Body style: Convertible (spider/spyder, cabrio/cabriolet, drop/open/soft top)
Segment: Roadster & Convertible
Production years: 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003
The Z3 was the first vehicle built by BMW exclusively outside Germany and it was the first mass-produced Z-series model. It was the first vehicle built by the German car-maker to be featured in a James Bond movie franchise.
The predecessor of the BMW Z3 was the Z1. There was not any Z2 on the market. The Z3 was based on a mixed platform based on the E36 3-Series model, but with the rear axle taken from the E30 due to its compactness.
Z3 was a typical roadster with a long hood, short cabin, and even shorter rear deck. Its rounded form and wide headlights covered by a clear-lens cover attracted a lot of customers. It was produced until 2003. On the front fenders, there was an exhaust vent with four slats, that resembled the BMW 507 roadster.
Inside, there was a two-seat layout with a big center console between the occupants. The central stack was slightly tilted toward the driver. With the dials and gauges carried-over from the E36 model, the Z3 was fit for sporty driving.
Inside, it offered sport-bucket seats for both occupants. On the center stack, BMW installed a stereo and the controls for the air-conditioning unit. The bucket-seats featured high bolstering to support the occupants while fast cornering.
Even if it featured a mixed platform/drivetrain, the Z3 was a fast and nimble car. It was offered with a choice of engines ranged between 1.8-liter and 2.8-liter before the facelift. In 1999 the car went through a mid-life cycle refresh and received some updated engines. The 2.0-liter inline-six was replaced by a 2.2-liter, and the 2.3-liter was upgraded to a 2.5-liter, while the 2.8-liter was increased to 3.0-liter. The M versions were a different chapter.
ENGINE SPECS - 1.8i 5MT RWD (115 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1796 cm3 |
Power: | 85 KW @ 5500 RPM 116 HP @ 5500 RPM 114 BHP @ 5500 RPM |
Torque: | 124 lb-ft @ 3900 RPM 168 Nm @ 3900 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 13.5 gallons (51.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 120.5 mph (194 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 10.5 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 205/60 R15 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 159.4 in (4049 mm) |
Width: | 68.5 in (1740 mm) |
Height: | 50.9 in (1293 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 55.6/58.8 in (1,412/1,494 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 96.3 in (2446 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 4.3 in (109 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 5.8 cuFT (164 L) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2557.4 lbs (1160 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3108.5 lbs (1410 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 21.6 mpg US (10.9 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 39.9 mpg US (5.9 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 30.2 mpg US (7.8 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 187 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 1.9i 4AT RWD (140 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1895 cm3 |
Power: | 103 KW @ 6000 RPM 140 HP @ 6000 RPM 138 BHP @ 6000 RPM |
Torque: | 133 lb-ft @ 4300 RPM 180 Nm @ 4300 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 13.5 gallons (51.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 122 mph (196 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 10.6 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-Speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 205/60 R15 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 159.4 in (4049 mm) |
Width: | 68.5 in (1740 mm) |
Height: | 50.9 in (1293 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 55.6/58.8 in (1,412/1,494 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 96.3 in (2446 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 4.3 in (109 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 5.8 cuFT (164 L) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2612.5 lbs (1185 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3163.6 lbs (1435 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 18.5 mpg US (12.7 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 36.2 mpg US (6.5 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 29.4 mpg US (8 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 189 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 1.9i 5MT RWD (140 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1895 cm3 |
Power: | 103 KW @ 6000 RPM 140 HP @ 6000 RPM 138 BHP @ 6000 RPM |
Torque: | 133 lb-ft @ 4300 RPM 180 Nm @ 4300 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 13.5 gallons (51.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 127.4 mph (205 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 9.5 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 205/60 R15 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 159.4 in (4049 mm) |
Width: | 68.5 in (1740 mm) |
Height: | 50.9 in (1293 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 55.6/58.8 in (1,412/1,494 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 96.3 in (2446 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 4.3 in (109 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 5.8 cuFT (164 L) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2612.5 lbs (1185 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3163.6 lbs (1435 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 20.6 mpg US (11.4 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 39.2 mpg US (6 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 29.4 mpg US (8 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 189 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 1.9L 5MT RWD (118 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L6 |
Displacement: | 1895 cm3 |
Power: | 86.8 KW @ 5500 RPM 118 HP @ 5500 RPM 116 BHP @ 5500 RPM |
Torque: | 140 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM 190 Nm @ 3500 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 13.5 gallons (51.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 122 mph (196 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 10.4 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 225/55 R16 95 W |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 159.4 in (4049 mm) |
Width: | 68.5 in (1740 mm) |
Height: | 50.9 in (1293 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 55.6/58.8 in (1,412/1,494 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 96.3 in (2446 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 4.3 in (109 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 5.8 cuFT (164 L) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2690 lbs (1220 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3285 lbs (1490 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 21.4 mpg US (11 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 39.2 mpg US (6 L/100Km) |
ENGINE SPECS - 2.0L 5MT RWD (150 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L6 |
Displacement: | 1991 cm3 |
Power: | 110.3 KW @ 5900 RPM 150 HP @ 5900 RPM 148 BHP @ 5900 RPM |
