Wednesday, December 17, 2008

BMW Re-launches The Z4 Roadster

BMW Z4 P0049882.JPG

Hey, why not do this again … I guess that's what BMW were thinking, but at any rate, here's the new-new-new Z4 Roadster.

All things considered, this is a pretty fun ride. The driving dynamics are top notch, the build quality is going to be among the best in the world, it's got a ton of comfort & convenience features, and to top it all off (so to speak) the Z4 Roadster has a power folding hardtop. Great. Yes, having a folding hardtop does and weight and complexity, but it's always an idea I've liked. You get the best of both worlds: The fun and direct experience of a convertible and you also get the security warmth and sound isolation of a coupe.

We'll get more into the details, and more beauty shots after the jump.

First, the mechanicals. As you would expect, the engine choices in the new Z4 roadster are top notch.

BMW Z4 sDrive35i:

BMW Z4 P0049883.JPG

BMW Z4 P0049889.JPG

BMW Z4 P0049890.JPG

BMW Z4 P0049881.JPG


straight-six petrol engine with Twin Turbo and direct fuel injection (High Precision Injection)
Capacity: 2,979 cc, max output: 225 kW/306 hp at 5,800 rpm,
max torque: 400 Nm/295 lb-ft from 1,300–5,000 rpm
Acceleration [0–100 km/h]: 5.2 sec
(seven-speed sports automatic with double clutch: 5.1 sec)
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Average fuel consumption to EU standard: 9.4 ltr (9.0 ltr)/100 km (30.0/31.4 mpg imp)
CO2 emissions to EU standard: 219 g (210 g)/km.

BMW Z4 sDrive30i:
straight-six petrol engine with magnesium/aluminium composite crankcase, VALVETRONIC and double-VANOS
Capacity: 2,996 cc, max output: 190 kW/258 hp at 6,600 rpm,
max torque: 310 Nm/228 lb-ft at 2,750 rpm
Acceleration [0–100 km/h]: 5.8 sec (sports automatic: 6.1 sec)
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Average fuel consumption to EU standard: 8.5 ltr (8.3 ltr)/100 km (33.2/34.0 mpg imp)
CO2 emissions to EU standard: 199 g (195 g)/km.

BMW Z4 sDrive23i:
straight-six petrol engine with magnesium/aluminium composite crankcase, VALVETRONIC and double-VANOS
Capacity: 2,497 cc, max output: 150 kW/204 hp at 6,200 rpm,
max torque: 250 Nm/184 lb-ft at 2,950 rpm
Acceleration [0–100 km/h]: 6.6 sec (sports automatic: 7.3 sec)
Top speed: 242 km/h (239 km/h) (150/148 mph)
Average fuel consumption to EU standard: 8.5 ltr (8.2 ltr)/100 km (33.2/34.4 mpg imp)
CO2 emissions to EU standard: 199 g (192 g)/km.

BMW has this to say about the way trick folding hardtop:

Two-piece electrohydraulically retractable hardtop in lightweight aluminium shell construction. The hardtop opens and closes fully automatically in each case within 20 seconds, the roof elements coming to rest in the roof compartment to give the car a low-slung rear-end design reflecting the traditional proportions of a roadster as well as a large luggage compartment ranging in capacity from 180–310 litres (6.3–10.9 cu ft). The high-quality interior lining finished in an extra-light colour as well as large windows including the heated glass window at the rear ensure an exclusive ambience and optimised all-round visibility.

The revamped, yet still feared idrive also turns up in the Z4. They say it's improved, let's see if it is:

First use of the BMW iDrive control system in the BMW Roadster. In conjunction with the optional Professional navigation system the new generation of BMW iDrive comprises an ergonomically optimised Controller for the selection and control of functions by turning, pressing and tipping the Controller, function buttons on the Controller for direct menu entry, freely programmable favourite buttons for even easier operation, as well as a folding 8.8-inch display with high-resolution graphic presentation and an optimised menu structure. Enhanced navigation system with an even wider range of functions in entering destinations, planning trips and presenting maps. Optional audio system with hard disc memory. Unrestricted use of the internet in the car as an option in conjunction with the Professional navigation system.

The gear box, which has the great twin clutch as an option will surly be a highlight:

Seven-speed sports automatic with double clutch as an option on the BMW Z4 sDrive35i. Shifting gears without the slightest interruption of -traction, the transmission provides a unique combination of the extra comfort of a BMW automatic transmission with maximum dynamism and performance. Acceleration and fuel economy improved once again over the manual gearbox models. Six-speed sports automatic with optimised gearshift dynamics, direct connection to the engine and minimised converter slip available as an option on the BMW Z4 sDrive30i and BMW Z4 sDrive23i. All sports automatic transmissions with gearshift paddles on the steering wheel.

And of course, there's the overall safety outlook that BMW is renowned for:

Comprehensive safety concept with extremely stiff body structures, defined load paths, specific use of high-strength steel and special deformation elements, head/thorax airbags integrated at the front and at the side in the seat backrests, three-point inertia-reel seat belts with new belt tightening technology, massively reinforced A-pillars and roll bars behind the headrests, runflat tyres and a Tyre Defect Indicator fitted as standard, dual headlights with bi-xenon light technology likewise featured as standard equipment.

 

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