When the BMW Z4 replaced the Z3 in 2002, it marked a significant departure in styling for the upscale roadster, due in large part to BMW design guru Chris Bangle’s controversial at the time “flame surfacing” look. Love it or hate it, the Z4 has had a successful six-year run, changing little during that period. This time around, for the second-generation 2009 BMW Z4, the updates to the two-seater are decidedly less radical and more evolutionary.
The new car is 5.8 in. longer, 0.4 in. wider, 0.3 in. lower, and the wheelbase has grown an imperceptible 0.1 in. Though not much physically larger, it has gained some weight. The Z4 has gained 200 to 300 lb across all models and now ranges from 3241 lb to 3494 lb. Some of that weight comes from the new aluminum retractable hardtop, the first for a BMW Z roadster, which BMW says can be opened or closed in less than 20 sec. The roof is controlled by a button on the center console or by your key fob when equipped with the optional Comfort Access system. BMW says the new car effectively serves as the replacement for both the Z4 coupe and roadster, although a soft top option has been rumored.
The extra girth isn’t all bad, though. BMW says that the new Z4 has vastly increased visibility and interior space. All-around visibility is up 14% over the outgoing model, with 40% larger side windows and 52% more see-through area out the glass rear window. Inside, the increased size gives you 0.2 in. more headroom, 0.79 in. more shoulder room and 1.69 in. more elbowroom. The door openings have even increased by 1.02 in. for easier entrance and egress.
While the Z4’s new duds are striking, its performance will really get your attention. Gone is the old 2.5L engine, replaced with the same inline sixes found under the hood of the new 1 Series. Standard on the sDrive30i is a 3.0L with Valvetronic variable valve timing laying down 255 hp and 220 lb-ft, enough to hustle the car to 60 in 5.6 sec, according to BMW. If performance is your game, the 3.0L direct-injected twin-turbo in the sDrive35i is the engine for you. With 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque, it will reportedly hit 60 in 5 sec flat. Both models are electronically limited to a top speed of 150 mph with an optional Sport Package or 130 mph without.
A six-speed manual gearbox serves as standard equipment for both the Z4 sDrive30i and sDrive35i. For sDrive30i customers who don’t want to row their own gears, they can opt for a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters. If you order the sDrive35i, though, it will be a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox with paddle shifters. Fuel economy has yet to be announced for either model.
When you’re ready to put that navigation system to good use and find some new back roads to play on, the Z4 will be a willing and capable dance partner. A 49/51 weight distribution and a host of technologies should make the Z4 an exceedingly fun ride on every twisty road you can find. Every Z4 comes standard with 17-in. alloy wheels wearing run-flat tires and featuring a Tire Pressure Monitoring System. Also standard is BMW’s Dynamic Stability Control, which can be completely disabled, a development enthusiasts will surely appreciate. When engaged, the DSC controls the ABS, Brake Drying function, Brake Standby and Brake StartOff. The system also modulates the rear brakes to control the rear wheels the same way a limited-slip differential would. Activating Dynamic Traction Control will raise the intervention threshold for the DSC systems while keeping the safety net in place.
Production of the Z4 at BMW’s plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, ended in August to make room for more X Series vehicle production. The new Z4 will be built alongside the 1 Series at BMW’s plant in Regensburg, Germany. The new car bows at a special event on December 15 and will make its first public appearance at the Detroit auto show in January. BMW hasn’t announced when the car will go on sale, but it will likely be in the spring of 2009. Future Z4 variants are rumored to include a softtop for 2010 and possibly a V-8-powered M version some time in the future.
