Posts tagged convertible

It’s not a very large car, but there’s something larger-than-life about the BMW Z4. The edgy design captures the light in a certain way that its competitors from Porsche, Mazda and Mercedes just can’t match. I can’t explain why, but the BMW Z4, whatever its performance chops might be, has a way of making you feel like a superhero.

Maybe it’s just because it bears a strong resemblance to BMW’s last exotic, the Z8, star of movies like The World Is Not Enough, Jackie Chan’s The Tuxedo and Fastlane, but the Z4 has a way of bringing out the action hero in everyone. That’s probably why, when I got a teary call at midnight from an old, dear friend who was very much in need, I took only the barest glance at the Z4′s keys and said, “I’ll be right there.” Never mind that she was 1500 miles away; there might as well have been a Bat-Signal shining on the clouds, and the Z4 was ready to hit the road. So strong was the Z4′s aura of confidence and power that I didn’t even stop to see how much a plane ticket would have cost. Sure, flying would have gotten me there sooner, but what’s the point of the cavalry arriving without a trusty steed?

The Z4 does a good job of looking the part of a superhero’s car, too. Love it or hate it, the Z4′s controversial shape definitely stands out on the road. It’s got a classic sports car profile–a hood that stretches to the horizon and a stubby tail–and it’s low and wide enough to look larger than it is. A highly streamlined version of BMW’s familiar twin-kidney grille rides between glassed-in quad headlamps. The front fenders are accented by sharp creases, which connect with the contours of the front bumper and hood shutlines to form a sculpted bodyside. Lighted BMW roundels serve as side marker lights. The rounded taillights form a distinctive mask at the rear, and the short decklid has a distinctive kick-up instead of a spoiler. A manual top is standard; my Z4 featured the optional power-operated roof, and the strong windshield frame and roll hoops provide rollover protection. It’s just a couple of hidden rocket boosters and laser cannons away from a kid’s drawing of a superhero’s ride.

Rocket boosters the Z4 may lack, but would-be do-gooders won’t find themselves wanting for high-tech motivational urge. The 3.0 liter inline six-cylinder engine is a state-of-the-art piece of equipment, producing 215 horsepower in the standard Z4 3.0i and 255 in the 3.0si. It’s no ordinary engine; magnesium and aluminum construction sets it apart from your average sports car’s powerplant. BMW’s Valvetronic variable intake valve lift system is also along for the ride. The Z4 has BMW’s familiar torquey confidence, and it’s relaxed on the freeway. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, and it’s got an active, connected-to-the-machinery feel that’s just right for an action-oriented car. For superheroes who’d rather focus on things other than rowing through the gears, a six-speed automatic is available. The automatic features racing-style paddle shifters for quick gear changes.

The cockpit is businesslike, and a good place from which to battle whatever evil the freeway may toss your direction. I set out under a darkening sky and drove all night, accompanied only by the red lighting from the two-pod dash. With the fat steering wheel between my hands, I might as well have been driving the Batmobile. The seats are heavily bolstered but comfortable, and the Z4′s cabin feels roomier than that of other roadsters. A wide swath of metallic or optional poplar wood trim defines the dash during the day, with switchgear located to minimize visual clutter. Don’t worry if you’ve got to drive quickly; strategically placed pads on the console and doors make sure that you won’t bang your knees and elbows while working the controls. Automatic climate control is available, as are a navigation system, heated seats and a trip computer. The Z4′s size and the folding top necessitate a smallish trunk, but the eight and a half cubic-foot cargo bin is still able to hold two or three bags.

The Z4′s front strut, multi-link rear suspension provides an unassuming sort of athleticism, and the relaxed powerplant belies this car’s strong cornering ability. The suspension technology is inherited partly from the race-bred M3 with ultra-light lower control arms and a wide track. The suspension is designed to keep the wheels perpendicular to the road, so it’s stiffer and much more stable than the comfortable straight-line ride would suggest. Yes, the Z4 can dance. The handling is enhanced by an exceptionally stiff chassis. Unlike some small roadsters, the Z4 is comfortable enough to drive all day, and entertaining enough to keep you alert without wearing you out. Run-flat tires on 17″ wheels are standard, and the sport package adds a size offset allowing wider tires at the rear. Electronic power steering is also used, to reduce weight and improve response time. Dynamic Stability Control is also part of the package. This system uses the brakes to minimize wheelspin and sliding, ensuring that you’ll drive a bit more like a proper hero in the Z4.

With the Z4 as part of my utility belt, I rolled into Dallas like the cavalry, a scant eighteen hours after leaving home and just in the nick of time. A grateful damsel in distress met me at the door, and we immediately adjourned to a safer environment, top down. Would the results have been the same in a rented Camry? Of course. But a car like the Z4 is all about adding the right amount of showmanship to your substance, and that makes it the perfect superhero’s steed. And you don’t have to be Bruce Wayne and have your custom-built, either. Starting price for the Z4 is $37,175 for the 3.0i, and $43,175 for the more powerful 3.0si.

Specifications:

All specs are for the 2008 BMW Z4 3/0i.

Length: 161.1 in.

Width: 70.1 in.

Height: 51.1 in.

Wheelbase: 98.2 in.

Curb weight: 3020 lb.

Cargo space: 8.5 cu.ft.

Base price: $37,175

Price as tested: $45,625

Engine: 3.0 liter DOHC 24 valve inline six-cylinder

Drivetrain: six-speed manual transmission, rear-wheel drive

Horsepower: 215 @ 6250

Torque: 185 @ 2750

Fuel capacity: 14.5 gal.

Est. mileage: 21/30