BMW’s radical new roadster has what it takes to get you noticed – standing still, or standing on the gas.

Type B introverts take note: BMW’s new Z4 sports car doesn’t just command attention, it comes equipped with its own spotlight. But make no mistake, behind the flash there’s enough mechanical dash beneath its neatly pressed sheetmetal to impress any auto enthusiast.

By: Malcolm Gunn

"image"
BMW


– Z4

www.bmwusa.com

‘The
Z4 replaces the Z3 Roadster. Longer and wider than the Z3, it features
a completely new suspension, new safety features, a longer trunk, contemporary
styling, a roomier interior and a much more rigid chassis. There’s plenty
of room in this two-seater. A favorite feature is the new 6-speed manual
transmission in the 3.0 model. The car attracts young trendsetters, empty
nesters and sportscar enthusiasts alike.

Denise Wood

President

Princeton BMW


   The Z4 stands in stark contrast to last year’s Z3. Although
both hail from the same Spartanburg, S.C., factory, they are as different as apples
and bananas. The Z3, which had been around since the spring of 1996, featured
conservative styling (including a few retro touches) that looked like a Mazda
Miata on dietary supplements. The car was nicely proportioned and attractive.
   In short, a neat little package that helped BMW return to its
sporting roots.
   The Z4 is a completely different story.
   This time the stylists didn’t just begin with a clean sheet
of paper, they broke out a new box of crayons. What they’ve wrought is a design
that appears to have been chiseled from a single steel ingot. Even the integrated
roll bars have their own angular shape.
   Although the front end is more rounded and the grille more flush
than that of the Z3, the fenders and door panels come with a variety of creases,
folds and angles. At the back, the new roadster abruptly ends behind a high-mounted
trunk lid with its eye-catching flared lip.
   Overall, the car’s key physical dimensions are slightly increased
compared to those of last year’s model, with the exception of a stowage area that
has nearly doubled in size. Credit goes to the taller deck lid as well as the
use of run-flat rubber that eliminates the need to pack a spare.
   The net effect is a shape that’s as crisp as fresh-picked iceberg
lettuce. Retro has definitely given way to techno.
   Open the hood, however, and you’ll find one of two familiar
powerplants gracefully seated between the Z4’s delicate flanks. In base trim there’s
a 184-horsepower 2.5-litre DOHC inline six-cylinder engine, while a 3.0-litre
version that produces 225 horsepower is optional. Both were available in the Z3
and both originate from the larger 3-Series models. At this early stage, the punchier
315-horse six from the ’02 M roadster (or something approximating it) has yet
to make an appearance.
   A variety of transmission choices is available, depending on
your power selection. Pick the 2.5 and you’ll row the gears using a five-speed
manual. Opt for the larger 3.0 and a six-speed manual comes standard. A five-speed
Steptronic automatic (with manual shift control) is optional with either choice.
Later in the year, a Formula One-style six-speed sequential manual transmission
will be available with either engine.
   As you might expect from any vehicle with the BMW propeller
logo pasted on both ends, the Z4 features a host of standard high-tech equipment,
including electrically operated (as opposed to hydraulic) power steering and a
stability and traction control setup that allows for a modest amount of wheelspin
before putting a stop to that sort of fun. Order the Z4’s optional sport package
and the feature list grows to include Dynamic Driving Control, a system that adjusts
the suspension to a firmer setting and reduces throttle response times at the
touch of a button.
   An interesting inclusion on all 3.0 Z4s is a three-inch tube
that feeds the engine noises directly into the cabin. BMW’s engineers must believe
this will be music to the driver’s ears.
   Options on the Z4 run the proverbial gamut. In addition to the
sport package, there are three levels of interior trim, a power-operated top,
in-dash navigation system, wind deflector, bi-xenon headlights, heated seats and
a premium audio system. Buyers also will be able to select from four different
alloy wheel options.
   All told, the new Z4 should put on quite a show, visually as
well as on the road. BMW is obviously prepared to take its chances that a high-fashion
exterior combined with high-performance capabilities will result in plenty of
demand for this too-cool sportster.