But now there is a V8-powered Z4, albeit for the circuit only. BMW is using a version of the M3’s engine in the new Z4 GT3. As the name implies, its purpose is to compete in GT3 racing series, such as the FIA GT3 European Championship, International GT Open and ADAC GT Masters.
The existence of the Z4 GT3 doesn’t mean that BMW is planning to enter a works team in any of those championships. Rather, the car forms part of its customer racing programme, and is to be offered to private racing teams. Each will cost 298,000 Euros, plus VAT.
Producing 480 bhp with a six speed sequential transmission, the car comes equipped with racing anti-lock brakes as well as the obvious aerodynamic enhancements. Air conditioning can be specified as an option.
It’s hard to say whether the Z4 GT3 means a Z4M is any closer to reality. Pricing and performance compared to the Z4’s competitors, as well as anticipated demand, are all factors.
In the UK, the sDrive35is retails at £43,885, so an M version would probably be in excess of £50k (the M3 Coupe starts at £52,050). That’s a lot for a roadster, although Mercedes-Benz gets away with it. It charges £52,945 for the SLK 55 AMG which, with its V8 engine, would be a natural rival for a Z4M.
However, the SLK only manages a relatively modest 360 bhp, whilst its 0-100 km/h acceleration of 4.9 seconds fails to beat the Z4 sDrive35is, which does it in 4.8. Therefore, from a performance perspective, it’s debatable whether BMW has to bother with a V8 for its road-going Z4.
The only other serious competitor to a Z4M would be the Porsche Boxster. The most powerful version is the Spyder, which produces 320 bhp from its six cylinder engine.
That 20 bhp deficit versus the Z4 sDrive 35is is reflected in its performance. With manual transmission, the Spyder just fails to better 5 seconds in the 0-100 km/h sprint. It’s also more expensive, costing £45,603. So, as with the SLK, BMW seemingly doesn’t need anything more powerful - or expensive - than the sDrive35is at the moment.
