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In the category 90's classics we've tested the Renault Clio V6 about a year ago
The legendary hatchback..
I don't think there will ever be a cooler hatchback
Today we have the Z3M Coupe
A car which we've both wanted to drive for a long time
It's a "hate it or love it" kind of car
Many think it's ugly..
The other half thinks it's fantastic!
I'm part of the second half
I think it looks amazing
It's a shooting break..
Which is a unique bodytype
It really catches your attention
Because of the immense back of the car
It's wide with four big exhaust pipes
The back wheels are dished
It really is one of the coolest cars ever build
The story about its birth is fascinating
It's about a BMW M mechanic
Who thought the Z3M Roadster wasn't stiff enough
A convertible has no roof so the stiffness of the car is very low
This engineer mounted roll bars on the roadster which made it 2.7 times stiffer
He asked the board of directors to come have a look at his creation
He said to them: "look what I've build, it's 2.7 times stiffer"
They went to the Nürburgring with it and were very impressed with the results
They gave their permission to build the car
But he could only use existing parts
So he couldn't develop any new ones
The engine is the same M3 engine as in the roadster
The straight six..
It has 321 HP in this car
Which is a few less than in the M3 at the time
The M3 had a different exhaust which couldn't be fitted to the small Z3
Just like the gearbox..
They wanted to use the M3's 6-speed
But it's equipped with a 5-speed because the 6 wouldn't fit
So there are some differences to a M3..
But the result..
Is bizarre!
So the looks and structure of the car are very good
And inside..
It's all 90's!
There are a few details that would be found shoddy nowadays
Which are adored by cap wearing Golf drivers
Like these chrome rings
These dials..
This chrome edge is the partypiece..
With these rivets..
It's a bit shoddy
But as a whole, it all makes sense
Something which I love about 90's cars..
It even smells like the 90's in here!
And this is..
one of the best engines I have driven in a long time
So lets talk about handling..
It's very tight
But..
It's tight in a strange way
On the motorway it's a bit wobbly
It doesn't like strong winds and bumps
Here, however..
It is much much better!
But it's not a beginners car
It can be tricky
If you lose it, it's gone..
There's no forgiveness in this car
No ESP, no traction control
So you have to do it yourselve
But when you find its sweetspot
The right revs in the right corner..
the nice sound..
Then it really rewards you!
After a day of driving this car..
I have to conclude it's like a european muscle car
It's not subtle or easy
It's a brute..
A hammer
Just play rough with it
Without doubt..
It will reward you when you do
It really is a nice car
It's a future classic..
In about twenty years this car will be at auctions
The attendees drooling over the car
one of the icons of the 90's
I would love to buy this car
It's one of my favorites
After today..
It has confirmed my love
This opportunity has been made possible by Wim Prins
Who have more of these 90's classics
The Clio V6 was theirs..
The 147 GTA as well..
Which we liked..
So many thanks!!
If you're looking for a nice 90's classic
Visit www.wimprins.nl
They also have an app
There's only one way to end this video..