The engine displays strength throughout its broad powerband however north of 4,500-rpm is where the after-burner effect of BMW's Valvetronic technology is most felt. Keeping the engine above this threshold produces formidable performance, not to mention an exhaust note capable of terrifying owners of domestic muscle cars. This sort of motoring, while something the Z4 3.0si is engineered to excel at, isn't appropriate on anything less than a closed track. Typical automotive operation finds the Z4 3.0si well suited to city or highway demands whilst nary breaking a sweat to keep-up or pass.
Happily, the new powerplant is packaged with a six-speed manual gearbox or an optional six-speed, paddle-shift-equipped autobox; both connected to the rear wheels. A sigh of delight was heard for miles as I climbed aboard my tester and allowed my hand to fall upon its manual stick. That may read like cheap trash but it's figuratively true. There's not much sweeter in the auto industry than BMW's six-to-six, that's six cylinders to six cogs.
The manual stick's throws are short. Each gate is clearly defined with movement that is precise, notchy and sufficiently resistive, making the Z4 a treat to administer for the purists who disdain manual-mode automatics, to which, count me in.
Handling itself like a pro
Even with its stability and traction control programs in full operation, the Z4 3.0si allows plenty of leniency before intruding on the fun, and when it does, it does so discreetly. Electronic parenting of this sort is an important safety feature in a vehicle with this much power and allure. For the highly skilled, the aforementioned can be partially or fully deactivated when so desired. Better than such deactivation is "activation," in the form of BMW's "Sport" driving mode.
Engaging the Sport mode requires no more than a button push, and voila; handling is crisper and engine response is sharper. The transformation is subtle but it's certainly noticeable, especially in terms of engine responsiveness. Power seems to come-on quicker, with less need to lay into the throttle. Steering response also feels more instantaneous, if that's possible given the Z4's already quick-witted reaction to steering inputs.
My preference in driving this week's tester was to leave good enough alone. With it's nannies engaged and the Sport mode at rest, the Z4 3.0si everything and more that most enthusiasts will ever want in terms of tenacious yet predictable, forgiving handling dynamics. And it's the latter that impressed me the most. The Z4 3.0si isn't one of those twitchy beasts that amplify every misstep into a potential loss of control. Rather it absorbs minor miscalculations without getting upset or displaying poor sportsmanship- and that inspires confidence.
 |
| It likes to be thrown into curves but also feels at ease cruising down the boulevard. |
Happily, the new powerplant is packaged with a six-speed manual gearbox or an optional six-speed, paddle-shift-equipped autobox; both connected to the rear wheels. A sigh of delight was heard for miles as I climbed aboard my tester and allowed my hand to fall upon its manual stick. That may read like cheap trash but it's figuratively true. There's not much sweeter in the auto industry than BMW's six-to-six, that's six cylinders to six cogs.
The manual stick's throws are short. Each gate is clearly defined with movement that is precise, notchy and sufficiently resistive, making the Z4 a treat to administer for the purists who disdain manual-mode automatics, to which, count me in.
Handling itself like a pro
Even with its stability and traction control programs in full operation, the Z4 3.0si allows plenty of leniency before intruding on the fun, and when it does, it does so discreetly. Electronic parenting of this sort is an important safety feature in a vehicle with this much power and allure. For the highly skilled, the aforementioned can be partially or fully deactivated when so desired. Better than such deactivation is "activation," in the form of BMW's "Sport" driving mode.
Engaging the Sport mode requires no more than a button push, and voila; handling is crisper and engine response is sharper. The transformation is subtle but it's certainly noticeable, especially in terms of engine responsiveness. Power seems to come-on quicker, with less need to lay into the throttle. Steering response also feels more instantaneous, if that's possible given the Z4's already quick-witted reaction to steering inputs.
My preference in driving this week's tester was to leave good enough alone. With it's nannies engaged and the Sport mode at rest, the Z4 3.0si everything and more that most enthusiasts will ever want in terms of tenacious yet predictable, forgiving handling dynamics. And it's the latter that impressed me the most. The Z4 3.0si isn't one of those twitchy beasts that amplify every misstep into a potential loss of control. Rather it absorbs minor miscalculations without getting upset or displaying poor sportsmanship- and that inspires confidence.
 |
| The exhaust note when the engine revolutions above 4,500 rpm will make your spine shiver. |