WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., Jan. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- The BMW M Roadster returns to the stable of BMW M products for the 2006 model year. This time it is based on the newly updated BMW Z4 Roadster. The Z4 Roadster receives a number of enhancements for 2006, not the least of which are the latest Valvetronic, magnesium/aluminum inline six cylinder engines. The Z4 Coupe Concept embodies the classic values of the BMW brand, and serves as the inspiration for the recently-announced Z4 Coupe and M Coupe production versions. BMW's Active Hybrid Drive Concept, along with other examples of BMW's advanced EfficientDynamics technology will also be shown.

The car that so many enthusiasts have been asking for, the 2006 BMW M Roadster makes its world debut at the North American International Auto Show, alongside the 2006 Z4 Roadster. The M Roadster arrives in US showrooms this spring with an MSRP of $51,995 including destination and handling. The 2006 Z4 Roadster line-up will consist of the Z4 3.0i at $36,295 MSRP, and the Z4 3.0si, at an MSRP of $42,795.

At the heart of the new M Roadster is BMW M's award winning 3.2-liter, in-line six cylinder engine. With its high-speed concept, this engine works through a six-speed manual transmission to provide exhilarating performance in all speed ranges. As in the BMW M3, this engine features dual overhead cams, double-VANOS variable valve timing, and six individual throttle plates. This normally aspirated engine generates more than 100 hp per liter. On the road, this means 0 - 60 in less than five seconds and a top speed electronically limited to 155 mph.

The M Roadster features the speed-sensitive variable M differential lock, already well-proven and admired in the M3. It provides outstanding stability and traction, particularly when accelerating out of bends. To maximize its braking capabilities, the new M Roadster uses BMW M's floating compound high performance braking system included in the M3 Competition Package. With weight-saving aluminum hubs and steel cross-drilled discs, this system minimizes the risk of warping under hard use.

Greater power isn't limited to the M Roadster. The 2006 Z4 Roadsters will feature two different 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engines. These new-generation powerplants, feature BMW's latest aluminum/magnesium construction and include double-VANOS variable valve timing and Valvetronic for optimal performance and fuel efficiency.

Both 2006 Z4 Roadster models will come standard with six-speed manual transmissions. The available six-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission for both models offers SMG-style shift paddles behind the steering wheel to allow the driving enthusiast to be fully engaged while retaining the attributes of an automatic transmission.

New Dynamic Stability Control sets the standard for active safety

For 2006, the Z4 Roadster and M Roadster benefit from the latest developments in DSC to provide the utmost in active safety. Emergency braking capability is maximized by features such as Brake Drying, which works to help keep the brakes dry in wet conditions, and Brake Standby, which immediately positions the brake pads nearer the discs whenever the driver lifts off the accelerator pedal quickly. Emergency braking is enhanced further by automatic Brake Fade Compensation, which helps to maximize brake pressure and stopping ability whenever the brakes get hot. Smooth starts and stops are facilitated by the Start-Off Assistant, which holds the brakes briefly on a hill after the brake pedal is released in order to prevent the car from rolling back.

Both the updated Z4 Roadster and the new M Roadster continue the characteristic design language of BMW Roadsters. The modified front section incorporates new foglights and reflectors. The newly standard xenon headlights feature the four lighted rings that have quickly become a BMW design hallmark. The restyled rear taillights include BMW's two-stage Adaptive Brake Lights.

The M Roadster distinguishes itself from the standard Z4 starting with its front air dam, consisting of an X-shaped combination of lines and openings, plus the large air intake scoops. It uses exclusive double-spoke design 18-inch alloy wheels. And last, but certainly not least, the rear of the M Roadster incorporates a horizontal diffuser and the four round tailpipes which have become a hallmark of BMW M design.

Both the Z4 Roadster, all BMW M Roadsters will be built exclusively at BMW's U.S. manufacturing facility in Spartanburg, SC.

With the BMW Z4 Coupe concept study, BMW is setting new stylistic, design and technical trends. The two-seater embodies the classic values of the BMW brand and serves as the inspiration for the recently-announced Z4 Coupe and M Coupe production versions, which will be available this summer.

The new 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine was selected as the power source for the BMW Z4 Coupe concept study. And this combination promises impressive driving dynamics for a corresponding production model. Its modern suspension control systems, the electric power steering (EPS), and a high performance brake system contribute to an optimum driving experience. The extreme chassis rigidity, which characterizes even the concept study, ensures optimum driving performance while providing above-average crash safety for a sports car.

The focus during the development of the BMW Z4 Coupe Concept was on driving performance. The designers have taken an equally uncompromising approach to realizing the visual dynamics. The esthetics of the concept study build on the expressive design language of the BMW Z4 Roadster. The long hood, the "greenhouse" shifted to the rear, and the short overhangs in front and rear signal classic design features of the BMW brand. In combination with the long wheelbase and a center of gravity far to the rear, the coupe even at rest gives the impression of relentlessly pressing forward. A flowing roofline characterizes the BMW Z4 Coupe as a classic coupe with a center of gravity visually shifted towards the rear axle. The recess in the middle of the roof reinforces the sporting look and character. The coupe appears low, fast and, at the same time, elegant.

The exterior paintwork in "Glacier Silver," developed exclusively for this study, gives the coupe the silky-matte glossiness of a solid aluminum sculpture. Nineteen-inch aluminum wheels, clearly showing their dimensionality and with an intentionally dark finish to contrast with the exterior paintwork, highlight the concentrated, powerful overall impression. They were designed exclusively for this study and were produced using elaborate casting technology.

At NAIAS 2006, BMW is presenting a trendsetting solution for efficient dynamics: the BMW Active Hybrid drive concept, which combines novel technological developments in the areas of drive, transmission, and energy storage.

In addition, it offers insight into the most significant BMW innovations in this sector. For example, transparent sill-board trims reveal copper-colored electrical energy storage units ("Super Caps"). They are a basic component of the BMW Active Hybrid concept. They make a significant contribution to increasing vehicle performance and, the same time, to lowering fuel consumption. This is made possible through the recovery of energy that supplies an auxiliary electrical drive unit.

Data generated in a computer simulation show that the concept vehicle can accelerate significantly faster than a comparable production model with a conventional drive unit. Accelerating from zero to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) is calculated at around 6.7 seconds, while top speed is around 235 km/h (146mph). This performance is coupled with a reduction of fuel consumption and the associated emissions by around 20% in relation to the European driving cycle.

At NAIAS 2006, BMW is presenting innovative drive technologies which, especially in combination, will result in significant fuel consumption reductions without any sacrifice in terms of driving performance. "High Precision Injection", a fuel injection technology that BMW will introduce within the next few years, is a jet-guided direct fuel injection system suitable for large-scale production.

With Brake Energy Regeneration, the BMW Group is introducing a system for recovering energy which, in the past, was released as heat by the brake discs. Now, intelligent alternator regulation can be utilized for the reduction of fuel consumption. The system is complemented by an automatic engine start-stop system.

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. ROLLS-ROYCE Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand, the MINI brand, and the ROLLS-ROYCE brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, an industrial design firm in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group's global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all Z4 Roadster and X5 Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 340 BMW passenger car centers, 327 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 148 BMW motorcycle retailers, 80 MINI passenger car dealers, and 25 ROLLS-ROYCE Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group's sales headquarters for North, Central, and South America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.