'98 BMW M Roadster - First Look - European Car

Some things are simply inevitable. The BMW M roadster is one of them. Although this red-hot road rocket can't be found at your local dealership just yet, be patient. Judging by this tantalizing high-performance prototype we previewed, it surely will prove to be well worth the wait.

BMW unveiled the M-spec version of its new Z3 roadster at the Geneva Motor Show, where it captivated MT's editors and was awarded Most Beautiful Roadster honors by the event's organizers. While offering the caveat that all of the M roadster's tech details and interior trim specifics have yet to be finalized, BMW did allow that this well-finished one-off is largely representative of what we'll see on the future production vehicle.

Those familiar with the likes of the legendary M1, M3, M5, and M6 models know well that BMW's M Squad has a long, successful history of turning out cars with a high-performance edge. The M roadster is a shoo-in to continue that proud tradition. No intro date has been announced for this mighty M machine, but rumor has it that European versions could hit the market sometime during the '97 model year and U.S-spec cars may turn up here by 1998. Regardless of where they're sold, all will be produced at BMW's new plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, which is also the sole build facility for standard Z3 models.

As befits any car to be graced with an "M" badge, this raucous little roadster will come with a very serious engine under its gracefully flowing hood. Euro versions are to carry a slightly retuned iteration of the current M3's 3.2-liter DOHC inline-six, expected to produce about 315 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a six-speed manual transmission, BMW claims the car should run 0-60 mph in less than six seconds. Its top speed will be electronically limited to 155 mph. If current corporate policy holds, M roadsters destined for the American market are likely to use a slightly less exotic-and less expensive-version of that engine, but still displacing 3.2 liters. This upgraded six, which becomes standard in '96 U.S. M3s due to arrive here in June, should produce 240 horsepower and about 240 pound-feet of torque-still enough for a sub-six-second 0-60-mph blast, as evidenced by the current (and heavier) M3 five-speed's 6.2-second blitz.

Visually, the M roadster is distinguished from a conventional Z3 by its more aggressive front airdam, prominently flared rear-wheel arches, and two pairs of chrome-plated tailpipes exiting beneath the rear valance panel. Under this more muscular bodywork lurks a fully upgraded M-type suspension with stiffer springs and shocks plus stouter anti-roll bars in addition to suitably upgraded four-wheel anti-lock disc binders. The wheel and tire sizes also grow to match the car's new-found muscle while front and rear track dimensions have been increased for improved stability.

By any account, the BMW M roadster promises to be an impressive piece of work. No pricing information was even hinted at in Geneva, but the car is expected to sticker at slightly more than an M3 coupe. That should put U.S. versions somewhere in the $45,000-$50,000 range, making it a haughty alternative to a Corvette or Porsche 911 Cabriolet.