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"The decision to build such an emotional two-seater sports coupe as a regular production model is almost obvious", says BMW, and it's a bit of a no-brainer, really. Given the success of the likes of the Audi TT hard-top, the Nissan 350Z and the advent of the Porsche Cayman, BMW needs to produce a suitable rival. It has done so by putting a hard top on its Z4 roadster, and ensuring that the resulting car meets all the usual BMW criteria for performance and handling.
This concept is powered by the latest iteration of the 3.0-litre straight-six (265bhp, 232lb ft), good for 0-60mph in 5.7seconds and 155mph. Suggesting that it's a near-production prototype rather than a conceptual whim, it is fitted out with full high-performance braking systems and electrical power steering, as well as photo-friendly 19-inch aluminium wheels. Though it incorporates signature Chris Bangle design touches, and the so-called 'Hofmeister kink' to the rear pillars, it's more elegant than the slung-back Z3 M coupe and in fact, a rather predictable take on the coupe theme. It's powerful and muscular, though, and on a practical note, it has a large luggage space and roomy cabin. The latter has a two-tone effect, with contrasting surfaces and colours, lashings of leather and sporty metallic detailing. Most importantly, though, BMW promises that its exceptionally stiff body structure and engineering means that the Z4 Coupe is "conceived for active motoring" and "gives its occupants a direct feeling for the road combined with pure driving pleasure." Yes please.
more pics here: http://www.channel4.com/4car/gallery/concepts/B/bmw/z4.html