(from BMW Press Release) The Z9
gran turismo concept car features the long hood and short rear deck that
have become hallmarks of BMW sport coupe design. Beneath the elegant
carbon fiber body panels resides an aluminum spaceframe chassis offering
both extraordinary rigidity and light weight. Large wheels - 20-inch
front and 21-inch rear - provide a hint of the performance capability of
the Z9's 3.9-liter V8 turbodiesel engine which delivers a stunning 413
lb-ft of torque.
The full-length gull-wing doors, which have conventional front-opening
doors built in, open to reveal an interior which incorporates a
masterfully simple, uncluttered driving environment. Instead of the
usual array of buttons, switches and levers, the dashboard houses only
the starter button and light switches. A unique control knob (with
corresponding TV monitor) resides in place of the conventional shift
lever operating a number of functions for both the driver and passenger.