Torque: | 207 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM 280 Nm @ 3500 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 13.5 gallons (51.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 130 mph (209 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 89 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 205/60 R15 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 159.4 in (4049 mm) |
Width: | 68.5 in (1740 mm) |
Height: | 50.9 in (1293 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 55.6/58.8 in (1,412/1,494 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 96.3 in (2446 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 4.3 in (109 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 5.8 cuFT (164 L) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2800 lbs (1270 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3395 lbs (1540 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 18.1 mpg US (13 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 30.9 mpg US (7.6 L/100Km) |
ENGINE SPECS - 2.2i 5AT RWD (170 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L6 |
Displacement: | 1991 cm3 |
Power: | 110.3 KW @ 5900 RPM 150 HP @ 5900 RPM 148 BHP @ 5900 RPM |
Torque: | 207 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM 280 Nm @ 3500 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 13.5 gallons (51.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 137 mph (220 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 8.9 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 205/60 R15 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 159.4 in (4049 mm) |
Width: | 68.5 in (1740 mm) |
Height: | 50.9 in (1293 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 55.6/58.8 in (1,412/1,494 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 96.3 in (2446 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 4.3 in (109 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 5.8 cuFT (164 L) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2965 lbs (1345 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3395 lbs (1540 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 18 mpg US (13.1 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 30.9 mpg US (7.6 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 24.5 mpg US (9.6 L/100Km) |
ENGINE SPECS - 2.2i 5MT RWD (170 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L6 |
Displacement: | 2171 cm3 |
Power: | 125 KW @ 6100 RPM 170 HP @ 6100 RPM 168 BHP @ 6100 RPM |
Torque: | 155 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM 210 Nm @ 3500 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 13.5 gallons (51.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 139.2 mph (224 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 7.9 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 225/50 R16 92 V |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 159.4 in (4049 mm) |
Width: | 68.5 in (1740 mm) |
Height: | 50.9 in (1293 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 55.6/58.8 in (1,412/1,494 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 96.3 in (2446 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 4.3 in (109 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 5.8 cuFT (164 L) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2744.8 lbs (1245 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3395.1 lbs (1540 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 18.7 mpg US (12.6 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 32.2 mpg US (7.3 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 25.6 mpg US (9.2 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 224 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 2.8i 5MT RWD (192 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L6 |
Displacement: | 2793 cm3 |
Power: | 141 KW @ 5300 RPM 192 HP @ 5300 RPM 189 BHP @ 5300 RPM |
Torque: | 203 lb-ft @ 3950 RPM 275 Nm @ 3950 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 135.5 mph (218 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 7.1 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 225/55 R16 95 W |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 159.4 in (4049 mm) |
Width: | 68.5 in (1740 mm) |
Height: | 50.9 in (1293 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 55.6/58.8 in (1,412/1,494 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 96.3 in (2446 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 4.3 in (109 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 5.8 cuFT (164 L) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2777.8 lbs (1260 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3329 lbs (1510 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 16.9 mpg US (13.9 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 32.2 mpg US (7.3 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 24.2 mpg US (9.7 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 225 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 2.8L 4AT RWD (192 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L6 |
Displacement: | 2793 cm3 |
Power: | 141 KW @ 5300 RPM 192 HP @ 5300 RPM 189 BHP @ 5300 RPM |
Torque: | 203 lb-ft @ 3950 RPM 275 Nm @ 3950 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 134 mph (216 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 7.2 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-Speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 225/55 R16 95 W |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 159.4 in (4049 mm) |
Width: | 68.5 in (1740 mm) |
Height: | 50.9 in (1293 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 55.6/58.8 in (1,412/1,494 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 96.3 in (2446 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 4.3 in (109 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 5.8 cuFT (164 L) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2833 lbs (1285 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3417 lbs (1550 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 16.9 mpg US (13.9 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 32.2 mpg US (7.3 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 24.2 mpg US (9.7 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 225 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 3.0i 5MT RWD (231 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L6 |
Displacement: | 2979 cm3 |
Power: | 170 KW @ 5900 RPM 231 HP @ 5900 RPM 228 BHP @ 5900 RPM |
Torque: | 221 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM 300 Nm @ 3500 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 13.5 gallons (51.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 149.1 mph (240 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 6 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 225/50 ZR16 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 159.4 in (4049 mm) |
Width: | 68.5 in (1740 mm) |
Height: | 50.9 in (1293 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 55.6/58.8 in (1,412/1,494 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 96.3 in (2446 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 4.3 in (109 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 5.8 cuFT (164 L) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2832.9 lbs (1285 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3428.2 lbs (1555 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 17.7 mpg US (13.3 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 32.2 mpg US (7.3 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 24.8 mpg US (9.5 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 228 g/km |