Benjamin M. Monroe Blog: Stunning BMW Z8 gets some new shoes from HRE Wheels

Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Stunning BMW Z8 gets some new shoes from HRE Wheels

The BMW Z8 is one of those cars that don’t seem to age at all and it’s been the darling of most automotive journalists. Even BMW’s new CEO has a soft spot for the high-class roadster.

The nearly 17 year old roadster looks just as fresh as when it was introduced in 2000 and to-date, it’s also one of the fastest appreciating BMW models. During its three years life span there were 5,703 units built. The Z8 was the production variant of the 1997 Z07 concept car, which was designed by Henrik Fisker at BMW Designworks in Southern California. The Z07 originally was designed as a styling exercise intended to evoke and celebrate the 1956-’59 BMW 507.

At $128,000, the Z8 was placed near high-end of BMW’s lineup. The car had an all aluminum chassis and body and used a 4.9 L (4941 cc) 32 valve V8, that developed 400 hp (294 kW) and 500 Nm (363 lb·ft). This engine was built by the BMW M division and was shared with the E39 M5.

The engine was located behind the front axle in order to provide the car with 50/50 weight distribution. The factory claimed a 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62.5 mph) time of 4.7 seconds, but faster times were achieved by professional drivers and car magazines. The usual stop on the top speed was present in the Z8 as well, 155 mph (249 km/h), but several tuners were able to achieve 186 mph (300 km/h) with an unlocked chip.

Pretty impressive for a car built 17 years ago.

Most of the Z8s have stayed true to their original form and standard equipment, but once in a while, a BMW owner decides to give his roadster a mild refresh. Take for example this BMW Z8 that went to Wheels Boutique in Miami for a new set of custom wheels. Designed and engineered by California-based HRE Wheels, the 21 inch wheels are from the HRE S207 line and are painted in a Brushed Dark Clear color.