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Do you prefer BMW’s new kid on the block based on the Z4 or its controversial Z3 Coupe ‘Clown Shoe’ predecessor?
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–> by Thanos Pappas
3 hours ago
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by Thanos Pappas
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The BMW Concept Touring Coupe created quite a buzz at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Italy over the weekend, as its design evoked memories of the Z3 Coupe. Luckily for us, the original “Clown Shoe” also made an appearance, offering an opportunity for a side-by-side photoshoot on the lawn and enabling a direct comparison between the two.
The classic model is a rare example of the BMW Z3 M Coupe performance flagship featuring a black exterior and a two-tone red and black interior. Having been introduced in 1998, the “Clown Shoe” has started showing its age next to the modern lines of the Z4-based model which admittedly has a classier rear end design and is painted in the striking “Sparkling Lario” shade.
Nevertheless, the Z3’s face is still the most “macho” looking of the two – at least in our eyes – in contrast to the busier front end of the Z4.
More: The BMW Z4 ‘Clown Shoe’ Is One Of Many Cool Concept Wagons We Won’t Be Allowed To Buy
While BMW has not disclosed specific powertrain details for the Concept Touring Coupe, they have confirmed that it features a six-cylinder engine. In comparison, the closely-related Z4 roadster, equipped with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine in the M40i, delivers an impressive 382 hp (285 kW / 388 PS). This output surpasses the most powerful version of the Z3 M Coupe from 2002, which boasted a 3.2-liter naturally-aspirated six-cylinder engine producing a cool 321 hp (239 kW / 325 PS).
The Concept Touring Coupe was presented as a one-off design study based on the Z4, with a bespoke body inspired by the aesthetics of the 328 Touring Coupe. However, reports suggest that BMW has expressed some interest in producing a limited run of 50 units.
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Should these plans materialize, the anticipated price tag for each model would likely reach a staggering $250,000. If true, the new iteration would not only surpass the Z3 Coupe and Z4 Coupe in terms of rarity but also exceed them in price, reaching five times the cost of the entry-level current-generation Z4 roadster.
