The first generation BMW Z4 was greatly appreciated, not only for its looks but also for its driving. The best in the range was, without a doubt, the Z4 M that used the same powertrain as the iconic BMW E46 M3 and it had well over 300 HP. But what if you wanted even more? Is forced induction always the way? Apparently not as we found a BMW Z4 with 550 HP that uses a monstrous engine.
The 1990s were, to some degree, the golden years of the auto industry. I say that because the technology reached a rather decent point and nobody was as worried about global warming as we are today. It was the perfect time for an American company to launch a two-seat sportscar using a 8.3-liter V10 engine. That company was Dodge and the model used a rather interesting name: Viper.
As interesting as this project sounded like, it didn’t live up to the expectations. Sure, by today’s standards, it may seem brilliant as the Viper was indeed pretty hardcore, keeping the driver in check at all times, but it had different flaws as well, mainly related not to the engine but the chassis. That problem was sorted by an ambitious German car guy who combined the cat-like reflexes of the BMW Z4 with the engine of the Viper.
Amazingly enough, it turns out the engine bay of the BMW can accommodate an 8.3-liter V10 engine and the man didn’t hesitate to make the switch. His car remained a manual as well and gained Audi R8 brakes and a roll-cage inside, while dropping everything else that was unnecessary. This way, the car now weighs some 220 lbs less than in stock guise, even though the engine grew quite considerably in size.
With 550 HP going to the rear wheels, this is a beast in every sense of the word. And if the pictures below get you tingling, you’re in luck, as the car is on sale on eBay for $55,600.
The article Manual BMW Z4 with 8.3-liter V10 Viper Engine Is Up for Grabs appeared first on BMW BLOG
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