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All Torque! |
by Murph. |
BMW joins the retro-brigade |
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In 1995 BMW launched the Z3 into a market which was just beginning to move back to the heydays of sporty open top motoring. The 1.9i was disappointing as it lacked the power to match the sporty appearance. However, it was compact and looked the part with it's soft top. In an effort to
maintain its image and panache it was decided to launch the gutsy 2.8i with fatter arches, stiffer suspension and electric hood. The trend had been set. Not content with their efforts further development lead to the launch of the M during 1998. This typified a true enthusiasts car with revised front and rear bumpers, 4 chrome tailpipes and again those fat wheel arches. Just when we thought the M was the ultimate on offer the Z8 was conceived!
The recent Detroit Motor Show heralded the announcement of the Z8 in its production form. This will be an exclusive limited run production model with up to date technological gimmickery. Born out of the desire to recreate the 1956 BMW 507, BMW have created a car with exotic styling coupled to dynamic performance. With its styling closely linked to the Z07 concept car it keeps the hallmark BMW kidneys albeit much broader. The long bonnet line flows into the muscular wheel arches along the wide opening doors, rounding off to a shapely but purposeful tail which is complemented with 4 large tailpipes. The air scoops on it's front wings are reminiscent of the 507. A luxurious interior includes leather trim and retro instrument binnacle. Under the skin the Z8 is built on an aluminium spaceframe which will carry the all aluminium body (plastic bumpers). It will ride on aluminium suspension components first introduced on the 5 series. The 5-litre engine is also taken from the 5 Series - the M5 no less! No ordinary power plant. It should have potentially stunning performance with 0-62mph in under five seconds. Murph - 10 Feb 1999 |
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Engine Spec: 5.0-litre 8 Cylinder Maximum Power: 400bhp Gearbox: 6 speed manual Steering: Power-assisted rack and pinion Wheels: 18'x 8' Front / 18' x 9' Rear Tyres: 245x40x18 Front / 275x40x18 Rear |
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