MIMS 2009 – BMW

In his last address at an Australian motor show Guenther Seemann, Managing Director of BMW Group Australia, presented one of the most stunning concept cars ever made. The BMW M1 Hommage. Just look at it! It is stunning.

Seemann announced he would be moving up the corporate ladder to the position of regional director for the sales region Asia, Pacific and South Africa. He has been replaced by Australian born Stavros Yallouridis. See the BMW website for more.

The other highlight for BMW was the local reveal of the all-new Z4. The new roadster is set to kick more goals for BMW with its appealing looks and classic sportscar styling.

The new Z4 will be seen on Australian roads in May and pricing begin with the sDrive23i model at $86,200. Two other models complete the Australian Z4 range, the sDrive30i priced from $98,100, and the sDrive35i priced from $116,900.

Audio from the presentation is accessible below, and more pics and the Z4 press release are all yours after the jump.

[audio:http://www.ausmotive.com/audio/MIMS09-BMW.mp3]

BMW Announces Pricing for the All-New BMW Z4 Roadster

The all-new BMW Z4 Roadster makes its Australian debut at the Melbourne International Motor Show today, 27 February 2009.

The new generation of the much-loved BMW sportscar will commence deliveries to customers in May, and is available with a two-piece retractable hardtop for the first time.

The new BMW Z4 Roadster is powered by one of three highly-efficient BMW six-cylinder engines with the most powerful being a twin turbo 3.0-litre high precision injection engine generating 225 kW of power and 400 Nm of torque. This engine will take the car from 0-100 km/h in just 5.1 seconds.

There is also a normally aspirated 3.0-litre version, as well as a smaller capacity 2.5-litre version to round off the range.

The BMW Z4 Roadster’s trademark performance and agility has been enhanced in this new generation, which also gains a new naming structure: BMW Z4 sDrive.

Thus the Roadster range begins with the BMW Z4 sDrive23i, priced from $86,200, includes the BMW Z4 sDrive30i priced from $98,100, and is topped off by the BMW Z4 sDrive35i priced from $116,900.

Compared with the previous generation BMW Z4, which comprised both Roadster and Coupé models, the new single body style BMW Z4 adds the retractable lightweight hardtop, the option of a seven-speed sports automatic transmission with double clutch for the Z4 sDrive35i, greater cabin space, and a slightly larger bodyshell all round, including larger doors for easier entry.

The bonnet, roof panels and front guards are made from aluminium, as is much of the suspension. The retractable roof stows or unfolds in 20 seconds.

Standard equipment includes Kansas leather upholstery equipped with BMW SunReflective Technology, cruise control with brake function, Park Distance Control front and rear, electromechanical parking brake, electronic differential lock, Dynamic Driving Control, Bi-Xenon headlights, heated seats, through loading feature, engine stop/start button, Bluetooth handsfree technology, AUX-in connection and the handy USB interface.

A large array of options and option packages are available reflecting the strong desire to personalise the BMW Z4 by prospective owners.

The options list includes BMW Adaptive M suspension, a traditional six-speed sports automatic gearbox with steering wheel mounted paddles (except
Z4 sDrive35i which offers the seven-speed sports automatic with double clutch), light alloy wheels up to 19-inches in diameter, sport seats, power seat adjustment, lumbar support, adaptive headlights, TV function, Professional Navigation, extended leather in the standard ‘Kansas’ seat trim, or the option of the Character Package ‘Design Pure White’ which includes ‘Nappa’ leather trim Ivory white, sport seats and fine-wood trim fineline anthracite. Some of these features are standard on some models.

The BMW Z4 has always been one of the most dynamic open top two-seater sportscars in the premium class delivering an unmatched mix of front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout, close to 50/50 weight distribution, pin-sharp steering and tremendous grip.

The new BMW Z4 seats its occupants lower and further back for an even more dynamic driving sensation.

The BMW dealer network will welcome the all-new BMW Z4 Roadster in late May.

“The BMW Z4 Roadster exists to deliver an exhilarating driving experience for the enthusiast,” says Guenther Seemann, Managing Director of BMW Group Australia.

“We are delighted to welcome this new generation model with its powerful engines, innovative transmission and for the first time on a BMW two-seater, a two-piece retractable hardtop.

“This combination of features will give us the opportunity to make the best case yet for BMW style, performance and safety in a very sporting machine.

“The BMW Z4 Roadster is a both a practical all-year round driver’s car and the means by which motoring adventures can be enjoyed to the full. If you’re looking for an excuse for a long-weekend away, the BMW Z4 Roadster delivers the means,” he says.