Z-licious: BMW Z4 @ 2009 NAIAS

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First off, let's skip right past the part where we have to explain that the 2009 BMW Z4 Roadster is actually a hardtop convertible, complete with a two-piece aluminum roof that electrohydraulically deploys from the trunk in 20 seconds. This new model takes the place of the former Z4 roadster and coupe models, and it'll be built in Regensburg, Germany, now that BMW's plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, is devoted solely to X models.

The Z4 looks the same with its 98.3-inch wheelbase, but the hardtop model is slightly larger overall, now measuring 166.9 inches in length (5.8 inches longer), 70.5 inches in width (0.4 inch wider), and 50.8 inches high (0.4 inch lower).

Two engine choices are available. The 2009 BMW Z4 sDrive35i features the twin-turbo, 300-horsepower, 3.0-liter inline-6 with direct fuel injection, and you can choose either the conventional six-speed manual transmission or BMW's new seven-speed, dual-clutch automated manual. The 2009 BMW Z4 sDrive30i has the normally aspirated, 255-hp 3.0-liter inline-6, and it gives you a choice between a six-speed manual and a conventional six-speed automatic. Both model designations include "sDrive," which is BMW's new nomenclature for rear-wheel drive.

BMW notes that the Z4 sDrive35i is actually quicker with the dual-clutch gearbox than the short-shift manual transmission, accelerating to 60 mph from a standstill in 5.0 seconds compared to 5.1 seconds with the manual. The Z4 sDrive30i gets to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds with its manual transmission and 6.0 seconds with the automatic.

The Z4 has BMW's Dynamic Drive Control as standard equipment, which allows you to select between three settings for the suspension and drivetrain calibration. Electric-assist power steering continues, while there's a new brake combination with lightweight rotors and reduced brake pad wear, plus an electric parking brake. The optional sport package features adaptive suspension damping. Both Z4 models have run-flat 17-inch tires as standard equipment, 225/45R17s in front and 255/40R17s in the rear.

As you'd expect with a hardtop convertible, there's a bit more luxury to the cabin, especially since the cockpit seems more spacious thanks to side windows that are 40 percent larger and a rear window that's 52 percent larger. There's more room for humans as a result — another 0.2 inch of headroom, 0.8 inch of shoulder room and 1.7 inches of elbow room. There's a price for the extra room though, as the weight of this Z4 is up significantly over its soft-top predecessor. An sDrive30i with a manual transmission is 221 pounds heavier than its 2008 counterpart while the sDrive35i with a manual is up 364 pounds over its predecessor.

The Z4's iDrive is integrated into a navigation system with an 80GB hard drive that includes 15GB of storage for music. Trunk capacity hasn't yet been calibrated to U.S. specification, but an optional pass-through apparently will help accommodate two 46-inch golf bags. There are more storage compartments within the cabin as well.

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[ZCP1364]

DAMN its sexy!!!

[tven99]

no way..... man.. The new one looks more manly and bigger.. my opinion

[gutennachtmond]

love driving it! it powers through the bends .. and feels like you're stuck to the road

[hz991]

Nicest coupe

[Syafiq Rizman]

well to me this Z4 is quite good... my father bought it few weeks ago.. its better than M3 though..

[1560129]

im car moto fan

[devilzmantis]

yah... i was so close to buying a M3 convertible... but couldn't pass up a great lease on the Z4. After driving the Z4 for 1 week, i'm very happy with it. Though I love the M3... it can not bring u the "roadster" feel of the Z4. I get more heads turning with this new Z4 then when i test drove the M3.

[DrixDZanth]

Meh... ///M3>Z4

[Billy Graham]

Bro I understand you're probably less than 20 years old, but your perception of 'reality' is a little skewed. People didn't not buy the Hummer cause it was cheap, they didn't buy it cause 1. It was ugly. 2. It was too big. 3. It's a gas hog.

If the Z4 cost 20,000, you really think people wouldn't buy it? Pfff.. get the hell out of here. I am a BMW owner, and I'd buy it.

[USMC0311Sin]

I hate stupid people like you, i'm filthy loaded too but i sure don't go around acting like my shit don't stink..yeah dick head I HAVE A z4 (bought in 2003). I'm also buying a 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG and I HAVE a Lincoln Navigator (bought in 2006)..want proof then visit my channel. You should see my house, just for you I'll fuckn upload it so i can put you in your snobby ass place. Understood?

[jodhgarh]

yeah it will the car is designed as a more top notch luzury roadster its gotta have prestige and a a price that fits it otherwise if it becomes a mass production like what they did with hummer an lower price no one will buy it

[jodhgarh]

im gettin the bmw z4 roadster next year lol its good to be rich