But is it fast? Of course it is. That said there are quite a few faster, some of which are a fair bit less expensive. In this league it's not all about 0 to 100 km/h bragging rights or 300-ft skidpad lateral acceleration stats. You've got to look at the driving experience on the whole. From the wickedly visceral growl that bellows from its fat twin tailpipes with every blip of the drive-by-wire throttle to the placement of the superbly modulated clutch and progressive ABS assisted brakes alongside. There are stats and then there is the soul of a car. The Z8 needs to be driven to be fully appreciated.
Fortunately, rather than my initial 8-hour road trip with the 2001 Z8, I was able to keep the 2002 model in my possession for four glorious days. I have to admit I didn't get much writing done. Deadlines were out the door basking al fresco in the hot summer rays as I hardly left the supportive and comfortable Nappa leather driver's seat. The first day I sought out every curving road within a 100-mile radius. The next was downtown, to enjoy smiling praise mixed with green and bitter envy, the likes I have rarely experienced. By the third day the Z8 was mine. I no longer took notice of passersby, content in knowing that the majority were in full appreciation of one of the most beautiful vehicles in existence. While the fourth and last day might have brought the inevitability of my future loss into grim perspective I chose to take the higher road and enjoy yet another blissful day, concentrating on my blessed state rather than next day doldrums of yet another white bread economy car (no real complaints as I actually love the variety).
With that in mind BMW doesn't really make an economy car. Even the micro-sized Mini is all about absolute fun rather than penny-pinching frugality. Word is the future generation 1-Series, heavily hinted-at recently in the CS1 concept car, will carry on BMW's performance heritage while accessing a younger, less affluent clientele. How does a low-selling $195,000 2-seat roadster fit into BMW's brand strategy? Consider it the trickle down effect. The Z8, whether seen on video driven by 007 or in real life by a local sports personality, envelopes a halo over all BMW products. It gives BMW owners even greater pride in their marque, strengthening ownership loyalty while increasing brand awareness. After all, how many other companies make an aluminum supercar?