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2010 MW Design Z4 E89 Slingshot news, pictures, and information

MWDesign Project E89 Z4 3.5 'Slingshot'

At MWDesign, we are huge fans of all genres of design whether it is automotive, interior, architectural or even product design.

Inspiration for car themes often comes from random thoughts or from influences in our daily lives. These themes can be developed from something as basic as a single color or from something as complex as an abstract feeling provoked by an image or words but in this case was developed from a sport we are also passionate about; golf.

Like vehicle tuning and customization, golf is a highly technical sport, which requires top tier engineering and design of its precision equipment to enhance performance.

In golf, while technical innovation is important, aesthetics and design are never forgotten which is an ideal that we like to convey through our projects.

In our concepts we love to combine a collection of over-thought out details to create the overall image and theme of the vehicle. Rather than using several large and explicit details that do not flow, we prefer to build layers wîth details and textures that may not be immediately appreciated upon first glance. Factory like finishing and quality is of the utmost importance to each project build.

Vital Stats
Engine : 3.5 L., 6-cylinder
Power: 400 hp
Torque: 420 ft-lbs

6-speed Manual, 7-speed Automatic, 6-speed Automatic
Modern, subdued finishes selected are devoid of polished and chrome surfaces unless absolutely necessary to avoid an overtly 'shiny' and gaudy look.


For this specific E89 build, asides from loving the boldness of lime green, we have also had the pleasure of owning the Slingshot series of golf clubs crafted by Nike. This shade of green associated wîth the Slingshot series was the perfect starting base for our choice of green accenting color.
Lime green is one of the wildest colors on the entire color wheel. This color is perhaps best associated wîth extreme cars such as the 'Verde Ithaca' from the Lamborghini Gallardo and Murcielago lines as well as 'Sublime' from the Mopar greats such as the 70's Plymouth ‘Cuda, Dodge Challenger and Charger.

In our opinion it is one of the hardest colors to use successfully without lòòking overly excessive and out of place. For this reason, we had to use the color sparingly in combination wîth a monochromatic backdrop. A gradient from black, gunmetal grey battleship grey, to white is used to create a wide palette that still stresses neutrality but can still match the green.

Modulare wheels have sponsored our build wîth a set of 20' H1 three-piece wheels. We specified these wheels to be custom built wîth a highly detailed tinted brushed aluminum finish. From far the wheels look to be painted gunmetal but upon closer inspection they reveal the beauty of a machine brushed finish through the depth of a high gloss tinted clearcoat.

The wheel lips are then finished in a gloss black to provide a visually cohesive look wîth the long low body of the E89.

Toyo Tires has sponsored us wîth a set of our personal favorite T1-R tires in 245/30/20 and 285/25/20 to keep the Z4 planted in conjunction wîth the H&R suspension.

IND Distribution / Eisenmann ÚSA has stepped in to provide us wîth the first prototype exhaust for E89 Z4 3.5 turbo. The exhaust system by itself is an amazing system that spans from the end canister to the catalysts. The end result is an awesome lòòking rear profile wîth an increase in power and torque wîth a low powerful tone without droning.

To match our monochromatic scheme, we had the entire exhaust system custom powdercoated matte black.

To further increase the Z4's power into supercar contention territory, our friends at DINAN sponsored the vehicle wîth an ECÚ upgrade. The ECÚ upgrade is definitely the best dollar for enjoyment modification adding a sizeable 78 horsepower and 116 pound feet of torque.

When added in conjunction wîth STETT Performance's front mount intercooler and diverter valves, air passes through colder and more freely resulting in greater power output. STETT's FMIC intercooler for E89 is rated for 620 horsepower and is made from top grade aluminum and 304 stainless piping.

To complete the car visually, we applied our 'CONCEPTuning' approach to digitally render the car wîth the correct exterior modifications. Careful selection of area to accentuate wîth green, grey and carbon fiber were crucial in creating the correct look for the Z4. We are proud to say that our digital render is a 100% likeness to the final result.

