--BMW has confirmed that it has canceled the Z4 M--
#1
03-21-2009, 02:57 PM
--BMW has confirmed that it has canceled the Z4 M--
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?
source:worldcarfans.com
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?
source:worldcarfans.com
#2
03-21-2009, 03:44 PM
A X5 and X6 M,but no M version of a BMW sports car?
that`s ridiculous!
instead of producing a M1 and a Z4M they are putting the M-badge on two overweight grocery trucks..
that`s ridiculous!
instead of producing a M1 and a Z4M they are putting the M-badge on two overweight grocery trucks..
#3
03-21-2009, 03:50 PM
That's because BMW have always been dumb in every possible way you could ever imagine!!
I seriously can't figure out a reason by creating the 5series GT !!!!!! They already have the X6, it looks exactly the same but the 5series is lower to the ground.....
Reason of Bankruptcy: Stupidity.
I seriously can't figure out a reason by creating the 5series GT !!!!!! They already have the X6, it looks exactly the same but the 5series is lower to the ground.....
Reason of Bankruptcy: Stupidity.
#5
03-21-2009, 10:13 PM
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I hardly ever see Z4 M's around, I think they know their own business better then you guys do... I wouldn't be so quick on giving them advice on which of THEIR OWN products sell well and which don't.
#6
03-22-2009, 12:49 AM
i agree on that as well. i rarely see reg z4s. maybe good choice for them(?)
#7
03-22-2009, 01:49 AM
yeah they weren't doing too good here in us with m coupe/roadsters. I personally was waiting to see what they do to new z4m though but oh well..
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#9
03-22-2009, 01:58 AM
I knew that this would be coming up
Of course a Z4M or a M3 CSL would struggle to bring in even just a fraction of the money that a 5 Series GT,the X5 and X6 makes.
It`s the same as it is with Porsche,...the Cayenne is not a traditional Porsche,but it brought in a lot of money.
I wrote my point from a enthusiasts pov,not from a business analysts pov
Of course a Z4M or a M3 CSL would struggle to bring in even just a fraction of the money that a 5 Series GT,the X5 and X6 makes.
It`s the same as it is with Porsche,...the Cayenne is not a traditional Porsche,but it brought in a lot of money.
I wrote my point from a enthusiasts pov,not from a business analysts pov
#11
03-22-2009, 02:23 PM
Take these claims with a grain of salt - BMW always says there won't be a Z-whatever M. They said the same thing about the Z3 and previous Z4. The truth is they don't want buyers waiting 3 years for the Z4M while the standard car sits on lots.
Besdes, the business case for the Z*Ms has always been the same. Five years after the M3 is launched, sales will have slowed, so they've got the extra M3 engine-building capacity and not enough M3s to use them. The Z is always based on the 3-series chassis, so you can swap all the hardware over easily and create a new model for next to nothing and generate excitement and fresh ink.
Besdes, the business case for the Z*Ms has always been the same. Five years after the M3 is launched, sales will have slowed, so they've got the extra M3 engine-building capacity and not enough M3s to use them. The Z is always based on the 3-series chassis, so you can swap all the hardware over easily and create a new model for next to nothing and generate excitement and fresh ink.
#12
03-22-2009, 04:38 PM
Take these claims with a grain of salt - BMW always says there won't be a Z-whatever M. They said the same thing about the Z3 and previous Z4. The truth is they don't want buyers waiting 3 years for the Z4M while the standard car sits on lots.
Besdes, the business case for the Z*Ms has always been the same. Five years after the M3 is launched, sales will have slowed, so they've got the extra M3 engine-building capacity and not enough M3s to use them. The Z is always based on the 3-series chassis, so you can swap all the hardware over easily and create a new model for next to nothing and generate excitement and fresh ink.
Besdes, the business case for the Z*Ms has always been the same. Five years after the M3 is launched, sales will have slowed, so they've got the extra M3 engine-building capacity and not enough M3s to use them. The Z is always based on the 3-series chassis, so you can swap all the hardware over easily and create a new model for next to nothing and generate excitement and fresh ink.
I'd be happy with something with an M tuned suspension since you can tune the hell out of an N54 pretty easily.
#14
03-22-2009, 05:46 PM
Take these claims with a grain of salt - BMW always says there won't be a Z-whatever M. They said the same thing about the Z3 and previous Z4. The truth is they don't want buyers waiting 3 years for the Z4M while the standard car sits on lots.
Besdes, the business case for the Z*Ms has always been the same. Five years after the M3 is launched, sales will have slowed, so they've got the extra M3 engine-building capacity and not enough M3s to use them. The Z is always based on the 3-series chassis, so you can swap all the hardware over easily and create a new model for next to nothing and generate excitement and fresh ink.
Besdes, the business case for the Z*Ms has always been the same. Five years after the M3 is launched, sales will have slowed, so they've got the extra M3 engine-building capacity and not enough M3s to use them. The Z is always based on the 3-series chassis, so you can swap all the hardware over easily and create a new model for next to nothing and generate excitement and fresh ink.
i miss my z4m..
#15
03-24-2009, 02:35 PM
you know what?
yesterday we had the official Z4 premiere in Munich and the new Z4s could be seen driving around without any camouflage except on the BMW badge for weeks now,but 2 days ago I saw a Z4 driving in full camouflage...
so obviously there`s still something to hide
yesterday we had the official Z4 premiere in Munich and the new Z4s could be seen driving around without any camouflage except on the BMW badge for weeks now,but 2 days ago I saw a Z4 driving in full camouflage...
so obviously there`s still something to hide