V8 Z4M Coupe?

[steil]

Now that the new M3's out - anyone know when the M Coupe will get this engine?

[jezzaaa]

No one seems to know of course, although I have heard (unsubstantiated) rumours that it will. I'm not sure I believe them though - it would take a hell of alot of engineering and test time to do it, and the new Z4 is only a year or so away. I can't believe BMW would bother, especially as they seem to be having problems selling them as it is.

The rumour I believe is that the present M Coupe will go out of production at the end of the year due to the current straight six M engine not meeting EU emissions nonsense for 2008. The new Z4 will presumably be designed with the V8 M engine in mind. but who knows. Z4s have been out since 2003 and have only just last year seen an M version.

I'm not sure that the V8 is such a good idea...one of the things that makes the running costs bareable in my Z4MC is that it returns mid 20s mpg. From all the reports I've read, the V8 is going to be mid to high teens.

[m power]

It would be a bit of a handfull at 420bhp, it would more like a Cerbera. That would be nice...

[taffyracer]

I think that would be all wrong, I like V8's but IMO what makes the Z4M is the howling 6, it is so perfectly suited to this car

[CVP]

taffyracer said:

I think that would be all wrong, I like V8's but IMO what makes the Z4M is the howling 6, it is so perfectly suited to this car

I'm with you on this one, the current engine in the M is just an absolute gem and I think given the relatively limited numbers being produced and current prices BMW will think long and hard before doing all the necessary reengineering to stick the V8 in there.

Chris