Audi BMW

After the successful “Darth Maul” project, the folks over at MWDesign return with a new, exciting moding project. Dubbed “Slingshot”, the new project revolves around the BMW Z4 Roadster.

Without any further ado, we will let MWDesign tell us the story behind the car.

“At MWDesign, we are huge fans of all genres of design whether it is automotive, interior, architectural or even product design.

Inspiration for car themes often comes from random thoughts or from influences in our daily lives. These themes can be developed from something as basic as a single color or from something as complex as an abstract feeling provoked by an image or words but in this case was developed from a sport we are also passionate about; golf.

Like vehicle tuning and customization, golf is a highly technical sport, which requires top tier engineering and design of its precision equipment to enhance performance.

In golf, while technical innovation is important, aesthetics and design are never forgotten which is an ideal that we like to convey through our projects.

In our concepts we love to combine a collection of over-thought out details to create the overall image and theme of the vehicle. Rather than using several large and explicit details that do not flow, we prefer to build layers with details and textures that may not be immediately appreciated upon first glance. Factory like finishing and quality is of the utmost importance to each project build.

Modern, subdued finishes selected are devoid of polished and chrome surfaces unless absolutely necessary to avoid an overtly “shiny” and gaudy look.

For this specific E89 build, asides from loving the boldness of lime green, we have also had the pleasure of owning the Slingshot series of golf clubs crafted by Nike. This shade of green associated with the Slingshot series was the perfect starting base for our choice of green accenting color.

Lime green is one of the wildest colors on the entire color wheel. This color is perhaps best associated with extreme cars such as the “Verde Ithaca” from the Lamborghini Gallardo and Murcielago lines as well as “Sublime” from the Mopar greats such as the 70’s Plymouth ‘Cuda, Dodge Challenger and Charger.

In our opinion it is one of the hardest colors to use successfully without looking overly excessive and out of place. For this reason, we had to use the color sparingly in combination with a monochromatic backdrop. A gradient from black, gunmetal grey battleship grey, to white is used to create a wide palette that still stresses neutrality but can still match the green.

Modulare wheels have sponsored our build with a set of 20” H1 three-piece wheels. We specified these wheels to be custom built with a highly detailed tinted brushed aluminum finish. From far the wheels look to be painted gunmetal but upon closer inspection they reveal the beauty of a machine brushed finish through the depth of a high gloss tinted clearcoat.

The wheel lips are then finished in a gloss black to provide a visually cohesive look with the long low body of the E89.

Toyo Tires has sponsored us with a set of our personal favorite T1-R tires in 245/30/20 and 285/25/20 to keep the Z4 planted in conjunction with the H&R suspension.

IND Distribution / Eisenmann USA has stepped in to provide us with the first prototype exhaust for E89 Z4 3.5 turbo. The exhaust system by itself is an amazing system that spans from the end canister to the catalysts. The end result is an awesome looking rear profile with an increase in power and torque with a low powerful tone without droning.

To match our monochromatic scheme, we had the entire exhaust system custom powdercoated matte black.

To further increase the Z4’s power into supercar contention territory, our friends at DINAN sponsored the vehicle with an ECU upgrade. The ECU upgrade is definitely the best dollar for enjoyment modification adding a sizeable 78 horsepower and 116 pound feet of torque.

When added in conjunction with STETT Performance’s front mount intercooler and diverter valves, air passes through colder and more freely resulting in greater power output. STETT’s FMIC intercooler for E89 is rated for 620 horsepower and is made from top grade aluminum and 304 stainless piping.

To complete the car visually, we applied our “CONCEPTuning” approach to digitally render the car with the correct exterior modifications. Careful selection of area to accentuate with green, grey and carbon fiber were crucial in creating the correct look for the Z4. We are proud to say that our digital render is a 100% likeness to the final result.

The CONCEPTuning approach is vital in our tailoring of vehicles to ensure that the end result is precise and is loved by the client prior to ordering a single part to avoid having costly mistakes.

To complete the look we added a polyurethane front lip spoiler by AC Schnitzer with a custom made carbon fiber splitter that follows the curvature of the front add-on. Bodywork and paint for the aerodynamics and roll bars were done for us by Bismark Collision Facility in Richmond BC.

