BMW Z4 - BMW Z4 price, Review & Mileage

BMW first launched a redesigned
version of its Z4 Roadster at the 2009
North American International Auto
Show in Detroit. The latest model
represents the first complete redesign
since the Z4 badge was introduced in 2002. The new Z4 is offered in sDrive30i and
sDrive35i guise, mirroring the
powertrains used in the automaker's
3-Series range. In addition to a new
3.0-liter engine, the new Z4 boasts a
number of mechanical improvements, including the option of a seven-speed
dual-clutch gearbox. Featuring a folding two-piece
aluminum roof, the car takes some
inspiration from the BMW Z8's elongated profile. The new 7-Series'
front face is also evident, as are 6-
Series-inspired taillights. Most attention has been paid to the
Z4's exterior -- and with good reason.
Many of the polarizing features of the
previous Z4's design have been
toned-down, amounting to a much
more elegant look. BMW's radical design revolution hasn't always been
aesthetically successful, at least in the
eyes of the BMW faithful. But BMW
styling now seems to be hitting its
stride, recapturing some of its former
pleasing proportions. It appears that the steady hand of BMW designer
Adrian van Hooydonk is getting the
beloved Bimmers back where they
need to be. The new interior is more visually
pleasing, and includes a slew of
comfort and usability improvements.
Notably, the traditional hand brake is
gone in favor of an electronic setup.
BMW's latest automatic gearshift is present, and iDrive is available for the
first time in a Z4. The system is built
around an 8.8-inch LCD screen,
featuring a 1280 x 480 pixel
resolution, and an 80GB hard drive,
with up to 15GB of music storage. A 650-watt 14-speaker sound system
rounds out the list of high-tech
features. The new BMW Z4 is offered with the choice of two inline-6 engines
displacing 3.0 liters. The engine in the
sDrive30i develops maximum output
of 255 horsepower from 3.0 liters
capacity at an engine speed of 6,600
rpm. Maximum torque of 220 pound- feet comes at just 2,600 rpm. The car
accelerates from a standstill to 60 mph
in 5.6 seconds. The more powerful twin-turbo
sDrive35i has a maximum output of
300 horsepower, arriving at 5,800
rpm. The engine achieves peak torque
of 300 pound-feet throughout a
broad rev range from 1,400 to 5,000 rpm. The sprint to 60 mph takes just
5.0 seconds. BMW says the motor is the first inline-
six to come with twin turbochargers,
High Precision Injection, and an all-
aluminum crankcase. Weighing just
355 pounds, the motor owes its light
weight to its composite magnesium/ aluminum crankcase, cylinder head
cover made of a special synthetic
material and lightweight camshafts
with aluminum VANOS control unit. Top speed is electronically limited to
130 mph (150 mph when equipped
with the optional Sport Package). While both models are available with a
manual six-speed gearbox, the Z4
sDrive35i is also available with a dual-
clutch automated transmission
featuring seven gears. A six-speed
sport automatic is available on the Z4 sDrive30i. Both the automatic and the
dual-clutch transmissions feature
steering wheel-mounted paddle
shifters. Disappearing in just 20 seconds, the
Z4's new roof promises better
temperature and noise insulation than
its canvas predecessor. It also boasts
increased visibility and aesthetics. Compared with the former model, the
side windows are 40 percent larger,
the see-through area in the rear
window 52 percent larger, and all-
round visibility increased 14 percent
over the previous generation.