2001 BMW Z9

The BMW Z9 Convertible made its ÚK debut at the British International Motor Show (October 18 - 29) less than 3 weeks after its world debut in Paris.
Although it is a concept car and will never reach production, this is a concept of greater significance than many 'dream machines' because it carries significant clues to the direction of BMW's future styling, both inside and out.
Although the exterior of a concept car is often what grabs attention, in the case of the Z9 Convertible the interior exposes the real revolution - it looks fresh, uncluttered and minimalist for the very simple reason that it is. Like the Z9 Gran Turismo shown at Frankfurt in September 1999, the Z9 Convertible is a technology carrier for BMW's trendsetting iDRIVE ergonomics - with the roof off it is now exposed for the world to see.

'Imagine being faced with 700 knobs, switches and controls when driving a car,' explained Jim O'Donnell, Managing Director of BMW (GB) Ltd. 'Technology has overtaken the traditional car interior and the next generation of BMW models will move car interiors into the 21st Century.'

'Take a look at the cluttered fascias of some of our competitors and it doesn't take a nuclear physicist to predict that it must change,' he §äid. 'BMW will lead that change and soon'.



Three levels - everything where it should be
The function areas are structured on three levels depending on their frequency of use and relevance to driving. The most fundamental controls for driving and safety have been located on or around the steering wheel. Less frequently used functions such as lights or air conditioning remain on the fascia.

The third group are the burgeoning comfort, communication and driver assistance functions which form the largest share of new options and features. Whilst many are rarely adjusted whilst driving, the new interior concept allows rapid and intuitive access without taking the driver's eyes from the road. These functions are activated by the 'Control Centre' in the centre console in a logical, ergonomic manner, whilst the information required is displayed in a monitor within the driver's field of vision.

iDRIVE in closer focus
The first control level focuses on the area around the steering wheel with all controls within fingertip reach. On the steering column there are four levers for direction indicators, wipers, cruise control and automatic transmission operation: the drive option chosen being displayed between speedometer and tachometer.

Steptronic buttons on the steering wheel itself allow a change to manual gear selection. Further displays for the navigation system and Active Cruise Control are located in the instrument binnacle.

The second level controls are integrated into the centre of the dashboard. Rotary knobs for heating and ventilation with separate controls for driver and front passenger, as well as switches for hazard flashers, heated rear window and volume control for the radio/cassette/CD.

The third level is the Control Centre. Consisting of the Controller and Control display, the system is intuitive and activation is located on the front of the centre console, the area drivers normally use for gear selection.

The Controller: one control unot for hundreds of functions
To enter commands the controller is pressed in one of eight directions - fore and aft, side to side and diagonally - and various functions are selected and activated.

The eight functions are communication, climate control, entertainment, information, configuration, vehicle functions, the drive mode in four main directions and the help function. Each function is presented geographically in perfect view of both the driver and front passenger. When a function is selected, the desired settings within this function area can be selected.

iDRIVE - driving pleasure for the future
This major step forward from 'physical ergonomics' to an all-embracing driving philosophy offers a new perspective on pleasure at the wheel, allowing the driver to enjoy active driving involvement without foregoing the levels of convenience and comfort which are available through technology. Finally, iDRIVE opens up a wealth of opportunity for BMW engineers in their quest to incorporate future technologies into BMW cars.

The BMW Z9 Convertible from the outside
The dark anthracite gold metallic coachwork of the body accentuates the light cream and silver grey interior, as well as the long bonnet and short tail of this unique 2+2 Convertible. The lines of the car suggest an energy which literally 'flows' from front to rear and points to the future with BMW's new design philosophy 'Dynamism defines design.'.

In technical terms the Z9 Convertible follows its Coupé predecessor. It is 4760 mm (187.4 inches) long, shorter than the Coupé, but exactly the same width at 1970 mm (77.6 inches). Naturally as a convertible it is lower (by 60 mm or 2.4 inches) at 1280 mm (50.4 inches) and its wheelbase is 100 mm (3.9 inches) shorter at 2950 mm (116.1 inches).

Únlike the Z9 Gran Turismo, the laminated Convertible is mounted on a strong frame to guarantee the extra body stiffness required of an open car. Power is supplied by BMW's 4.4 litre eight-cylinder engine from the 540i and 740i and produces maximum power of 286 bhp and 440NM (324lb ft) of torque.

The finishing touches are applied by huge alloy wheels (21 inches with 285/40 tyres at the rear and 245/45 tyres on 20 inch rims at the front) housing extra large brakes to ensure maximum stopping power.

The future awaits

Source - BMW