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In 1940, BMW won the Mille Miglia - back when it was a proper mad-scary road race, not a cross-Italy cruise frequented by hairy blokes in leather hats - with a gorgeous 328 Kamm Coupe.
In the hands of Fritz Huschke von Hanstein, the 328 averaged a mind-blowing 103mph, which stands even today as the fastest Mille victory of all time.
Seventy years on, in honour of that terrifing achievement, BMW has unveiled its tribute: the Z4 Mille Miglia. You would be justified in expecting something spectacular. Surely, surely, BMW hasn't managed to wedge the M3's 414bhp V8 into the Z4's petite frame?
No. It hasn't. The Z4 Mille Miglia is - get ready for it - a Z4 sDrive 35is with a blacked-out front grille, dark chrome alloys and an M-Sport aero kit. Oh, and Alcantara seats and steering wheel. And some red stitching.
That is all. Not that we're complaining about a 335bhp roadster that'll hit 62mph in 4.8 seconds, but so can the standard Z4 35is. We'd hate to accuse BMW of pillaging its brand heritage, but... BMW, you're pillaging your brand heritage.
The Z4 Mille Miglia is limited to just 99 examples. Attempting to drive one across Italy at an average speed of 103mph will not end well.
Sam Philip
Open Car Bar
What do you think?
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Afaque commented on this article
at 04:26 pm on 07 May 2010
Looks quite nice actually. Its little changes but they all seem to add up to make it look nicer than a regular Z4... Would have been nicer if they stuck a bigger engine in it as well...
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Afaque commented on this article
at 04:26 pm on 07 May 2010
oh and first!!! :D:D
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scottneal commented on this article
at 04:34 pm on 07 May 2010
A strange and pointy nosed rip-off of a Mille Miglia winning legend.
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petrolhead1106 commented on this article
at 04:44 pm on 07 May 2010
is it coming to uk and if yes then how much?
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deprived_yank commented on this article
at 05:03 pm on 07 May 2010
On the face of it, the only person who would buy this is one who would understand the significance of Mille Miglia and the 328. However, this implies they are intelligent and a car person, which means they wouldn't spend money on a tarted-up Z4. So the only conclusion I can come to is that BMW just wanted to make a tarted-up version of the Z4 to sell to imbeciles, justifying it with a reference to Mille Miglia and the 328.
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