Will The New Z4m Be A V8

[bigjae1976]

I don't think BMW will consider a new Z4M until the current economic conditions improve. BMW seems a little smarter and won't perform a GM-like move.

[Tenorino]

Originally Posted by Revelate

It's funny how many people say, with any indication of authority on the subject, that the new Z4 will be this and won't be that. Just look at history to understand what BMW does and doesn't do.

For the first 3 years of its life, BMW publicly and repeatedly stressed that the E85 Z4 wouldn't be released in an M version. What happened?

Rumors float around that the E85 Z4 would never have a V8 because it "doesn't fit". Don't tell that to AC Schnitzer, Hartge and Getrag, or any of the many race teams who build V8 powered Z4s. A V8 definitely fits. The only possible "doesn't fit" explanation could be that it doesn't fit in the way BMW needs to mass produce them (chassis drops onto drivetrain on the production line so the engine must fit entirely between the frame rails and firewall). BMW can put a V8 in a scooter if they wanted to, but it has to make money.

So the question remains.. Will the E89 Z4 get an M version? Will it be a V8? I can answer all your BMW speculative questions right now!!! The answer is: definitely maybe.

There's always MAYBE but take a look around, the economy stinks globally and big engines are going out of style in a hurry. It is almost certain the M3 will not have the V8 very soon (will be a classic) and forced induction is the wave of the present and future for BMW and many other car makers. Let's get out of our fantasy bubbles and stop thinkking as though these car companies have all the money to spend to make these juvenile whims and wishes come true when they dont make sense financially.

[AndyE1976]

I think the teller for a Z4M will be the success of the X5 and X6 M versions. Everyone expects a forced induction engine in the next M3 or possibly even in the E9x as a midlife update if sales slow down.

If it's a 6 then it might fit the Z4 in mass production and therefore may open the doors to a cost-effective Z4M, if it's the TT V8 from the X6 with a little M treatment then that would be great for the M3, but not for the Z4M as I can't see the 4 handling that much power or being able to fit that engine.

If the X5M and X6M tank then I don't think BMW will have the money to add more M variants for a while. Although they could rush out a Z4M as a way to bolster the M brand.

I know this is all pointless speculation, but this place is so quiet lately it's quite amusing just to dream a little. Some of the early Pshops people did with the M3 bumper really showed the potential for this new model.

[dds]

255 hp or twin turbo 300 hp, both inline 6 cylinders 3L. Why in the world do you need a freckin V8!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[arter]

Especially as it is quite easy to boost the turbo to 400 HP like is being done on the 335i for little money......

[BMWPower06]

BRING BACK THE S54B32 but stroke it to 3.4L and rework the cams, intake etc to boost power to the ~380hp range with an 8500RPM redline. MY GOD, I would buy two Z4Ms if they did this. One to keep forever for being such a masterpiece and one to actually drive

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by ShaneV78

Well based on the fact that the X5/6M models are now confirmed with an upgraded version of the 4.4 V8-TT... perhaps BMW will just amp-up the I6-TT with more aggressive cams & boost and call it the Z4M.

+1

Smart money says this is the way they will go.

It would be a bit of a sell-out, but it may still happen!

I agree it's taking a bit of a step back. Nothing wrong with turbos per se, but I love the high revving M motors. If BMW can build a high revving turbo, then that would be great but it seems it would need to be a short stroke 3L V8 (or something) rather than a turbo I6. I don't think they'll go that route unfortunately.

[rc'Z]

Maybe the car is longer and wider than the old Z4 just because they plan on putting in a V8?

[BK]

Originally Posted by rc'Z

Maybe the car is longer and wider than the old Z4 just because they plan on putting in a V8?

I don't have the specs, but I'd guess the I6 is actually a bit longer than the V8, isn't it?

[BMWPower06]

Originally Posted by BK

I don't have the specs, but I'd guess the I6 is actually a bit longer than the V8, isn't it?

Simple math would suggest so. 4 Cylinders in a line or 6... But at the same token a V8 is gonna be wider.

This car is too small to have a V8 in it. You don't wanna be like MB and stick a V8 in every model you have. I really want them to bring back the S54 I6 just up the power a bit

[rc'Z]

Originally Posted by BMWPower06

Simple math would suggest so. 4 Cylinders in a line or 6... But at the same token a V8 is gonna be wider.

This car is too small to have a V8 in it. You don't wanna be like MB and stick a V8 in every model you have. I really want them to bring back the S54 I6 just up the power a bit

Think Sunbeam Tiger, AC Cobra..........V8--- to small?

[PIMP "E"]

i decided not to buy a M3 cause i figured the Z4///M will be out soon. they have to make one.

[BMWPower06]

Originally Posted by rc'Z

Think Sunbeam Tiger, AC Cobra..........V8--- to small?

lol the cobra wasnt really the best handling car in the world at the time

[darkphantom]

the TT V8 from the X6 won't fit?