BMW Press Release: M Roadster Debuts at Monterey Historic Car Races

08/20/96

BMW M Roadster Concept Car Makes North American Debut at
Monterey Historics; Production Car Slated for European
Introduction Next Year

MONTEREY, Calif., Aug. 16 -- BMW today announced that a
production version of the M roadster concept car would go into
production for the European market sometime next year.  The
announcement was made at the Monterey Historic Automobile Races, where
the brand is being honored as the featured marque.

Conceived by the engineering wizards at BMW M GmbH, BMW's own
subsidiary for the development of special high-performance vehicles,
the BMW M roadster starts life as the exciting two-seat Z3 roadster,
but substantially upgrades the engine, suspension and drivetrain with
components taken directly from the ultra high-performance M3.

The concept car also indicates that the production version is likely
to have other changes from the standard Z3.  Larger and wider wheels
and tires, wider rear fenders, M body spoilers, special M seats and
instrumentation are some examples displayed on the concept car.

The European version will be powered by the 3.2-liter six-cylinder
engine of the M3, which delivers 321 DIN horsepower and features a
specially developed electronic engine management system and double
VANOS camshaft control. M tuned suspension with compound disc brakes
at the front will ensure that the chassis is a match for the
outstanding performance of this engine.

No announcement was made as to if or when the M roadster might come to
the U.S.