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BMW Australia today announced pricing for its new high-performance Z4 Roadster, which has now joined the Australian model line-up.

Priced from $129,900, the BMW Z4 sDrive35is sits atop the current Z4 range, which consists of the Z4 sDrive35i, the Z4 sDrive30i and the Z4 sDrive23i.

The BMW Z4 sDrive35is features a modified straight-six twin turbo engine with high precision injection technology with an output of 250 kW. Accelerating from standstill to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds, the roadster’s performance time is identical to the six-speed manual BMW M3 Coupé. Peak torque is 450 Newton-metres, increasing briefly to 500 Newton-metres courtesy of an overboost function.

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MW’s North American chief confirmed to Automotive News that the automaker isn’t pleased with the way it launched its controversial 5-Series Gran Turismo in the United States.

According to BMW North America president Jim O’Donnell, the 550i GT that the automaker launched initially – before the less expensive and more efficient 535iGT that is set to go on sale later this year – is “running 20 percent behind budget at the moment.”

The 535i GT is set to list for about $7,900 less than its 550i GT counterpart. Where the 550i GT features BMW’s turbocharged, 400-horsepower V8, the 535i GT offers a more efficient, but less powerful 300-horsepower 3.0-liter turobcharged inline six-cylinder engine.
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These are the first official photos of the BMW M3 Coupe finished in the new and exclusive ‘Frozen Black’ color. The matte black shade is seen here on the 2011 model year M3 Coupe equipped with the optional Competition Package and a set of carbon fiber front splitters and boot spoiler.
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To celebrate its 70 years of victory at the House of Monaco Grand Prix of Brescia Mille Miglia, BMW is launching this special-edition Z4 sDrive35is.

“The victory in the Mille Miglia in 1940 is still a milestone in the history of the BMW brand and it is not only a witness to the extraordinary technical competence, but also the passion with which you work in BMW, “said dr. Klaus Draeger, BMW board member responsible for development.

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BMW showed significant improvement during the first quarter of 2010, posting a $424 million profit.  That can be compared to a $212 million loss for Q1 2009.

Reports say that BMW’s performance, including sales of MINI and Rolls-Royce, beat analyst predictions by 30 percent.

In a company announcement, CEO Norbert Reithofer said that the BMW 5 Series sedan will lead the push into the rest of the year.  “We expect that earnings will grow dynamically over the course of the year,” Reithofer said.

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