AutosValley

2009 BMW Z4

2009 BMW Z4 Roadster is actually a hardtop convertible, complete with a two-piece aluminum roof that electrohydraulically deploys from the trunk in 20 seconds.

Two engine choices are available… The flagship sDrive35i model gets a twin-turbo 3.0-litre. This produces 301bhp and goes from 0-62mph in just 5.1 seconds. Top speed is a governed 155mph limit and average fuel consumption is 30.1mpg…. The 2009 BMW Z4 sDrive30i has the normally aspirated, 255-hp 3.0-liter inline-6, and it gives you a choice between a six-speed manual and a conventional six-speed automatic. Both model designations include “sDrive,” which is BMW’s new nomenclature for rear-wheel drive.
BMW notes that the Z4 sDrive35i is actually quicker with the dual-clutch gearbox than the short-shift manual transmission, accelerating to 60 mph from a standstill in 5.0 seconds compared to 5.1 seconds with the manual. The Z4 sDrive30i gets to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds with its manual transmission and 6.0 seconds with the automatic.

As with the expectation with a hardtop convertible, there’s more room for humans, as it has 40 percent larger side window and 52 percent larger rear window, with this extra room, must not forget prices, as it will be high accordingly… An sDrive30i with a manual transmission is 221 pounds heavier than its 2008 counterpart while the sDrive35i with a manual is up 364 pounds over its predecessor… Prices will be announced closer to the on-sale date in May. They are likely to start from at least £25,000.

Inside Line says: The Z4 leaves its largely unsuccessful life as a sports car and tries on a luxurious (and expensive) convertible hardtop for size. — Michael Jordan, Executive Editor