Press Release
BMW Announces New Model for Z3 Roadster Line
10/09/96
BMW Adds Second Model To Z3 Roadster Line New Six-Cylinder Z3 2.8 Features Increased Performance And Standard Equipment WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., Oct. 7 -- BMW of North America, Inc. announced today that it will add a second model to its successful Z3 line of two-seat roadsters -- the six-cylinder Z3 2.8. The announcement was made in conjunction with the car's North American debut at the California Designer of the Year and Rising Star Awards program. Using the refined 190-horsepower DOHC 2.8 liter engine which also powers BMW's 3 and 5 Series automobiles, the new Z3 2.8 takes the performance of this open-air sports car to new heights. BMW further announced that the base price for the Z3 2.8 would be $35,900. As is the case with BMW's V-12 and V-8 engines, the 2.8-liter six- cylinder engine in the Z3 features lightweight aluminum engine block construction, the first such application in a BMW six-cylinder engine for the U.S. market. In addition to the more powerful six-cylinder engine of the Z3 2.8, the running gear has been upgraded to match the performance of the engine. The rear axle has been modified with the track increased from 56.2 to 58.8 inches. A limited slip differential with 25 percent locking action is standard along with BMW's All Season Traction, a sophisticated system for helping the driver maintain control in slippery conditions. The front disc brakes are vented for increased resistance to fade under extreme braking conditions and the suspension is tuned to handle the increased power of the six-cylinder engine. The Z3 2.8 can be distinguished from its four-cylinder stablemate by a number of exterior differences. Light alloy road wheels in a round-spoke 7 x 16-inch design are fitted with 225/50-16 high performance tires. The rear fenders of the 2.8 are flared out more muscularly than those of the four- cylinder car, giving this roadster a very broad rear profile. The front spoiler is newly created for the six-cylinder car with larger inlets to increase the flow of cooling air. The level of standard equipment is also appropriately elevated in the six- cylinder roadster. The individual seats are upholstered in genuine leather as are the door panel inserts and an extended leather interior, which also includes the side panels of the center console, the door handles, the door capping, the steering wheel rim, the handbrake boot and the instrument and passenger dash pods is optional. The 2.8 is also set apart by its standard wood trim on the center console and a wood and leather gear shift knob. BMW of North America's head of sales and marketing operations, Victor H. Doolan noted that "BMW has the most complete range of open-air cars in this price segment, including our 318i and 328i four-seat convertibles, and now two choices in roadsters. With the addition of the Z3 2.8, we believe BMW offers the best performing open-air car in this category." BMW entered the North American market in 1975. Since then the company has grown to include marketing, sales and financial services organizations in the United States and Canada; a South Carolina manufacturing operation; a design firm in California; and various other operations throughout the U.S. and Canada. BMW is represented in North America through a network of more than 375 automobile and 190 motorcycle retailers in the United States and Canada. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the brand's North American headquarters, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey. Information about BMW products is available to consumers via the World Wide Web on the BMW homepage. The address is: http://www.bmwusa.com.
