G-Power G4 3.0i EVO III: Supercharged BMW Z4 3.0i with 375Hp

German tuner G-Power has introduced a new performance kit for the BMW Z4 3.0i (231Hp) that adds an ASA T1-12 supercharger to the 3.0-liter straight-six engine. Along with the new ECU system and a complete exhaust system with racing-headers and catalysts, the result 375 hp at 6.450 rpm and 420 Nm torque at 4.650 rpm.

With a sprint time from rest to 100 km/h (62mph) of 4.9 sec and to 200 km/h (124mph) in 15.1 sec the G-POWER G4 is at par with the BMW Z4M. The roadster’s top speed is an impressive 300 km/h or 187mph. The conversion of the standard engine to the G-POWER EVO III configuration is €18,850 or $29,900 including installation. -Continued

In addition to the engine kit, G-Power offers a complete tuning program for the Bavarian roadster consisting of: aerodynamic body kit, 20-inch light-alloy wheels, suspension modifications, high-performance brake system with eight-piston fixed callipers and 380 x 34mm brake discs on the front axle and exclusive interior components.

BMW Z8 Replica Kit Using a BMW Z4 Roadster as a Base

We don’t know how this BMW Z8 replica might look in person, but it could have fooled us in these pictures. Created by a company named “Car Kit” in Alabama, the BMW Z8 replica pack is based on the current BMW Z4 and it consists of a 5-piece fiberglass bodykit that includes front-clip, rear-clip, trunk lid, outer door panels and the hood along with front and rear lights. The bodykit costs $5,995 or €3,840 while the front and rear light lenses without projectors or bulbs, $1,000 or €640 ($125 a piece).

The company says that you can own a completed BMW Z8 Replica for around $14,000 which includes $6,000 for a salvageable BMW Z4 donor car, plus $7,000 for the bodykit and lights, $500 for paint material and $500 for miscellaneous things. It goes without saying that this price is if you do all the work yourself. We must add though that, letting aside the fragile nature of convertibles/roadsters when it comes to accidents, a salvageable BMW Z4 Roadster costing around $6k will most probably need a lot more than body work. -Continued

But just for the sake of conversation, let’s say you found a salvageable BMW Z4 Roadster; would you restore it to its original condition or would you go and create a BMW Z8 Replica?

If you’re interested in the BMW Z8 Replica kit, you can contact CAR KIT INC. (10735 US HIGHWAY 431, ALBERTVILLE AL 35950-0142) at 256-891-2030.

Insider: BMW Z4 Concept Coming This Fall, X1 SUV Concept & 7-Series definitely at Paris

It’s going to be busy period for BMW this fall as Carscoop learned from inside sources that the Bavarian automaker will take the wraps off three very important vehicles this year. First up will be the all-new 7-Series luxury sedan and the X1 Concept, both of which will make their premier at the Paris Auto Show in October, followed by a new Z4 Roadster Concept.

The X1 Concept will preview a production version of a 1-Series based SUV/Crossover that will enter the market towards the end of 2009. The new X1 that will be built in BMW’s Leizpig factopry in Germany will be offered with a line-up of four and six-cylinder petrol engines along with four-cylinder turbocharged diesel units.

The most significant change for the all-new fifth generation 7-Series will be its more elegant design –in and out- as BMW seems to have learnt its lesson from the heavily criticized current generation model. Along with its newfound design, the all-new 7er will also boast new engine choices along with an array of high-tech systems. -Continued after the jump

Last but not least, the new Z4 Roadster. Believe it or not, the Z4 has actually been in production for six years now as it was first introduced in 2002. Our source told us that BMW will unveil a concept version of the next generation model this fall, without however clarifying whether or not the Z4 will make its debut in Paris.

We must say though that we find it hard to believe that BMW will unveil three new cars at one show, so we find it more reasonable that the Bavarian carmaker will premier the Z4 Concept at the Los Angeles Motor Show that opens to the public from November 21 to 30, 2008.

Either way, our source stated the production version will follow in 2009 more specifically, at the Geneva Motor Show in March, 2009. In terms of design, expect the new Z4 Roadster to be partially inspired from the GINA Light Visionary model.

Next BMW Z4 To Be Built In Germany And Not The US

According to a report from “Just-Auto”, a BMW spokesperson confirmed today that the second generation Z4 model which is due to be unveiled either towards the end of 2008 or early 2009, will be built in BMW’s German plant in Regensburg instead of Spartanburg, US, where the current Z4 model is built and so was the previous Z3 model.

However this doesn’t mean that the South Carolina plant in Spartanburg will decrease its output, the opposite, as BMW intends to increase annual production from 140,000 units to more than 200,000. This is due to the fact that the Spartanburg plant will focus on building BMW’s SUVs. Apart from the X5 BMW also intends to produce the X6 (from 2008) along with the second generation X3 (from 2010) in Spartanburg. The current X3 has been assembled by Magna-Steyr in Austria since 2003.