The CONCEPTuning approach is vital in our tailoring of vehicles to ensure that the end result is precise and is loved by the client prior to ordering a single part to avoid having costly mistakes.

To complete the look we added a polyurethane front lip spoiler by AC Schnitzer wîth a custom made carbon fiber splitter that follows the curvature of the front add-on. Bodywork and paint for the aerodynamics and roll bars were done for us by Bismark Collision Facility in Richmond BC.

Our good friends at 3D Design in Japan sponsored the rear spoiler and matte carbon for our project build. The design of the rear lip spoiler and the rear diffuser was our first choice to complete the rear for this build. The weave and quality of the rear carbon fiber diffuser is absolutely flawless and perhaps the finest that we have seen.

To complete the rest of our theme, we dropped the car off at our long time business partners at Blitzgear in Richmond BC. They followed our render wîth absolute accuracy and created a matte carbon fiber fin to fit within the character lines of the front hood, retractable hardtop and trunk lid bordered wîth a battleship grey pinstripe.

Lime green accents were strategically added to the front bumper air ducts, underneath the rear diffuser, wheel lip striping and to the roll bar backs.

In our opinion this was just the perfect amount, grey and carbon to accent wîth the factory body to create the colorful yet minimalist modern technical look we were trying to achieve.

We feel that the use of modern finishing, precision engineering and no compromise design and aesthetics parallel to the sport of golf, which inspired us for this build. Our selection of a specific lime green also pays a great reference and homage to the amazing Nike Slingshot series of clubs and drivers that we have had the pleasure of owning and using.

The only thing missing from this build at the moment is a set of custom big brakes, which is currently in development.

Thank you for reading we hope you enjoyed our build!

Source - MW Design
A rear-wheel drive sports vehicle, the BMW Z4 was known as the E85 in roadster form, and E86 in coupe form. Replacing the BMW Z3, production began in 2002. The Z4 was much larger than its predecessor and featured a significantly stiffer chassis. Originally only available as a roadster, in 2006 a coupe version was finally released. Built in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the BMW Z4 has been in production since the 2003 model year. The Z4 is BMW's only two-seat sports car.

The BMW-Z4 was designed by Danish BMW-designer Anders Warming. Warming was later famed with creating the Mille Miglia Concept vehicle with many of the similarities from the Z4. Considered to be one of the more unique sports vehicles currently available, the Z4 features an exquisite inline six-cylinder engine, and fabulous styling. The Z4 is famed for its excellent handling and steering and it counters with a light curb weight.

Available as a roadster with a convertible top or a fixed-roof coupe, the BMW Z4 featured the traditional front-engine/rear-drive layout, an elongated hood (that some consider ‘shoe-like' in appearance) and rearward positioning of driver and passenger. To add tension to the Z4's shape, the car showcased an extremely chiseled exterior design.

The original BMW Z4 from 2003 through 2005 was broken down inti either 2.5i or 3.0i. The 3.0i used a 3.0-liter straight six-cylinder engine that achieved 225 hp, while the 2.5i had a 2.5-liter, inline six-cylinder engine that achieved 184hp. Available transmission were a five-speed manual that was standard on the 2.5, a six-speed manual that was standard on the 3.0, a five-speed automatic or a six-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox that was featured on the M3. Only a few small updates were made over these years, but not enough to differentiate one model from another.

Much like the Z3, the Z4 featured a strut type front suspension, while its rear suspension was completely different and was based on that of the E30 BMW 3-Series. The Z4 also featured a much more conventional multi-link suspension, rather than a semi-trailing arm suspension.

