Super TestCar reviews - BMW - Z4 - Roadster rangeBMW modelsResearch BMW OverviewBMW's bigger and beefier Z4 has arrived, this time with a folding hard-top1 May 2009 NOT even BMW can produce a coupe-convertible replacement for separate roadster and coupe models without gaining weight. Unsurprisingly, the result is a second-generation Z4 that is larger, slower, considerably more expensive and, in most cases, less fuel-efficient than its predecessor. On the flip side is a greater level of safety, security and refinement, more luggage space (at least with the roof up) and new technologies such as iDrive and BMW’s cracking twin-turbo six, which is an additional variant but in effect, for now, replaces the Z4 M Roadster and Coupe. Only time will tell if Australians will warm to the considerably more grown-up Z4. Model release date: 1 May 2009 to 1 July 2013 All car reviewsAlfa Romeo Abarth Alpine Alpina Audi Aston Martin BMW Bentley Chevrolet Chery Citroen Chrysler Dodge Cupra Ferrari DS Ford Fiat FPV Foton GWM Great Wall Holden Haval HSV Honda Hyundai Hummer Isuzu Infiniti Jeep Jaguar Lamborghini Kia LDV Land Rover Lotus Lexus Maserati Mahindra McLaren Mazda Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG Mini MG Nissan Mitsubishi Peugeot Opel Proton Porsche Renault Ram Rover Rolls-Royce Skoda Saab SsangYong Smart Suzuki Subaru Toyota Tesla Volvo Volkswagen Previous modelBMW’s first Z4 Roadster, the E85, replaced the original Z3 in April 2003, before receiving facelift and substantial engine upgrade precisely three years ago in April 2006. The E86 Z4 Coupe joined the range in October 2006, available with only two engines. Like the manual-only Z4 M Roadster, the M Coupe was powered by the 252kW/365Nm 3.2-litre straight six from the E46 M3 Coupe (both of which continue on sale), while the Z4 3.0si Coupe employed the 195kW/31Nm 3.0-litre straight six from the Z4 3.0 Roadster. The latter was also available in 2.5si guise, motivated by a 160kW/250Nm 2.5-litre straight six, also mated to new six-speed manual and automatic transmissions. Prices started at around $80,000. |
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