Is the Z3 Coupe making a comeback? Here’s the Turing Coupe concept…
BMW unveils the unique Turing Coupe concept as a tribute to the 02 Turing series and with many similarities to the Z3 Coupe model
About three years after the Z3 roadster was debuted at the end of the previous century, BMW unveiled a unique coupe version of the model with a rather unusual/special appearance, which transformed it into a rare spectacle and a sought-after collector’s car today due to the limited number of units created. We don’t know if BMW intends to bring back this model, but it is presently displaying the Turing Coupe concept, which is effectively a coupe/shooting brake version of the current BMW Z4.
BMW built the concept model exclusively for the world’s most prestigious automotive show, the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Italy. It’s important to note that BMW cannot build a standard coupe variant or a hardtop roof for the Z4, as these body configurations are reserved for the Toyota Supra, which helped fund the Z4’s development.
Despite the external similarities to the Z3 Coupe, BMW does not officially acknowledge it as influence for the model, most likely due to other more popular models from the brand. For example, the concept of the BMW 02, which subsequently gave birth to the 3 Series, were inspired by the historic BMW 328 Turing Coupe, with which BMW won its first major mile-to-mile competition. The concept was inspired by the touring version of the 02, BMW’s first 3-door hatchback.
Except for the combination of brown and gray leather upholstery, which emphasizes the model’s retro motif, the passenger compartment is identical to what we know from the contemporary Z4. The cargo area, on the other hand, is radically different, as it is the essence of BMW’s touring variants (today, the name “touring” is used for the company’s station wagon models).