Via: just-auto (sub. required)

AC Schnitzer Profile based On The BMW Z4 M Coupe

Though it may look like it, this poor BMW Z4 M Coupe hasn’t been visually abused by a bitter girlfriend who wanted to get back at her cheating boyfriend. Actually, you’ll have to pay several thousands of euros to make your standard Z4 M Coupe look like someone spilled a dinosaur egg on it. But hey, look at the bright side; not only do you get a “enterprise-starship” style miniature roof spoiler but AC Schnitzer boosts the straight-six’s power from 343Hp to 350Hp and they also remove the electronic speed restrictor. What else could a man want? -Press release, specs and image gallery after the jump

The concept PROFILE by AC Schnitzer based on the Z4 M Coupé

Take the first ascent of the 8,848 metre high Mount Everest, the expeditions to the poles or the dive into the 11 km deep canyon of the Mariana Trench. There have always been individuals and extreme characters who have pushed our boundaries and discovered new terrain. An extreme region for automotive tuners, where only a few venture, has always been the BMW M-series cars, in particular the uncompromising Z4 M-Coupé, a thoroughbred driving machine.

But the fact that the limits of this extraordinary car are far from reached is evident from the new concept vehicle by AC Schnitzer - the PROFILE - even at first glance. Classic engine tuning hauls the power of the high-revving six-cylinder in-line plant to a robust 350 HP. Not only is a special "active breathing" airbox used, but the engine control unit has been remapped. But power alone isn’t enough to get the maximum from an athletic heart. So the modified rear axle ratio of 3.91:1 provides better sprint capacity, while the perfectly smooth transmission with the AC Schnitzer Short Shift ensures crisp changes by the driver.

And as you listen to the sonorous baritone note of the left/right sports exhaust system with the trapezoid tailpipes, you could be deceived into thinking that the driver is not changing gears, but playing some kind of a musical instrument. A feast for all the senses: Visually the stunning colour combination of white-orange casts its spell and perfectly enhances the exquisite contours of the AC Schnitzer bodykit. From the front skirt with its suggestive cup-wings via the widened wheelarches and flanks with the gill-like vents - as already used on the legendary BMW 507- the dynamic line is drawn over the bulging side skirts to the rear skirt with carbon diffuser.

The whole is crowned by a rear spoiler and a fascinatingly styled roof wing. The forged alloy Type V wheels from the standard AC Schnitzer collection are a work of art in themselves. Filigree design yet with an air of solidity, in size 9.0J x 20" at the front and 10.0J x 20" at the rear, these wheels are the perfect adornment combined with tyres size 235/30 ZR 20 front and 295/25 ZR 20 rear.

But traction alone isn't everything, and the dynamics are supported by the AC Schnitzer suspension with its racing heritage, set up in the Green Hell of the Nürburgring. An aluminium strut brace in "Racing“ style not only catches the eye but limits the torsion of the front body. Thanks to the AC Schnitzer racing seats, the driver always holds position. And the carbon interior trim and pedal set, with decor elements of aluminium, radiate pure racing flair. Could there be a better place to experience the limits of potential?

Performance: 350 HP at 8000 rpm, 370 Nm at 4950 rpm, power upgrade consisting of:

• special air box, control unit and removal of speed restrictor, engine optics
• AC Schnitzer rear differential modification, 3,91 : 1

Transmission: AC Schnitzer sports gear change "Short Shift" incl. gear knob

Exhaust: AC Schnitzer dual sports rear silencer left/right incl. chromed exhaust tailpipes, design "Sports Trim"

Suspension: AC Schnitzer Racing suspension, height adjustable incl. lowering AC Schnitzer aluminium strut brace for front axle, design "Racing"

Wheels:

• AC Schnitzer lightweight forged wheel Type V
• FA: 9,0J x 20" offset 22 with tyres 235/30 ZR 20
• RA: 10,0J x 20" offset 13 with tyres 295/25 ZR 20

Bodywork:

• AC Schnitzer special painting orange - white
• AC Schnitzer front skirt
• AC Schnitzer air outlets for engine bonnet, chromed
• AC Schnitzer fenders incl. air outlets, front
• AC Schnitzer fenders rear
• AC Schnitzer side skirts incl. air intakes for rear brake, set
• AC Schnitzer wing, 3-pieces
• AC Schnitzer carbon rear roof wing
• AC Schnitzer rear skirt incl. wheel house ventilation
• AC Schnitzer carbon rear diffuser

Interior trim:

• AC Schnitzer Racing seats
• AC Schnitzer carbon interior orange incl. door handles
• AC Schnitzer carbon cover for centre console
• AC Schnitzer aluminium pedal set
• AC Schnitzer aluminium foot rest
• AC Schnitzer aluminium handbrake handle
• AC Schnitzer floor mats, velours

BMW spy shots spark a debate on whether it’s the Z9 or the next gen Z4

These photos of a camouflaged BMW roadster have sparked quite a debate on the spy-community as to whether the model we’re seeing here is the next generation Z4 or a totally new roadster dubbed, by most, as the Z9 -though it could be called Z6. If it’s the later then we have a future successor to the retro-styled BMW Z8 and a possible competitor to the Mercedes SL.

Both sides have strong talking points even though the camouflaged roadster that we’re seeing is obviously larger than the Z4. See, according to earlier reports, the next-generation Z4 would be doing a bit of growing up so as to make room for an entry-level roadster dubbed Z2 which will be based on the 1 Series hatch. So that would very well justify its larger dimensions.

Then again notice the side window covers. Could that mean that the cloth roof featured on the spy car is actually hiding an electric folding hard-top underneath? Well, obviously we can’t say for sure, but if it does, then we’re probably talking about the Z9 as I highly doubt that the next gen Z4 will be fitted with an electric hard-top. Via: Automotorundsport

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