BMW Malaysia to Launch Z4 Next Month
Things are certainly happening fast at BMW Malaysia, a company that is just a few months old. The subsidiary of the German carmaker has aggressive plans to capture a bigger share in the Malaysian luxury segment and is busy executing them as quickly as possible.
Offering customers a greater variety of models is one of the objectives and no longer will there be a wait of a year or so before an ‘official import’ becomes available; now that BMW is handling distribution and marketing, they can work very closely with Munich to get the latest models in the shortest time. So it should be no surprise that a batch of the new Z4 roadsters is already at Port Klang and due for sale in early December.
“Following the overwhelming public appreciation of the 5-Series, we are now introducing the BMW Z4 as part of our ongoing strategy to expand our product line in Malaysia,” said Wolfgang Schlimme, Managing Director of BMW Malaysia. “The Z4 roadster represents a core of the BMW brand. It is made for people who want performance, style and luxury with a sporty edge. The decision to introduce it to the Malaysian market represents a vital step in our product strategy.”
From its long, sleek engine compartment to its snug cockpit and short, muscular rear end, the Z4 exudes passion and performance, a genuine athlete of solid muscle without a single ounce of fat.
The Z4 offers a number of firsts for a BMW vehicle; the most striking of which is, perhaps, the new Z-shape folding roof design. Designed for optimum utilisation of space, the frontmost part of the roof is able to extend like a cover over the soft top, merging flush with the body of the car. Thus, neither a tonneau cover nor a roof lid are required. Additionally, this is the only roadster in the world with fully automatic operation of the roof as an option.
“Classic roadsters have always been distinguished by their soft-top roof. The new Z-shape folding roof design marks a step forward for BMW roadsters. It brings a modern touch to what has, essentially, the spirit of a classic roadster,” said Schlimme.
Also, the Z4 is the first BMW Electric Power Steering (EPS) which the engineers say offers a much higher standard of flexibility in its steering characteristics and ensures optimum harmony of the damper effect and feedback to the driver. With the steering controlled by software, EPS offers the advantage of not requiring any energy when driving straight ahead without any movement of the steering wheel, helping to save fuel.
Created with the goal of optimum performance in mind, the styling and design of the Z4’s bodywork does not merely add aesthetic appeal, it actually makes the car a better drive. With its low and flat, solid yet light frame, the Z4 sports a remarkably low centre-of-gravity, allowing for exceptional stability and handling even at extreme speeds. Aerodynamic curves, concaves and convexes help improve the airflow and reduce wind-resistance, thus boosting the car’s performance.
Initially, BMW Malaysia will offer the 3.0-litre version with a170 kW/231 bhp in-line 6-cylinder engine with the 2.5-litre 141 kW/192 bhp coming during the first quarter of 2004.
The Z4 features optional Dynamic Drive Control (DDC), available at the touch of a button to gain maximum engine power earlier than usual in Sports mode engine management.
While the BMW Z4 emphasises passion and performance, it doesn’t skimp on safety measures. To match the high performance of the car, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) comes as standard to safeguard the driver from potentially dangerous situations. Furthermore, DSC in the Z4 comes enhanced with Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) which provides and increase in slip on the rear wheels geared to actual driving conditions.
To be available at BMW dealers from next month, the Z4 3.0i will have a selling price of RM438,000 while the Z4 2.5i price will be announced at a later date.
