BMW Z4 M Roadster
Cox News Service
September 08, 2006
The BMW Z4 M roadster, in its latest incarnation, should be a hit with car enthusiasts, thanks to a sharp design and beefed-up engine.
 Photo by BMW
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BMW Z4 M Roadster | |
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ABOUT THE BMW Z4 M ROADSTER:
Body style: Roadster
Price: Starts at $51,300
Drive: Front wheel
Seating: Two
Engine: 3.2-liter six cylinder
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Miles per gallon of fuel: 17 city, 29 highway
WHAT'S SPECIAL: The Z4 M, which comes with a 3.2-liter, six-cylinder engine, cranks out an impressive 330 horsepower. The S54 engine gives you the power to accelerate with no hesitation. It has a cast-iron cylinder block for compactness and strength.
WHAT WE LIKE: The six-speed manual transmission is smooth shifting. and handling is quite nimble. When you take curves in the Z, you can't help but be struck by its rigidity and tightness.
WHAT ISN'T THERE: Roadsters aren't known for their roominess, and this one is no exception. But the cockpit is designed efficiently enough so that you don't feel too cramped.
YOU OUGHTA KNOW: BMW has technologically improved the standard stability-control system and upgraded the brake system as well. Plus, there's automatic climate control, rain-sensing windshield wipers and automatic headlight control.
EXTRAS: The textures and the finish of the interior are superb, as you might expect from BMW. It doesn't appear that anything was skimped on in construction. The Z comes with adaptive brake lights that are intended to cut the risk of collisions by lighting up brighter when braking is done with more force and urgency.
AND ANOTHER THING: This car, despite its agility, feels substantial enough to handle unevenness that you might encounter on the road.