Our good friends at 3D Design in Japan sponsored the rear spoiler and matte carbon for our project build. The design of the rear lip spoiler and the rear diffuser was our first choice to complete the rear for this build. The weave and quality of the rear carbon fiber diffuser is absolutely flawless and perhaps the finest that we have seen.

To complete the rest of our theme, we dropped the car off at our long time business partners at Blitzgear in Richmond BC. They followed our render with absolute accuracy and created a matte carbon fiber fin to fit within the character lines of the front hood, retractable hardtop and trunk lid bordered with a battleship grey pinstripe.

Lime green accents were strategically added to the front bumper air ducts, underneath the rear diffuser, wheel lip striping and to the roll bar backs.

In our opinion this was just the perfect amount, grey and carbon to accent with the factory body to create the colorful yet minimalist modern technical look we were trying to achieve.

We feel that the use of modern finishing, precision engineering and no compromise design and aesthetics parallel to the sport of golf, which inspired us for this build. Our selection of a specific lime green also pays a great reference and homage to the amazing Nike Slingshot series of clubs and drivers that we have had the pleasure of owning and using.

The only thing missing from this build at the moment is a set of custom big brakes, which is currently in development.

Modlist:

PERFORMANCE

Dinan Stage II+ ECU Upgrade
**power rating at 400hp @ 420lb.ft torque
Eisenmann “Black Series” Quad Exhaust System + Midpipe
Stett Performance Front Mount Intercooler
Stett Performance Diverter Valves + Charge Pipe
Race Precision Intake Filter

EXTERIOR

AC Schnitzer Front Addon Spoiler with Custom Lime Green Vinyl Accents
3DDesign Matte Carbon Fibre Quad Rear Diffuser with Custom Lime Green Vinyl Accents
3DDesign Rear Spoiler
Custom Carbon Fibre Front Lower Splitters
OEM BMW Performance Front Kidney Grilles
Custom Carbon Fibre Vinyl Exterior Accents with Primer Grey Bordering
Custom Lime Green Painted Roll Bars with Plexi Wind Deflector

WHEELS/TIRES/SUSPENSION

Modulare Forged H1 20×8.5 F 20×10 R Wheels in Tinted Brushed Center + Gloss Black Lip Finish with Custom Primer Grey/Lime Green Accents
Custom Tinted Brushed Aluminium Center Caps with Primer Grey Accents
Toyo Proxes T1R 245/30/20 F 285/25/20 R Tires
Eibach Pro Sports Springs with Reinforced Shock Mounts and Bump Stops
H&R Adjustable Front and Rear Swaybars

BIG THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS WHO MADE THIS PROJECT POSSIBLE…

Modulare Forged
3d Design Japan
Eisenmann Germany
IND Distribution
Stett Performance
AC Schnitzer
Toyo Tires
Auto West BMW
Blitzgear
Dinan USA

[Source: MWDesign ]

Press Release: With its classic roadster proportions, the BMW Z4 is in equal measure the embodiment of sporty driving pleasure and premium elegance. The Design Pure Impulse equipment package available as from September 2010 offers the perfect opportunity to emphasise the two-seater’s sporting aesthetics in a particularly intensive way.

It comprises an exclusive combination of colours and materials featured on interior elements, specifically emphasising the vehicle’s dynamic character. The Design Pure Impulse equipment package can also be combined with a new, likewise exclusive body paint colour.

The most significant feature of the Design Pure Impulse equipment package is the choice of precisely matching interior colours and materials. Like the equipment package Design Pure White, which accentuates the roadster’s premium elegance and was already presented at the launch of the BMW Z4, the package’s configuration is based on the recommendations of the BMW design team.

Exclusive components of the Design Pure Impulse equipment package are the black Alcantara / Nappa leather sports seats Circuit with yellow colour accents, a black Alcantara surface décor with a yellow contrast seam on the front seat passenger side as well as high-grade BMW Individual interior trim strips in a black piano lacquer finish.

