressive look, the wide bodykit includes a new front bumper, revised side skirts and extended fenders.

To widen the rear end, the wheel arches are now 9 cm wider than the standard Z4 Roadster. In addition to changes for the wheel arches, the car includes a blacked out kidney grille, new hood, rear diffuser and quad exhaust pipes.

Test Drive: 2012 BMW Z4 sDrive35is vs. 2013 Porsche Boxster S

A carbon fiber front lip spoiler and a “CSL” trunk are offered as well. Both are constructed from carbon fiber and fiberglass reinforced plastic. This particular car has also been equipped with 20×9 at the front with a 5 mm spacer and 20×11 at the rear SSR Executor CV01 wheels that are wrapped in Nitto Invo rubber.

The BMW Z4 sDrive35is doesn’t get a power upgrade, so it still delivers an impressive 335 hp at 5,800 rpm and a maximum of 370 lb-ft of torque between 1,400 and 4,500 rpm with the Overboost function enabled.

The carbon fiber body kit costs $10,400 (€7,585) and is currently available for order.

See more in source : [ BMWBLOG ]

Short Drive: ALPINA Roadster V8

A supercar or a roadster? The same very question was posed by the famous Top Gear host Jeremy Clark where referencing the BMW Z8. In …

A supercar or a roadster? The same very question was posed by the famous Top Gear host Jeremy Clark where referencing the BMW Z8. In our recent trip toPebble Beach, we had the opportunity to drive the “step-brother” of the Z8, an ALPINA Roadster V8, a vehicle with similar looks, but with ALPINA DNA underneath.

In 2003, the final model year, the BMW Z8 model was augmented by the ALPINA V8 Roadster which marked the entry of Buchloe-based company into the American market. Also, the Roadster V8 was the first ALPINA model that offered less power than the base BMW model.

Instead of the original six-speed manual and 4.9 L (S62) engine featured in earlier Z8′s, the ALPINA came only as an automatic, using a five-speed BMW Steptronic transmission coupled to a downgraded upgraded 4.8 liter ALPINA-tuned V8 motor from the original X5.

Power was reduced to 375 horsepower while peak torque was raised to 383 lb-ft (519 Nm). Its power peak comes at 5800 rpm, vs. 6600; its torque peak occurs at the same 3800 rpm.

The electronically limited top speed was officially raised to 161 mph (259 km/h).

To market the car towards a Tourer or a comfortable Roadster, ALPINA also tuned the suspension, offering a more relaxed setting, a “feature” that became evident in our short drive around Pebble Beach and its curvy roads. The Roadster V8 offered more bodyroll that one would expect from a vehicle of this size and construction, and the ride was softer that we have seen in other roadsters.

Cornering through the hills of the Carmel Valley was a bit more challenging than we expected, rear tires were skidding and understeering occurred quite often.

The car compensates though with its agility coming from more than sufficient 375 ponnies and its quick-shifting Steptronic transmission tuned by ALPINA, even though we would have preferred to see the six-speed manual in this car.

See More In Source : [ BMWBLOG ] 

BMW Z8 by Senner Tuning

One of the best looking BMWs of all time gets some special attention from the German tuner Senner Tuning. The special and limited Z8 receives …

One of the best looking BMWs of all time gets some special attention from the German tuner Senner Tuning. The special and limited Z8 receives a slight visual upgrade, along with a power boost. Here are the full details:

The Z8 model manufactured by BMW between March 2000 and July 2003 is included in the number above. It also includes 555 Alpina version cars (450 of them were equipped with an automatic gearbox and were shipped to the USA). They feature a wider radiator grill and side air intakes which were created by Henrik Fisker – based on the 1955 BMW 507 – and have almost become a rarity, certainly better known to experts as the E52 internal type. Even the standard roadster featuring a 5.0 liter V8 engine from M5 (E39S) provides impressive 294 kW (= 400 hp) and max. torque of 500 Nm.

To overhaul this sports car (this time the car is available for order only in full optional) as delicately as possible and make its overall appearance elegantly understated, Benno Senner of SENNER Tuning AG, Ingelheim, with his crew implemented the best existing concepts. At the very start the engine was supplied with a sports air filter set. Then parameter adjustment followed, including the exhaust system balancing featuring a welded exhaust manifold with a stainless steel silencer and flame tubes designed with metal catalysts. This adds the total of 37 kW (50 hp) and 535 Nm torque. This dramatic increase enables to raise the maximal possible speed to over 300 km/h.

When picking the perfect wheel-tire combination, SENNER Tuning AG chose Work Schwert SC1 wheels in Diamond Black varnish with an anodized 9×19 and 10×19 inch chrome outer rims, and Continental Sport Contact 5P 255/40R19 and 285/35R19 tires. To compensate for the fact that RunFlat tires were mounted on non-emergency run-flat wheels, the tool kit was complemented with a tire-repair set and a compressor. A glance through the wheel provides a view of Racing Gold varnished brake calipers. And a few words on the chassis technology: In addition to the coilover suspension Variant 2 Inox-Line with an adjustable rebound, a strut bar was installed on the reinforced shock mount in the front in order to stabilize the front end.

