BMW M Shows Off V12 Powered Z3 Prototype
We can only imagine the fun BMW M engineers get to have with all the toys at their disposal. Case in point: This Z3 prototype with a massive V12 transplanted into the engine bay.
It’s clear now that over the years BMW’s performance sub-divisions have cranked out some amazing prototypes that were never revealed to the public. It would probably had set some lofty expectations from automotive enthusiasts had BMW revealed some of these at the time of their creation, but years later they’re just something for us to fantasize over.
Produced from 1996 to 2002, the Z3 convertible was a sporty offering, with the M roadster featuring 315 hp thanks to the M3’s 3.2-liter, inline-six powerplant. But BMW M engineers were clearly testing the limits the convertible could push by shoehorning a V12 under the hood. Information to go along with the photos is scarce, but it appears that a 5.4-liter V12 with 322-hp and 361 lb-ft of torque was borrowed from the older 750i model for the experiment.
The German automaker did say that the study was built “years ago”, and it’s no surprise nothing ever came from it. It’s probably more humorous to think that a decade ago, 322-hp was impressive.
GALLERY: BMW V12 Powered Z3 Prototype
[Source: Carscoop]
Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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