Newest BMW Models Featured at Chicago Auto Show

M Roadster, Updated Z4 Roadster and M6 Super Coupe to Appear

Woodcliff Lake, NJ - January 27, 2006: Fresh from their world debut in Detroit, the BMW M Roadster and the newly updated Z4 Roadster will be featured at the Chicago Auto Show February 10-19. The M6, which made its North American debut in Los Angeles, will also be featured along with the rest of the BMW model line.

The new BMW M Roadster and Updated Z4 Roadster

The car that so many enthusiasts have been asking for, the BMW M Roadster, is back based this time on the Z4 Roadster. The M Roadster arrives in US showrooms this spring with an MSRP of $51,995 including destination and handling. The 2006 Z4 Roadster line-up will consist of the Z4 3.0i at $36,295 MSRP, and the Z4 3.0si, at an MSRP of $42,795.

At the heart of the new M Roadster is BMW M's award winning 3.2-liter, in-line six cylinder engine. With its high-speed concept, this engine works through a six-speed manual transmission to provide exhilarating performance in all speed ranges. As in the BMW M3, this engine features dual overhead cams, double-VANOS variable valve timing, and six individual throttle plates. This normally aspirated engine generates more than 100 hp per liter. On the road, this means 0 - 60 in less than five seconds and a top speed electronically limited to 155 mph.

The M Roadster features the speed-sensitive variable M differential lock, already well-proven and admired in the M3. It provides outstanding stability and traction, particularly when accelerating out of bends. To maximize its braking capabilities, the new M Roadster uses BMW M's floating compound high performance braking system included in the M3 Competition Package. With weight-saving aluminum hubs and steel cross-drilled discs, this system minimizes the risk of warping under hard use.

New generation of six-cylinder engines for the Z4 Roadster

Greater power isn't limited to the M Roadster. The 2006 Z4 Roadsters will feature two different 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engines. These new-generation powerplants, feature BMW's latest aluminum/magnesium construction and include double-VANOS variable valve timing and Valvetronic for optimal performance and fuel efficiency.

Six speeds in all models

Both 2006 Z4 Roadster models will come standard with six-speed manual transmissions. The available six-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission for both models offers SMG-style shift paddles behind the steering wheel to allow the driving enthusiast to be fully engaged while retaining the attributes of an automatic transmission.

New Dynamic Stability Control sets the standard for active safety

For 2006, the Z4 Roadster and M Roadster benefit from the latest developments in DSC to provide the utmost in active safety. Emergency braking capability is maximized by features such as Brake Drying, which works to help keep the brakes dry in wet conditions, and Brake Standby, which immediately positions the brake pads nearer the discs whenever the driver lifts off the accelerator pedal quickly. Emergency braking is enhanced further by automatic Brake Fade Compensation, which helps to maximize brake pressure and stopping ability whenever the brakes get hot. Smooth starts and stops are facilitated by the Start-Off Assistant, which holds the brakes briefly on a hill after the brake pedal is released in order to prevent the car from rolling back.

Design enhancements to match the performance

Both the updated Z4 Roadster and the new M Roadster continue the characteristic design language of BMW Roadsters. The modified front section incorporates new foglights and reflectors. The newly standard xenon headlights feature the four lighted rings that have quickly become a BMW design hallmark. The restyled rear taillights include BMW's two-stage Adaptive Brake Lights.

The M Roadster distinguishes itself from the standard Z4 starting with its front air dam, consisting of an X-shaped combination of lines and openings, plus the large air intake scoops. It uses exclusive double-spoke design 18-inch alloy wheels. And last, but certainly not least, the rear of the M Roadster incorporates a horizontal diffuser and the four round tailpipes which have become a hallmark of BMW M design.

Both the Z4 Roadster, all BMW M Roadsters will be built exclusively at BMW's U.S. manufacturing facility in Spartanburg, SC.

M6: 500 Horsepower Super Coupe Arrives This Spring

It has been more than 15 years since the last M6 was available in the U.S. Like that car, the all-new M6 features a race-inspired drivetrain, which it shares with its M5 Sedan stable mate. With a 500 horsepower V10 engine and seven-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG), the new M6 is capable of extraordinary performance - 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. It offers an unparalleled capability for a driver-tailored driving experience and the first use of a carbon fiber roof in a production vehicle, all wrapped within the stylish lines of the BMW 6 Series. The 2006 BMW M6 arrives in U.S. showrooms this spring with an MSRP of $96,795 including destination and handling.

Motorsport inspired drivetrain and suspension

The new M6 features an F1 inspired, normally aspirated V10 engine. This 500 horsepower engine is capable of speeds in excess of 8,000 rpm. It is mated to the industry's first seven-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox. Featuring Drivelogic, this SMG puts 11 different shift programs at the driver's fingertips. The suspension features Electronic Damping Control (EDC) with three driver settings and infinite variability of firmness. This system has been tailored by BMW M to provide the right firmness when needed for spirited motoring while maintaining ride comfort for cruising. The M Variable Differential Lock enables the M6 to effectively put its considerable power to the ground, particularly on slippery surfaces and when accelerating out of corners. The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system has also been tailored to include the M Dynamic Mode for those occasions when the driver wants to have a higher level of wheel slip without disengaging the system. Of course, in true BMW fashion, DSC may be switched off completely when desired.

Innovative weight saving

The new M6 builds on the intelligent weight saving innovations already seen in the 6 Series, such as an aluminum front structure, sheet-molded compound trunk lid, and thermoplastic front fenders. The M6 includes the first carbon-fiber roof in a production automobile. As with many of BMW's intelligent weight saving innovations, this pays double benefits. In addition to saving weight overall, the lighter roof serves to lower the M6's center of gravity, contributing to agility. The front and rear bumper supports are also made from carbon-fiber. The considerable front and rear cross-drilled disc brakes are of a compound design with an aluminum center hub which reduces unsprung weight for greater responsiveness.

Unique style offered with many exterior and interior choices

The BMW M6 is based on the award-winning design of the BMW 6 Series. It adds subtle and functional touches such as a unique front air dam, which is designed to direct more airflow to the V10 engine as well as the front brakes. The rear air diffuser, flanked by the four round tailpipes which are characteristic of products from BMW M, is designed to reduce rear lift for greater stability at higher speeds. Other styling touches include the side gills in the front fenders, sculpted rocker panels, and M-style side mirrors. The palette of seven exterior colors includes four exclusive to BMW M - Silverstone II, Interlagos Blue, Sepang Bronze and Indianapolis Red. The tailored interior is offered with eight upholstery choices, which include five full-leather options, and a choice of three trim options.

Driver-tailored driving experience

Like the new M5 Sedan, the M6 Coupe offers its driver the ability to tailor the driving experience. The driver can choose three engine output programs - P400, P500 and P500 Sport. Drivelogic puts 11 shift programs for the seven-speed SMG at the driver's fingertips. Electronic Damping Control offers three levels of shock-absorber firmness - Normal, Comfort, and Sport. Even the DSC system offers a choice of standard and M Dynamic modes as well as the option of switching it off. These combine for a total of 279 settings. The M Drive feature allows the driver to custom-tailor each of these settings into one program, which can be instantly selected at the touch of the "M" button on the steering wheel. As its predecessor did nearly two decades ago, the all-new BMW M6 combines the style of a BMW 6 Series Coupe with the best performance that the engineers at BMW M have to offer.

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