This Ingelheim-performed conversion of the Z8 into an elegant black-colored piece of art costs € 18,900.00, but taking into account the total number of vehicles manufactured it should be seen rather as an additional increase in value.

Audi TT Offroad Concept to take on the BMW X2?

At the 2014 Beijing Motor Show, Audi unveils the TT Offroad Concept which extends the TT line-up. Audi board member Professor Ulrich Hackenberg says the …

At the 2014 Beijing Motor Show, Audi unveils the TT Offroad Concept which extends the TT line-up. Audi board member Professor Ulrich Hackenberg says the concept points to an expansion of the TT brand into the premium SUV space.

Audi says the concept is powered by a 215kW turbocharged 2.0-liter engine augmented by a pair of electric motors that work as a plug-in hybrid system. The power system produces 300kW and 650Nm, enough for the car to accelerate to 100km/h in just 5.2 seconds.

Audi claims the car uses just 1.9L/100km of fuel, offering a battery-only range of 50 kilometers and a total range of 880 kilometers. Its batteries are fueled by inductive charging, allowing owners to charge the car by parking over a special plate as opposed to plugging it in.

The TT Offroad concept looks about as good as a five-door TT hatchback could, with much of the sports car’s sleek lines preserved, particularly in that in-your-face front end. The overall body resembles the Audi Allroad wagon.

Inside the four-place cabin is Audi’s forthcoming Virtual Cockpit Technology with a customizable 12.3-inch TFT display projecting high-quality 3D graphics to the driver. Other technology includes three Audi Smart Displays, which serve as mobile infotainment systems both in and out of the car, and a cabin ionizer to remove allergens from the cabin atmosphere.

With an exterior length of 4.39 meters, the Audi TT Offroad is only slightly shorter than the upcoming second generation BMW X1.

While Audi has prepared the Q3 against the X1, the TT SUV could take on a possible BMW X2 Coupe.

See More In Source : [ BMWBLOG ]

BMW insider explains the Vision Future Luxury Concept and what it means for the BMW brand

The usual BMW insider Scott27 returns with some insights into the new Vision Future Luxury Concept and how its design translates into future models. Scott27 …

The usual BMW insider Scott27 returns with some insights into the new Vision Future Luxury Concept andhow its design translates into future models. Scott27 has been known to provide some great insight into future products, but there have been a few mishaps as well.

Let’s have a look at the slightly edited report:

“Vision Future Luxury is a concept to gauge customer appetite for a car that would cost considerably higher than the current flagship 7 Series limousine.
Originally there was the option to use an extended 7 Series model like the previous E38 7 Series LXi. But research uncovered that in markets like China there is room for a further push upmarket to connect that bridge to Rolls-Royce.

The Vision Future Luxury Concept is a five meter long vehicle, but also referred to internally as the 9 Series, aimed at a progressive ultra wealthy clients who like BMWs but feel that there is nothing more to offer. VFL could potentially rival brands such as Bentley which like BMW deliver a performance message ahead of luxury.

Vision Future Luxury is being presented at the Auto China show in Beijing as a way to test customer opinion in the world’s largest car market and by 2015 the worlds largest market for luxury cars. The Vision Future Luxury brings BMW full circle from its initial experiment with the 2007 CS Concept Car 7 years ago.

Concept CS aimed to see if the BMW brand could be stretched further upmarket bridging to the Rolls-Royce brand. Seven years later we have now arrived at that point that customers do indeed wish to see the brand stretched further upmarket.

For now the Vision Future Luxury is more than just a concept. It’s a window into the next generation BMW 7er, not just in design, but technology and engineering. The VFL heavily reflects previous BMW comments about the next 7er being the most advanced BMW to date as many feature illustrated and mentioned will arrive with the all new car.

The recent announcement of the BMW X7 is also illustrated by the Vision Future Luxury especially at a time when luxury sedans are being outsold by luxury SUVs.

The X7 brings forth the same advancements from the 7 Series to have a vehicle that must be individual and not simply be an enlarged X5. The X7 will be the epitome of a luxury activity vehicle , distinguished by individuality, and technology as the next generation 7er.

BMW’s effort comes as rival Mercedes-Benz is also testing appetite for reviving its disbanded high-end Maybach brand, although this is going to be an extended S-Class, not a bespoke model like the Vision Future Luxury BMW 9 Series

The BMW i3 and BMW i8 showed how some new BMWs can be different. Some segments have become boring and the luxury car market is one of these there is so much that can be done with wood and leather but BMW are now taking a new approach to this segment.

The next 7er can be described as a full revolution but in the way it progresses everything you have thought about a luxury car from BMW.

The next 7er has the potential to be a very different , luxury car and for BMW to become a very different brand but never forgetting about its core philosophy “Sheer Driving Pleasure”

See More In Source : [ BMWBLOG ]