BMW upgrades two-seat roadster in size and style for new Z4
Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 5/10/2005
|
TIGERVILLE, South Carolina -- What's more fun than plying the shifter stick of a two-seat sports car, the drop-top down and a cool wind swirling through the cockpit as the vehicle romps over a curvy track?
We're doing just that on Carolina 23, the Hendersonville Road, near Tigerville and not too far removed from Spartanburg, where an assembly plant by BMW -- the Bavarian automaker renowned for a line of performance machines -- constructs the exuberant roadster requisitioned for this playful driving experience.
So hang on tightly as we head into the next set of twisties with the straight-six engine growling, a sport-tuned suspension dribbling tires over rumpled asphalt and the quick-to-respond steering device guiding us on a hard line through a string of apexes.
Shift down one gear about a hundred meters out from the next bender, which slopes down with a decreasing radius, and add a light-touch tap on the brake pedal to reduce speed smoothly on entry.
Next, aim for a late apex and roll the left heel into the accelerator to exert a little more juice on those rear wheels while easing out toward the exit point.
We quickly discover that this new roadster seems so poised and balanced, and the suspension feels so firm and stable, that we can take the subsequent turn even faster than the last.
Weight is distributed over front and rear wheels almost equally, meaning the car is quite predicable when engaged in aggressive maneuvers like this charge through the curves.
Its posture is also aided by big disc brakes linked to anti-lock and traction devices as well as a stability mechanism. These electronic controls check speed or lateral wiggle in a smooth linear progression without undue nose dive, while the crisp rack and pinion steering -- now powered electrically -- responds instantaneously to keep the prow pointed around the sweeper.
Despite the quickening pace, all rubber remains pegged to the pavement and soon we're flying through these corners, one whip after another in a rhythm that eventually blends driver and vehicle into a single flowing unit of power, speed and, certainly, pure automotive pleasure.
What a blast -- and what a ripper this new BMW roadster can be.
It has been transformed for 2003 issues into an upgraded second-generation design featuring racy exterior styling cast over an enlarged chassis with more power available from two engine options and more sophisticated vehicle controls on-board.
Even the name expands -- notching up from Z3 to Z4.
The body increases in size due to a wheelbase expansion measuring 1.9 inches longer than the wheelbase of Z3, and a wheel track that's wider by 2.4 inches in front and 1.2 inches in back.
These amplified dimensions forge a larger chassis to enhance handling aspects while also making more room for the cozy cockpit.
It looks bigger too -- longer, wider, lower, now hunkering against the pavement on oversized wheels with an exaggerated hoodline and bubble-bulging duck tail, packaging that seems like a logical automotive expression of the union between a steely shark and fast-tracking greyhound.
Cast a keen eye over the contorted sheetmetal and you will observe an intricate series of twists and curves in crisscrossed lines that amount to separate character marks scored across the flanks. There's a taut ridge as the upper line extending rearward from front corner headlamp clusters as a ledge beside the cockpit but a second streak runs lower from the headlamps and skips across front wheelwells before swooping down scooped-out sides to define the bottom of doors.
Another crease, thrust upward from the forward wheelwell to windshield pillar, unites the pair of flank lines and is accented with a round amber turn signal capped by that blue and white propeller badge of BMW.
The bulging trunk deck is defined by an angular ridge ringing sides and rear, with unusual shapes for taillamps inset into the thick slab bumper.
Compared to the roly-poly roundness of Z3, this new angular styling for Z4 looks edgy and quick.
It can be quick to act too, due to two different engine options that enthuse the new roadster.
Z4 2.5i gets the BMW 2.5-liter in-line-six tuned to 184 hp at 6000 rpm with 175 lb-ft of torque peaking at 3500 rpm.
Z4 3.0i packs a larger straight-six at 3.0 liters with dual overhead cams and BMW's infinitely variable valve timing system. Output reaches 225 hp at 5900 rpm and torque bumps to 214 lb-ft at 3500 rpm.
A Getrag Type B+ five-speed manual transmission comes with the 2.5-liter plant, while the heavy-duty ZF Type H six-speed manual links to the 3.0-liter version.
Both cars offer optionally a ZF automatic articulated through five forward gears with BMW's Steptronic mode for clutch-less shifts.
Further, BMW's six-speed sequential manual gearbox (SMG) is available with either engine and it's rigged with one automatic and two manual shift programs.
In manual mode, you can shift the SMG by tapping finger paddles on the steering wheel or the shifter lever.
Passive standard safety systems reach from frontal and side-impact air bags to BMW's knee protection system (KPS).
Active safety devices include BMW's computerized Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) mechanism that can correct potentially dangerous car movements when wheels slip laterally. This automatic stability controller channels brake pressure to an individual wheel and blocks outward slippage of rear-drive wheels to keep the chassis aimed in the intended direction.
The cockpit for two stocks bolstered bucket seats, a three-spoke steering wheel and twin binnacles on the dash housing an analog speedometer and tachometer.
Z4's soft top contains a glass rear window and heat element. It folds back quickly by manual means, with the forward panel of the lid covering pleated parts and fitting flush against the body to eliminate the need for a tonneau.
Power motivation to fold the top automatically is optional and works in 13 seconds flat.
Other gear options range from premium, convenience and sport packages to special interior trim kits, bi-xenon headlamps, a navigation system and metallic paint job.
BMW marks a base line for Z4 2.5i at $33,795 or $40,945 for Z4 3.0i.
|
| 2003 BMW Z4 VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS |
| Description: |
Compact 2-seat convertible
|
| Model Options: |
Compact 2-seat convertible
|
| Wheelbase: |
98.2 inches
|
| Overall Length: |
161.1 inches
|
| Engine Size: |
DOHC 2.5-L I6
DOHC 3.0-L I6
|
| Transmission: |
2.5i: Manual/5 Getrag Type B+
Auto/5 Steptronic
SMG/6
3.0i: Manual/6 ZF Type H
Auto/5 Steptronic
SMG/6
|
| Drive: |
Rear
|
| Braking: |
Power 4-disc
ABS/DBC/DTC/DSC
|
| Airbags: |
2 (front) + 2 (side)
+ KPS
|
| Gas Mileage: |
2.5-L M/5: 20/28 mpg
2.5-L SMG: 20/28 mpg
2.5-L A/5: 21/28 mpg
3.0-L M/6: 21/29 mpg
3.0-L SMG: 21/29 mpg
3.0-L A/5: 20/28 mpg
|
| MSRP Price: |
2.5-L M/5: $ 33,795
3.0-L M/6: $ 40,945 |
|
|
|
The Big Lot! is dedicated to privacy, security, and service. Read our Privacy Policy.