Bmw z4 2009
The BMW Z4 is ever present in any car city, especially in Los Angeles where BMW convertibles are treated as fashion accessories like pairs of shoes. But last generation's BMW Z4, with its perfectly adequate but not outstanding driving dynamics and lack of raw horsepower did not excite the true car enthusiast. Many BMW faithful turned to roadsters from Porsche, Audi or Honda for a better all-around driving experience.
The 2009 Z4, which BMW calls the "rebirth of the roadster," is given a significant redesign both inside and out. We like the new cleaner, simpler Z4 exterior. The 2009 model does away with most of the "flame surfacing" that complicated and uglified BMW's entire model line for a time, first introduced on the last Z4. Still sharp creased but following clean lines all the way around the body, the new BMW hard top convertible is easier on the eyes. While the proportions are almost the same, the car tricks the eye into believing the Z4 is longer than it is, with its shark-like shape having lost some weight.
The front end echoes that of the BMW 6 Series, but we find the Z4 far more desirable, especially when compared to the convertible 6 Series cars, with their bloated rear ends and ugly C pillar crease. The decision to go hard top, like the new 3 Series and presumably the upcoming 6 Series redesign, will allow the Z4 to maintain body rigidity levels not possible with a soft top. Still, the classic BMW soft top roadster look will be missed...
2009 BMW Z4 horsepower comes by way two engine choices, but those who choose the Z4 for its driver's car potential will undoubtedly go with the twin-turbo 3.0 liter inline 6 that began in the new BMW 3 Series and has made its way into nearly every model in the BMW lineup. In Z4 trim the twin turbo 6 cylinder makes an even 300 horsepower and should be good for a 0-60 acceleration time of 5.1 seconds with manual transmission, BMW says. Transmissions are a 6 speed manual or 7 speed DSG on turbo models or a 6 speed convential Tiptronic automatic on the smaller-engined Z4.
The 2009 BMW will be official introduced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January, and should find its way into dealerships in the spring.