The 200 BMW Z4 was available in two trim levels, the 3.0i and 3.0si. The 3.0i featured 17-inch wheels, antilock brakes, power mirror and windows, stability control, manually operated seats and vinyl upholstery. Standard, the 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine was rated at 215 hp; the six-speed manual transmission was also standard, while a six-speed automatic is optional. The 3.0si came with 18-inch wheels, several improved interior updates and a 255-hp 3.0-liter inline six. Both trim levels offered a variety of option, these included a Premium package with a power-operated top, and a Sport package that was designed to improve the car's handling capabilities. It added stiffer and lower suspension, larger wheels with run-flat tires, BMW's Vehicle Stability Control system; Dynamic Driving control. The BMW Z4 coupe is only available in the 3.0si trim.
The Sport package isn't needed though for a rewardable driving experience, the BMW Z4 offers that no matter what. The coupe had an advantage over the roadster in the terms of handling because of its additional body rigidity.

A choice of four straight-six engines were available on the BMW Z4, the 2.2 L, 2.5 L, 3.0 L and 3.2 L, all are variants of the BMW M54 engine. A 2.0 L straight-4 engine was available in the European market. Not available in the U.S. the 2.2 L, 170 bhp version could achieve 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds. The 2.5 L engine could achieve 192 bhp at 6,000 rpm. With a manual transmission, it is rated at 6.8 seconds at 62 mph. Weighing 2,932 lbs with a manual transmission is 66lbs lighter than the 3.0 L version. The 3.0 L was capable of 231 bhp at 5,900 rpm and its straight six could achieve a 62 mph in just 5.9 seconds. The 3.2 L reached 330 bhp at 7,900 rpm and had 262 lb/ft of torque at 4,900 rpm.

A Bangle-designed concept coupe version of the Z4 was introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2005. A company announcement was made on November 22, 2005 that the coupe would be available for delivery in the U.S. by June 2006, along with the return of the M Coupe. On April 4, 2006, production began at the Spartanburg, SC BMW plant, and the production vehicles were unveiled at the New York Auto Show in April 2006.

The BMW Z4 was also available in an M-powered version. This was the most powerful car of the Z4 lineup and it featured a naturally aspirated, inline six cylinder engine that was used in the third generation of the M3. The Z4 M produced 340 bhp at 7,900 rpm and 270 lb/ft of torque. With a top speed of 250 km/h, the M could achieve 0-100 km/h in just five seconds. The M Roadster also shares its 6-speed Getrag 217 manual gearbox with the M3.

For 2006, the Z4 was extensively updated and because of this, all models from '06 on were even more improved and a better choice for buyers. BMW installed its new N52 I-6 engines in all of the Z4 line. Mid-year in 2006 BMW released the coupe body steel, both the 215-hp and 255-hp engines, and the six-speed automatic. The N52 featured a magnesium block construction which consisted of an aluminum interior for the cylinders, along with an outer magnesium block.

To achieve increased performance, this engine featured BMW's Valvetronic variable valve timing system, which is incredibly more powerful through the middle of the rev range, and also improved handling and turn-in due to the decreased weight over the nose of the car. Other updates included a retuned standard suspension that improved ride quality, a higher final-drive ratio that only improved acceleration, additional braking functionality for the stability control system, new wheel designs, minor interior trim revisions and updated front and rear styling. The brakes size was also increased on the 3.0si models for 2006.

The Z4 3.0i Roadster released in 2008, when equipped with the optional Sport package, came complete with wheels very similar to the original Z4 Coupe concept vehicle.

According to the Auto Press, the 2008 BMW Z4 ranks 7 out of 8 Luxury Sports Cars, this analysis is ranked on 24 published reviews and test drives, along with an extensive review of reliability and safety data. The '08 Z4 3.0si was a two-seat hatchback coupe that came with a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine and a manual transmission. Automatic transmission is optional, and the Z4 was also available as a convertible.

On August 27 2008, the Z4 line ended its production in North America at its Spartanburg, SC plant. Production has been shifted to the Regensburg, Germany plant for the its next-generation model, the E89.

By Jessica Donaldson
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