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Global Concepts (Part 1)
BMW Z9
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BMW's Z9 grand-touring coupe features huge gull-wing doors, carbon-fiber and aluminum bodywork, and, unlikely though it may seem in a car of this type, a V8 diesel engine-a 3.9-L unit from the BMW 740d. Its overall length is some 5 m (16.4 ft) and width 2 m (6.6 ft). The doors open upward when a button is pressed, but are also hinged to open conventionally when required. The gullwing facility (each door is in two sections) facilitates access to the rear seats, as does a narrow rear "door." If left in position, the Z9's front doors open conventionally. BMW designers worked to simplify the car's switchgear, and all secondary controls are centered into one rotary/push system. There are buttons to select specific actions such as the audio and communications systems. Although the speedometer and rev counter are conventional instruments, other information is displayed on a screen. A steering wheel lever controls the automatic gearbox to select forward or reverse, with pushbuttons for gear shifting. There are seats for four in the rather stark interior.
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