BMW Z4 Coupe

BMW added a coupe version of the Z4 roadster for 2006, styled after the roadster's midcycle face-lift. It's the Z4's first integrated hardtop, though a removable hardtop was offered as an accessory in previous years. The Z4's predecessor, the Z3, also added a hardtop variant several years after the roadster's debut.
The Z4 coupe will be available only in 3.0si form with BMW's 255-horsepower, 3.0-liter six-cylinder. A 215-hp 3.0i version of the Z4 roadster is also available. Both trim levels replace last year's 2.5i and 3.0i as BMW transitions to its latest six-cylinder engines.
A high-performance M version of the hardtop and roadster debuted at the Detroit auto show.

Exterior
The coupe sports the same carved bodywork as the roadster, adding a curvaceous roof that flows from windshield to stern. BMW promises improved rigidity, though the automaker has not said by how much. A robust air dam and bar-shaped fog lights below the twin-kidney grille are chief elements of the Z4's restyling this year.
The tail includes an integrated deck spoiler, and the trunk can fit two golf bags. Run-flat tires are standard.

Interior
Equipped comparably to the Z4 3.0si roadster, the coupe offers standard automatic climate control and a premium THX audio system. Options include sport seats, wood trim and extended leather upholstery that covers the windshield frame, sun visors and doors.

Under the Hood
The Z4 coupe uses a 3.0-liter, six-cylinder engine that's shared with several other BMWs. It generates 255 hp and 220 pounds-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, and BMW's Steptronic six-speed automatic is optional. Steptronic now incorporates steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
BMW expects the Z4 coupe to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in less than 6 seconds. The automaker says a manual-transmission 3.0si roadster takes 5.6 seconds to hit the same mark. Top speed for both models is 155 mph.

Safety
Abundant braking enhancements are standard on all 2006 Z4s. Among them are smoother antilock brakes; sensors that detect impending brake fade and apply greater pressure to maintain similar pedal feel; and automatic brake drying if moisture is detected.

As on all Z4s, the coupe comes standard with side-impact airbags, four-wheel-disc antilock brakes and an electronic stability system.

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FOTO: BMW