Hearts will pound and loss of breath will surely follow as eyes fall upon the new, second generation BMW Z4 Roadster. Its elongated hood and short rear deck emphasize the car's strength in both form and function. The new lines are unmistakably Z4 but in a smoother, less "Bangle'ized" fashion that's sure to broaden the car's appeal.
A more sophisticated, upscale interior complements the redesigned Roadster. The big news pertains to what's overhead of the cockpit, and that's a three-part aluminum retractable hard-top roof. Gone like the clouds of a sunny day is the Z's fabric roof.
The new Z4 incorporates the longest wheelbase in its class. Standard equipment includes BMW's Dynamic Drive Control, which enables the driver to select from three progressively sportier suspension and throttle settings.
Residing under the long flowing hood is an inline six-cylinder engine. Two versions are available beginning with a 3.0-litre naturally aspirated mill rated at 255 horsepower and 220 pound-feet of torque @ 2,600 rpm.
The "bad boy" of the pair is BMW's award winning, twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre powerhouse that dispatches 300 of the smoothest horsepower to find its way into a roadster, matched with 300 pound-feet of torque.
Automatic and manual 6-speed transmissions are available. Those seeking to push the envelope of high performance can opt for a 7-speed Double Clutch Transmission (DCT) automatic/manual gearbox. Regardless of which engine/transmission combo supplies the ingredients of life to the new Z4, this sublimely sweet roadster is sure to ignite a wind-in-the-hair love affair.
photo:BMW, Philippe Champoux
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A more sophisticated, upscale interior complements the redesigned Roadster. The big news pertains to what's overhead of the cockpit, and that's a three-part aluminum retractable hard-top roof. Gone like the clouds of a sunny day is the Z's fabric roof.
The new Z4 incorporates the longest wheelbase in its class. Standard equipment includes BMW's Dynamic Drive Control, which enables the driver to select from three progressively sportier suspension and throttle settings.
Residing under the long flowing hood is an inline six-cylinder engine. Two versions are available beginning with a 3.0-litre naturally aspirated mill rated at 255 horsepower and 220 pound-feet of torque @ 2,600 rpm.
The "bad boy" of the pair is BMW's award winning, twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre powerhouse that dispatches 300 of the smoothest horsepower to find its way into a roadster, matched with 300 pound-feet of torque.
Automatic and manual 6-speed transmissions are available. Those seeking to push the envelope of high performance can opt for a 7-speed Double Clutch Transmission (DCT) automatic/manual gearbox. Regardless of which engine/transmission combo supplies the ingredients of life to the new Z4, this sublimely sweet roadster is sure to ignite a wind-in-the-hair love affair.
photo:BMW, Philippe Champoux
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