BMW Z4 M Axed - Report
BMW cites the severe downturn in car sales and a lack of customer demand for the model as reasons for killing the Z4 M
By Alex Ricciuti
March 21, 2009 7:47 AM
Filed Under: BMW, German, Rumours
Sadly, BMW has confirmed that it has canceled the Z4 M.
The automaker said the economic downturn and a lack of customer interest in the model ruled out going forward with an M version of the Z4.
But it seems odd to cite the crisis hitting automotive sales as a reason for killing the model when the company is also going forward with the X5 M and the X6 M and a whole host of new products that are large, expensive and not very economical on fuel costs.
So maybe the second reason cited was a larger factor than they are letting on, the lack of customer demand. Hard to imagine that of all the new upcoming BMW models, including the 5-series GT, that the Z4 would be the one where customer interest in an M version hasn't been piqued enough.
A BMW spokesperson was quoted by iMotor.co.uk as saying,"Given the current economic crisis there is no business case for a full-on M version of the Z4." The spokesperson also admitted that the X5 M and X6 M were given the go-ahead before the collapse in sales which, in many cases, have hit premium brands just as hard as the volume automakers.
The consolation prize will be an M Sport package for the Z4, like the one for the 135i. That would include a few M-badges tucked here and there but mainly on the steering wheel, a more tightly tuned suspension, a body kit and bigger alloy wheels. Couple all that with the BMW's 3.0 liter, twin-turbo with 306 hp and it should pack enough of a punch. What else do you want? Don't you know there's global economic crisis?
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Comments
This brings back the relevance of having BMW tuners and keep revenue stream coming in for BMW et al.
Edited by user on March 21, 2009 at 2:35 PM
Sure the car has it's flaws, but it's not that bad.
Edited by user on March 22, 2009 at 3:04 AM
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I can't wait for all the comments complaining about why there is a X5 M and no Z4 M.
Let's see who's actually going to read the article.