The sporting ambience is complemented by an anthracite BMW Individual roof lining, yellow Alcantara inserts in the door linings, the lower section of the instrument panel also in yellow as well as structural fabric car mats. The arm rests on the centre console and in the doors are covered with high-quality black Nappa leather. The body colour plain Atacama Yellow is available exclusively for the Design Pure Impulse equipment package. Alternatively, there is an option of Alpine White, plain Black, Space Grey metallic, Titanium Silver or Sapphire Black metallic.

[Source: BMW ]

And we thought we have seen it all…..

The friends over at  Axis of Oversteer bring us straight from Beijing some photos of an unusual BMW. Somewhere on the streets of Chinese metropola, a BMW Z4 made out stone lays there without much attention from the crowd.

But since we get excited by anything and everything BMW, we thought we will bring them forward to you. The BMW Z4 Coupe was entirely made out of stone and mortar and…..it even includes an “interior design” and windows.

Judging by the “design lines” and focus on details, the stoned Z4 might have taken quite some time to be built, and we can only appreciate these type of enthusiasts.

[Source: Axis of Oversteer | Photos: Eric Brum]

BMW UK comes to spoil the bimmer community once again with a new set of wallpapers portraying the 2010 E89 BMW Z4 Roadster. The car photographed sports the gorgeous Deep Sea Blue color that we have just seen recently on the BMW X1 as well.

The new, refreshed BMW Z4 made its debut in 2009 at the Detroit Auto Show and it was designed by two talented female designers: Juliane Blasi – exterior design, Nadia Arnaud – interior design(now at Tesla Motors).

The BMW Z4 Roadster has been considered for years one of the most passionate cars in the BMW line-up and the all-new 2010 Z4 extends that feeling even further. With every roadster built, BMW’s ultimate goal is to connect the driver with the car, offering that famed Sheer Driving Pleasure.

Along with the more elegant and cohesive design, the new Z4 features some of the latest technologies developed by BMW. In a competitive segment dominated by roadsters from Porsche, Mercedes and Audi, BMW needed to demonstrate its ability to build high-performance cars that will sell not only based on style, but mostly on dynamics and pleasure of driving.

Juliane Blasi, exterior designer Z4, finds the right words to define the new roadster in a single phrase: “If the car wants to be emotional and sexy, it needs to speak the language of people and not the language of a product.” And this quote is closer to the truth that you can imagine.

The two-seater Z4 illustrates the perfect roadster: long massive hood, small rear-end and muscular panels. As explained by BMW, the new Z4 has some influences, both in the exterior and interior design, from the now defunct super roadster Z8.

Like the exterior, the cabin has been completely redesigned. It is by far one of the best interior designs we have seen in a BMW to date and it has been “penned” by Nadya Arnaout, Interior Designer of the CS Concept as well. The new Z4 interior marks the return of the driver oriented dashboard, the first step in creating that connection between the car and its driver.

At its core, the Z4 still represents the image of a true roadster, a car built for high speeds over long distances and last but not least, a fun ride that brings out the joy in any driver.

BMW has proved again that they are on the right track and the shift in both interior and exterior design has been highly praised by BMW fans and not only. Sure, it doesn’t carry the M brand name on it, but with the latest sporty iteration Z4 sDrive35is, the driving experience gets closer to an M.

BMW UK comes to spoil the bimmer community once again with a new set of wallpapers portraying the 2010 E89 BMW Z4 Roadster. The car photographed sports the gorgeous Deep Sea Blue color that we have just seen recently on the BMW X1 as well.

The new, refreshed BMW Z4 made its debut in 2009 at the Detroit Auto Show and it was designed by two talented female designers: Juliane Blasi – exterior design, Nadia Arnaud – interior design(now at Tesla Motors).

The BMW Z4 Roadster has been considered for years one of the most passionate cars in the BMW line-up and the all-new 2010 Z4 extends that feeling even further. With every roadster built, BMW’s ultimate goal is to connect the driver with the car, offering that famed Sheer Driving Pleasure.

