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2007 BMW M Coupe & Roadster
By Tony Whitney
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If there’s one thing more exciting than the introduction of a
new model from BMW, it’s the news of a new car bearing the Bavarian
automaker’s legendary “M” badge.
For 2007, BMW is launching a new M Roadster and an M Coupe too
- and both cars will be available during the current model year.
There are no price details yet, but in time, I’ll be testing both
models more fully for the Richmond Auto Mall website and releasing
additional details.
The M Roadster has been expected for some time, but the M Coupe
was one of the surprises of recent auto shows in Europe, North
America and Asia. First shown as a concept, it attracted so much
favorable comment from media and public alike that the decision
was taken by the BMW board to build the car.
The first M Coupe was an fascinatingly controversial piece of
styling - a stubby hatchback that auto fans either loved or hated.
What was never in doubt was the car’s astonishing handling and
performance. Even for a BMW, it won endless praise for the way
it could be tossed through the tightest curve and exit with power
levels that would bring a contented smile to the face of a race
car driver.
The new M Coupe is based, as one might expect, on the excellent
Z4 platform. This time around, the car will prompt less argument
with regard to styling - it looks outstandingly well-balanced
from every angle and performance promises to exceed even that
of the earlier version. Although closely related to the M Roadster,
BMW points out that the car “goes its own way with design and
styling,” There’s a purposeful-looking front air dam and other
subtle body modifications. Overall, this a very impressive-looking
sports coupe with performance to match the promise of its aggressive
lines.
Power comes from a 3.2-litre inline six-cylinder similar to the
one used in BMW’s M3 model. It’s a potent and torquey unit, putting
out an impressive 343-horsepower - a substantial amount of performance
for what is a fairly light automobile. With an output per litre
of close to 106-horsepower, this is a solid achievement from the
M engineers who seem to be able to upstage themselves every time
a new performance model comes along.
Not surprisingly, off-the-mark prowess is exhilarating to say
the least. 100 km/h comes up on the stylish speedo in just five
seconds and the top speed would be well beyond 250 km/h if an
electronic limiter system didn’t deny the driver even faster progress.
I’ve always noted when driving M BMWs on unlimited Autobahns that
even at 250 km/h, the cars seem safe and stable with no feeling
whatsoever of “impending disaster.”
Even if you never plan to drive anywhere near those levels, it’s
nice to know that your BMW has vast reserves of performance and
safety. The huge ABS disc brakes unfailingly match performance
with these M cars and I’m always impressed by the way they can
be brought gently and confidently down to a leisurely pace, even
from the highest speeds.
Transmission for the M Coupe is a six-speed manual with well-chosen
ratios to get the best from the engine’s considerable torque.
The transmission is designed with very short throws for effortless
shifting. Not too many sports car enthusiasts - even those who
own rival products - can deny that BMW produces the best manual
transmissions out there.
Suspension is similar to that of the M Roadster, but it’s been
“tweaked” to better serve the dynamics of the closed car. BMW
points out that when a group of its test drivers took an M Coupe,
an M Roadster and an M3 to the big Nurburgring circuit for a comparison
test, it was the Coupe that recorded the best lap times.
Of course, for many diehard fans of sports models, “coupes are
for wimps” and there’s no substitute for a roadster and the joys
of wind-in-the-hair motoring. For them, BMW will be shipping the
new Z4 M Roadster this spring and it promises to be an extraordinarily
good car.
Adding the M powerplant to an already exciting roadster like the
Z4 should make for a highly desirable automobile by any standards.
Like its Coupe stablemate, the M Roadster is powered by one of
those wonderful BMW straight sixes and has similar ratings of
343-horsepower and the same five second dash to 100 km/h - probably
even more exciting in an open car. The design of the Z4 Roadster
has been freshened for 2006 and the M version, of course, benefits
from these subtle upgrades.
Both cars offer a highly driver-oriented interior, aimed at providing
ease of access to all controls even when engaged in fast runs
on roads demanding full concentration. The seats are hip-hugging
and even keep the shoulders in place when really tight bends present
themselves. Materials for the cockpit were chosen with great care
and there’s not a trace the kind of cost-cutting cheapness that
can often be found even in quite expensive automobiles.
Thanks to thoughtful design and meticulous assembly standards,
the cockpit of a BMW Z4 M Roadster or M Coupe is is a pleasure
to operate from - or to ride in. The Roadster’s top is very snug
when up and wind noise is surprisingly low, even at high speed.
When taken down, it tucks neatly out of sight.
To add to this “surfeit of riches,” BMW has announced that it’s
bringing us a new 3-Series coupe with very individualistic styling
(it’s not just a “two-door sedan”) and no less than a twin turbo
inline six under its hood. Stand by for more details.
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