After breaking the photo story on the BMW M division’s one-off, V12-powered Z3 prototype earlier this week, we can now share with you some interesting details surrounding its creation, though as you will soon find out, we may need the help of our German speaking readers.
We’ll get straight to the point and let you know what Matthew Russell, Product and Technology Communications Manager for BMW North America, told Carscoop about the Z3 M V12 after he did some digging of his own:
“The car was built in 1999 and was the proof that all engine sizes of the time fit in the roadster,” said Russell. “It was shown only once: in August 1999 to the German car magazine Autozeitung.”
As we rightly assumed, the ultimate M model of the Z3 roadster series borrowed BMW’s M73 5.4-liter V12 engine from the E38 750i/iL sedans and E38 850Ci coupe of the mid-1990s to early 2000s.
The 12-cylinder engine was rated at 322hp (326PS) at 5,000 rpm and 490Nm (361 lb·ft) at 3,900 rpm, and was linked to a 6-speed manual gearbox driving the rear wheels.
According to the 1999 article from Autozeitung, the Z3 M V12 was capable of accelerating from standstill to 100km/h (62mph) in 5.5 seconds, to 1,000m (0.62 miles) in 24.4 seconds, and reach a top speed of 263 km/h (163mph).
By comparison, the production Z3 M Roadster model sported an M3-sourced 3.2-liter naturally aspirated straight-six delivering 321hp (325PS) and 353 Nm (261 lb·ft) in EU specification.
We also learn that the Z3 M Roadster V12 was fitted with 17-inch wheels in 225/45 tires up front and 245/40 at the back and that it tipped the scales at a hefty 1,400kg (3,086 pounds).
As mentioned in the beginning of our story, we’d appreciate it if any of our German-speaking readers could provide a translation of the main points mentioned in the magazine article.
Photo Scan Credits: Autozeitung
PHOTO GALLERY
BMW Z3 V12 CONCEPT