Along with the more elegant and cohesive design, the new Z4 features some of the latest technologies developed by BMW. In a competitive segment dominated by roadsters from Porsche, Mercedes and Audi, BMW needed to demonstrate its ability to build high-performance cars that will sell not only based on style, but mostly on dynamics and pleasure of driving.

Juliane Blasi, exterior designer Z4, finds the right words to define the new roadster in a single phrase: “If the car wants to be emotional and sexy, it needs to speak the language of people and not the language of a product.” And this quote is closer to the truth that you can imagine.

The two-seater Z4 illustrates the perfect roadster: long massive hood, small rear-end and muscular panels. As explained by BMW, the new Z4 has some influences, both in the exterior and interior design, from the now defunct super roadster Z8.

Like the exterior, the cabin has been completely redesigned. It is by far one of the best interior designs we have seen in a BMW to date and it has been “penned” by Nadya Arnaout, Interior Designer of the CS Concept as well. The new Z4 interior marks the return of the driver oriented dashboard, the first step in creating that connection between the car and its driver.

At its core, the Z4 still represents the image of a true roadster, a car built for high speeds over long distances and last but not least, a fun ride that brings out the joy in any driver.

BMW has proved again that they are on the right track and the shift in both interior and exterior design has been highly praised by BMW fans and not only. Sure, it doesn’t carry the M brand name on it, but with the latest sporty iteration Z4 sDrive35is, the driving experience gets closer to an M.

In order to celebrate 70 years from the Mille Miglia victory back in 1940s with Fritz Huschke von Hanstein and Walter Baumer driving a BMW 328 MM Touring Coupe, BMW announced a new variant of the new E89 2010 Z4 sDrive35is: Limited Edition Mille Miglia.

To keep this model very exclusive, BMW will only build 99 units, each coming with a Polaris Metallic matte finish, blacked out front grill, an M aerodynamic kit and 19-inch wheels finished in Dark Chrome. The Mille Miglia branding will be displayed both on the inside and outside the Roadster.

The interior design gets a sporty treatment with leather and Alcantara red stitching. The M Steering Wheel gets an update as well by adding red stitching around it.

The engine remains the same, the upgraded N54 version, 3.0-liter 6-cylinder twin turbo engine delivering 340 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The engine is matted to a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

0 to 62mph is expected in just 4.8 seconds and top speed is limited to 155mph.

Stay tuned next week for our own review of the 2010 BMW Z4 sDrive35is.

Did we mention it will be around the race track?

[Source: Autoblog.it ]

Nearly 80 years after the first BMW roadster went on sale, the latest and most powerful of the current generation Z4 has been launched in the UK. The new BMW Z4 sDrive35is features a host of innovations including a two-piece, electro-hydraulically operated Retractable Hard-Top roof that can be raised or lowered in 20 seconds. It also has Adaptive M Sport Suspension as standard. This system offers electronically controlled dampers that offer three different configurations from Normal to Sport+ so a driver can fine tune the car’s set-up. The adaptive system features a ride height 10mm lower than the standard car for a more dynamic drive.

The standard Drive Dynamic Control function is another feature on the new range flagship and allows the driver to alter the chassis configuration to suit their needs. Now the vehicle has the capability to morph between comfortable yet sporty cruiser through to outright performance car. The throttle and steering response, level of ride comfort, Dynamic Stability Control Plus response and, on automatic or Double Clutch Transmission cars, gear change times can all be altered.

Model/Price OTR/Power Hp/Torque Nm/Zero – 62mph Seconds/Top speed mph/Combined mpg/Emissions g/km

BMW Z4 sDrive35is/£44,220/340/450-500**/4.8/155*/31.4/210

*Electronically-limited. ** Maximum figure achieved with torque overboost function.

Drivetrain
To underscore the potency of the latest BMW Z4 the model comes powered by an advanced version of an International Engine of the Year winner in the shape of the 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged engine. The 340hp BMW Z4 sDrive35is powers its way from zero to 62mph in 4.8 seconds before going on to an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. This strong performance credentials are matched in terms of economy and emissions. The Z4 sDrive35is records a combined consumption figure of 31.4mpg and CO2 emissions of 210g/km.

