The BMW Z8 is a two-seater roadster sports car manufactured by the German automaker BMW from 1999 to 2003. The factory model index is E52.
| BMW Z8 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Total information | |
| Manufacturer | BMW |
| Years of production | 1999 - 2003 |
| Class | Sports car |
| Other designations | E52 |
| Design | |
| Body type | 2-dv. roadster (2 places) |
| Layout | front mid-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive |
| Engine | |
| V8 engines : 4.9 L S62 and 4.8 L M62 (Alpina) | |
| Transmission | |
| 6 speed mechanical and 5-speed automatic (Alpina) | |
| Specifications | |
| Mass-dimensional | |
| Length | 4400 mm |
| Width | 1800 mm |
| Height | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2500 mm |
| Weight | 1585 kg [1] |
| On the market | |
| Other | |
| Designer | Henrik Fisker (1996) |
The Z8 was a production version of the Z07 concept car, first shown in 1997. Car design is the result of a team led by Chris Bangle . Henrik Fisker was involved in the exterior, Scott Lempert [2] . The Z07 prototype was originally an attempt to repeat the BMW 507 model, and was also created with the aim of marking the meeting of the new millennium. Z07 was greeted with a standing ovation at the Tokyo Motor Show. The overwhelming popularity of the concept car encouraged BMW to decide on a limited edition called the Z8. As a result, 5,703 cars were assembled [3] .
Content
Description
According to many collectors and fans of the Bavarian automaker, the BMW 507 is one of the most beautiful cars in the world. . When designing the Z8, the designers wanted to show how the 507 would have looked if it had been produced until today. The first Z07 concept was presented at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1997, and in 1998 it was shown in Detroit . The project was greeted with applause and BMW decided to release a limited series.
The creator of the BMW 507 Count Albrecht Hertz said about the Z8:
If I designed the 507 today, it would be similar to the Z8.
Body
Like the 507th body made completely aluminum. The basis is a spatial frame. The panels are connected with rivets (about 1000) and welding. The main load-bearing elements are the central tunnel, threshold bars and front side members. The frame is made in the form of the letter "Y", which prevents twisting and makes the body more rigid. When hit at a speed of 40 km / h, the monocoque remained without damage.
Engine
The question of which engine was not set. On the 507th stood a 3.2-liter "eight", the most powerful at that time of BMW engines. Naturally, the best engine V8 S62 was installed on the Z8 (it was the same on the M5 ). Volume 4941 cm³, power 400 l. with. at 6000 rpm and a torque of 500 Nm at 3,800 rpm. [4] The block and engine head are made of aluminum, 4 valves per cylinder and, of course, the proprietary Double VANOS system that controls the phases of opening and closing of valves. Each cylinder has its own electronic throttle. The car is also equipped with a dry sump lubrication system.
Transmission
As befits a real sports car, a Getrag 6-speed manual gearbox is installed here. The same was installed on the M5, but with different gear ratios. Single-plate clutch, self-adjusting.
Chassis
Suspension from other models, but modified. Front - MacPherson struts (like on the M5) on two aluminum levers, each of which is connected to the knuckle with its ball joint. Rear - multi-link from the 7th series . Rack and pinion steering with variable gear ratio, equipped with hydraulic booster. Steering rods made of aluminum. The brake system is dual circuit. On all wheels ventilated brake discs.
In the movie
The BMW Z8 is James Bond's car in the movie " And the World Is Not Enough ."
Gallery
Links
Notes
- ↑ Car and Driver Aston Martin DB7 vs. BMW Z8, Ferrari 360 Spider Comparison Test .
- ↑ Information from the book issued to each owner of the BMW Z8.
- ↑ BMW Z8 Club eV
- ↑ BMW Z8 E52 - vintage appearance in a modern design (inaccessible link) . Date of treatment July 27, 2013. Archived on August 13, 2013.