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“Sum of all the senses” launched

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Author: Patrick Vermaak

Publishing date: 28.07.2003 06:10

The birth of "The sum of all senses" at Forsdicks BMW Tygervalley

BMW Z4 launch at Forsdicks BMW Tygervalley – a glamorous leggy affair!

Forsdicks BMW Tygervalley was one of 50 BMW dealers who launched the stunning new BMW Z4 simultaneously at 19h00 on Thursday 24 July 2003.

General Manager Forsdicks BMW, Raymond Botha

General Manager Forsdicks BMW, Raymond Botha, described the new Z4 as the type of car he would associate with the senior generation as it reminded of the days when mountain passes used to attract the Austin Healy 3.0 and Jaguar E Type drivers.

Jeanne Fourie and just as nice, BMW friend.

Jeanne Fourie, Floor Manager New Car Sales Forsdicks BMW, was the friendly face meeting the who’s who of Cape Town motoring and it was a treat simply pacing through the parking lot. Guests were treated to some very exotic snacks whilst Emma and Janine provided refreshments in the shape of a new beer. As if anyone noticed the beers when they walked past.

Emma and Janine - defiitely booked for the next RallyStar promotion!

At exactly 19h00 a live satellite crossing had BMW SA Managing Director, Ian Robertson, singing the praises of the new Z4 before the “Sum of all the senses” were unveiled to the appreciative audience. The incredibly accurate sharp contours immediately attracted much comment and “flame surfacing” became the subject of the evening. Yawn, was the first reaction too statements of a continuously changing optical effect but it was indeed the case when walking around the very attractive design. The Z3 certainly did not make much of an impression on me but this is a classic in the making, a worthy successor to the 328 Roadster.

The new BMW Z4

From the rear one cannot help but see similarities with a certain Italian classic but if anything it’s simply another compliment. The 260 liter boot certainly surprised and clearly contributed towards the 0.35 Cd . In 3.0 form the aluminum 24 valve, six cylinder plant delivers 231BHP / 170kW / 300Nm and in 2.5 it drops to still very acceptable 192BHP / 141kW / 245Nm. Acceleration on figures are quoted as 7.2 seconds 0-100 for the 2.5 and 6.1 for the 3.0 with respective top speeds 235km/h and electronically limited 250km/h.

Home of the Z4 - obviously!

Electrical soft top with heated glass window is standard as are weight optimized 8J x 17” double spoke cast-alloy style 103 wheels shod with 225/45 R 17 run-flat tyres on the 2.5i model and 8J by 18” ellipsoid spoke cast-alloy wheels style 107 225/40 R 18 front and 225/35 R 18 rear, run-flat tyres on the 3.0i . Bi-xenon gas discharge lamps feature on the 3.0 model. A Carver 600 Watt amplifier and eight speakers, two subwoofers, seven band equalizer and a digital 10 channel sound processor ensures unrivalled bass production.

No need to remember where you want to go as the 16:9 antiglare navigation display screen will take you to your destination. Handling characteristics cannot be discussed at this stage as we have only had the privilege to get comfortable behind the steering wheel. New Car Manager Forsdicks BMW, Willie Botha, and Financial Manager, Thorsten Pey, purring away as there is already a waiting list topping 40.

Willie Botha and a happy financial manager Thorsten Pey - with the Z4, a beautiful potential Z4 owner and a lady wondering who they are?

A truly remarkable and sense-full evening!

Patrick Vermaak
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