Transmitting the power to the road is a seven-speed Double Clutch Transmission, again with gear shift paddles located on the steering wheel. The gearshift response times have been accelerated on the new Z4 flagship for a more sporting gear change compared to the existing transmission. This gearbox is teamed with a launch control system which allows drivers to experience the maximum acceleration performance of the car with ease.

Increased comfort and practicality
BMW’s roadster is larger than its E85 predecessor (built 2002 to 2008) measuring 148mm longer at 4,239mm and 9mm wider at 1,790mm, and this results in greater interior space and luggage capacity. With the roof up, headroom has been increased by 44mm while the greater car width and design enhancements have led to 20mm more shoulder room and 43mm more elbow room.

Driver visibility in the BMW Z4 has also been improved. All round visibility is up by 14 per cent while, courtesy of the four electric windows creating a larger glasshouse, side visibility is up 40 per cent. The Retractable Hard-Top roof features a glass rear window and this too improves visibility by 52 per cent.

The most recent incarnation of iDrive is showcased on the Z4 sDrive35is. The optional BMW Professional Multimedia Navigation system features a hard disc drive capable of 12Gb of audio file storage and BMW ConnectedDrive functionality. A vehicle specified with this system also comes with eight programmable Favourite buttons as system shortcuts.

Market
The latest BMW Z4 was introduced last year to compete head-on with the two big biggest sellers in the UK premium roadster market – the Mercedes SLK and the Audi TT Roadster. According to BMW’s own market research one of the key reasons for selecting the Mercedes over the previous BMW Z4 was the added benefit of a folding metal roof. The majority of buyers in this segment also craved a degree more comfort and practicality. The designers and engineers of the new BMW Z4 took these considerations on board so that it should now appeal to a broader church, while at the same time not diluting the range’s previous excellent driving dynamics.

Key facts

* New body styling for flagship BMW product.
* 340hp engine with seven-speed DCT gearbox.
* Adaptive M Sport Suspension as standard.
* E89 BMW Z4 roadster first with Retractable Hard Top roof.

[Source: BMW UK ]

The first reviews of the new BMW Z4 sDrive35is are starting to come in and BMWBLOG will also have the chance to drive the super-sporty Z4 35is in May. The sDrive35is carries under the hood an upgraded version of the popular N54 engine or in everybody’s language, the award winning six-cylinder 3.0 liter twin-turbo engine.

The tuned up engine produces 335 horsepower (340hp in Europe) at 5,900 rpm and 332 lb-ft in “regular mode”. An electronically-controlled overboost function can briefly increase torque under full load by another 37 lb-ft. This brings the torque peak to 369 lb-ft.

With the technical details out of the way, let’s have find out about the driving impressions.

What’s it like?

Faster, certainly. Beyond a freer flowing exhaust there are no mechanical changes to the 35is’s motor over the 35i’s. That’s okay – the turbocharged 3.0-liter ’six was already a stonker.

The way the 35is picks up and pulls cleanly through its rev range is world-class, and now it comes with the kind of exhaust rasp that’s been missing from the line-up since the demise of the old M3. Economy and emissions are on a par with the regular 35i, too.

A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is standard and, save for the usual second-first hesitancy when maneuvering, it shifts cleanly.

It constitutes part of a generous standard kit-list that also includes lowered suspension with adaptive dampers and the option to choose between Normal, Sport and Sport+ settings.

Should I buy one?

Maybe. Like other Z4s the 35is lacks the precision and poise of a Boxster, but steering feel has been slightly improved thanks a mildly re-worked rack, and there’s still fun to be had – with equal weight distribution, rear-drive and 335bhp, how could there not be?

Full review at Autocar

Just in time for the start of the cabrio season, HAMANN Motorsport is introducing a comprehensive program for accessories and modification of the current BMW Z4 Roadster, known internally as the E89. The broad palette of customization options for the roadster with the fold-away hardtop includes exciting bodywork styling, striking rim designs and powerful performance improvements.

The HAMANN aerodynamics program is characterized by top-quality workmanship on body components with impressive design and optimized airflow over the vehicle silhouette: The specialists have replaced the series production front spoiler on the front axle with an in-house development that features two integrated LED day lamps. Striking side skirts between the front and the rear impress with a convincing design concept, and lend the Z4 an even lower and longer appearance.

