Miata Mailing List: March 1996, Message #136
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   From: "Drake A. Daum" 
Subject: Monster Z3
   Date: Sun, 3 Mar 1996 16:34:13 -0500


Here's the latest BMW hype from page 3 of the 4 March 1996
issue of AUTOWEEK magazine:
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"Munich's own interpretation of the Shelby Cobra."  Wishful
thinking or not, that's how one insider describes this red-hot
concept of the BMW Z3 to be shown at Geneva.  The M roadster --
a name BMW says will carry over into production -- is built at
BMW's plant in Spartansburg.  It goes on sale in April 1997 at
a price of about $62,000.

Replacing the Z3's 150-hp 1.9-liter four is the variable
camshaft 24-valve, 3.2-liter inline six from the European M3.
With a modified exhaust manifold, the engine pumps out 319 hp and
260 lb-ft of torque -- enough, BMW claims, to propel the rear-
drive ragtop from 0-60 mph in fewer than six seconds, and to a 
top speed of 155 mph.  That should pitch it within the same
performance parameters Porsche plans for the Boxster.  One catch:
the engine doesn't meet U.S. emissions standards, so U.S. versions
will have a different powerplant.

To handle the increased power and torque, the M roadster gains a 
close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox, and upgraded suspension, 
improved braking capabilities, and larger wheels and tires. 
Exterior styling changes include a revised front spoiler, flared 
rear-wheel arches, chromed double twin exhausts, chromed engine
cooling ducts in the style of the old 507 roadster, and five-
spoke 17-inch alloys.

The prototype to be shown at Geneva also has an upgraded interior
with body-colored highlights within the dash.  But the production
car is likely to forgo these touches in favor of a more restrained
interior approach in line with the standard Z3/s look.

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Cheers,
DRAKE A. DAUM, Founder & 1996 Membership Director
Miami Valley Miata Club
PO Box 33503
Dayton, Ohio 45433-0503