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Global Viewpoints
BMW Z9 surprise
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International Motor Shows usually have one or two total surprises. This year at Frankfurt, BMW, not content with a first public showing of the production version of its "retro" aluminum-spaceframe V8-engin-ed Z8 (the prototype was first seen in 1997), brought along the previously totally secret Z9 grand-touring coupe, featuring huge gullwing doors, carbon-fiber and aluminum bodywork, and, unlikely though it may seem in a car of this type, a V8 diesel engine. Overall length is some 5 m (16.4 ft) and width 2 m (6.6 ft). Its gullwing doors open automatically 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, incorporating a narrow rear "door" or section. This can be left in position and the Z9 then has conventionally opening front doors. All very clever and rather complex. But BMW designers have 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. Strangely, amongst all this advanced technology, an engine starter button is fitted. There are seats for four in the rather stark interior. The car uses the 3.9-L V8 diesel fitted to the BMW 740d. Will the Z9 reach production as the 9-series? It seems possible, as BMW does not generally build concept cars merely as attention-getters.
Stuart Birch
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BMW surprised Frankfurt showgoers with the Z9 grand-touring coupe, which features huge gullwing doors, carbon-fiber and aluminum bodywork, and a V8 diesel engine.
BMW introduced the production version of its "retro" aluminum-spaceframe V8-engined Z8 at Frankfurt.