Deemed sufficiently rigid, BMW did not add additional bracing or rigidity to the Z4's body for the M model. Handling, however, has been
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| The brakes, which feature Automatic Dry Braking to sweep water off the discs, priming them for better wet-weather performance, are lightweight units borrowed from the track-tuned M3 CSL. (Photo: BMW Canada) |
improved by using a conventional hydraulic steering system which replaces the regular Z4's electrical assist for improved steering feel. The car's battery has been moved to the rear of the vehicle to help restore weight distribution. Minor improvements to the car's electronics include Start-Off assistance for hill starts, as well as Automatic Dry Braking which sweeps water off the discs, priming them for better wet-weather performance. The brakes themselves are lightweight units borrowed from the track-tuned M3 CSL.
Equally important, and not to be overshadowed, the rest of the Z4 lineup has also been updated. While the roadster is an important member of the BMW
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| Most noticeable is a revised rear decklid and taillamp treatment. (Photo: BMW Canada) |
family, it has been neglected in light of the newer, bolder 5- and 3-Series. Current cars don't feature the latest engine and transmission technology, despite the fact that BMW's pride lies in producing driver-intuitive vehicles. Outclassed, and running on old technology, the base Z4s will finally receive the attention they deserve.
For 2006, the North American model range will consist of the 3.0i and 3.0si, utilizing BMW's latest 3.0-litre engine range, both of which use BMW's new lightweight magnesium/aluminum composite block. Output jumps from 230-hp to 255-hp for the 3.0si, while the 3.0i is propped up from 184-hp to 215-hp. Acceleration to 100 km/h for the former is achieved in 6.0 seconds, while the base model needs 6.6 seconds to reach highway speeds. Two lesser models, the 2.5i and 2.0i base model featuring a 177-hp 2.5 I-6 and a smaller 150-hp, 2.0-litre inline six will be offered in Europe, providing a more economical and affordable version of the fun-to-drive roadster.