The lift force on the rear axle is reduced by a HAMANN technical development that sees a shapely spoiler mounted on the tailgate. A new rear apron completes an impressive overall appearance and makes space for the four tailpipes responsible for the throaty sound of the HAMANN sports exhaust system.

The HAMANN engine specialists have developed a powerful performance improvement for the BMW Z4 sDrive35i engine, which also lifts the 250 km/h limitation. The optimization of the series production control device has resulted in performance figures of 360 hp / 265 kW at 5230 rpm (standard is 306 hp / 225 kW at 2500 rpm). The maximum torque simultaneously increases to an impressive 540 Nm, which is available in the engine speed range of 1300 to 5000 rpm (standard is 400 Nm at 1300 – 5000). This modification results in a top speed of 285 km/h.

One of the technical highlights in the comprehensive range of wheels is the three-part HAMANN light alloy wheel known as the EDITION RACE “MATT BLACK”. The 20″ forged wheel combines sportiness with elegance. The matte black, polished spoked rims and the titanium screw joints accentuate the wheel dynamics, while the highly polished rim flange makes for a sophisticated impression. HAMANN is offering the wheel/tire combination of 8,5Jx20 inch including 235/30ZR20 front tires with 10,0Jx20 rims plus 295/25ZR20 back tires from 7,640 Euro. Extra focus is on the new aluminum wheels with special chassis springs that allow the center of mass on both the front and back axles of the Z4 Roadster to be lowered by 30 millimeters. Handling of the sports car is simultaneously enhanced.

For the interior, HAMANN Motorsport has come up with subtle internal applications. The aluminium gear knob and the set of foot mats with the silver stitched HAMANN logo provide a sporty look. On request, hand-made complete leather fittings in line with the exclusive demands of every BMW Z4 Roadster driver can also be supplied.

What supposed to be breaking news in the BMW world today, turned out to be just a flop. Our friends over at Worldcarfans took the bait this time (it happened to us in the past as well) and based on some spy photos sent in by a California-based reader, they published an article that was meant to be the first spy photo of the rumored, but never really confirmed BMW Z2 Roadster.

Unfortunately for all of us, the test mule turned out to be a regular Z4 model, an older prototype that seems to continue testing the soft top variant, one of the two options that never made it into production.

It is unclear why BMW has omitted to destroy these test mules, but that’s beside the point at this moment, so let’s take a moment and recap what we learned in the past about the BMW Z2.

It is rumored to be based on next generation 1er platform and will offer more expansion in the premium compact segment. Some of the variants considered are a mild and full hybrid , along with diesel and petrol powerplants.

Target weight for both Coupe and Roadster is 2,200 lbs (1000 kg).

BMW will only offer the Z2 as a four cylinder, no six cylinder engine will be available to keep the car from entering the Z4’s segment. The base engine will be a 1.6 liter unit with twin turbo charging and direct injection , power output will be in the region of 145-150 horsepower. A second engine again will be a Twin-Turbo four cylinder unit which will output 200-204 horsepower and a 2.0 liter four cylinder Twin Turbo will top the range with 240-250 horsepower.

The roof of the BMW Z2 will retain the conventional easy folding soft-top. No electric powered hood will be offered due to the easy fold and secure function of the Z2. The roof section folds in slats with rear window section folding flat and roof concertinaing into the hood compartment. This allows for more trunk space and expands the cars lightweight intentions.

The Z2 will feature the first phase in BMW’s upcoming Intelligent LED technology. The front end appearance of the car is identified in a way that is similar to BMW’s interior technology in which instruments are illuminated using a unique black panel technology.

The front of the Z2 with Intelligent LED technology is similar, all you see is the uniquely shaped kidney grille and larger driving lights – when the lights are activated the interpretation of the BMW double headlamps are fully illuminated.

If the rumors stand, the car will be shown first as a Concept, with the production Z2 Roadster model arriving in mid 2013, and BMW Z2 Coupe late 2013.