 |
|
BMW
Z4 |
How
you doin'?
Coming
to a dealership near you this fall is the sexy BMW Z4, a premium
two-seater featuring a fresh new design and all-new chassis.
When its predecessor, the BMW Z3 roadster, was introduced
in 1995 (as a '96 model), it captured people's attention -
in particular with its public debut as James Bond's new company
car in Goldeneye and virtually created the premium roadster
segment. Its replacement is so completely revised that it
will carry a new designation - BMW Z4.
The
new body offers the roadster aficionado not only a spacious
cockpit and a large luggage compartment offering about nine
cubic feet of space, which is large enough for two golf bags.
The soft roof comes with a heated glass rear window and neatly
folds down for storage. An integrated tonneau cover eliminates
the need for an attachable boot. The available fully automatic
top can be raised or lowered in about 10 seconds.
Available
with a choice of two high-torque in-line sixes, the Z4 roadster
3.0i (225-horsepower) and the Z4 roadster 2.5i (184-horsepower)
offer more than enough power to keep things interesting. The
Z4 roadster 3.0i will be available with a choice of 6-speed
manual or 5-speed STEPTRONIC automatic, while the Z4 roadster
2.5i offers a 5-speed manual or STEPTRONIC automatic. Next
spring a Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) will be available
in both models. The Z4's handling will establish new benchmarks.
The suspension is a modified version of the highly acclaimed
suspension from the 3 Series. Dynamic Drive Control (DDC),
available as an option, features a "Sport" Button.
It provides even more spontaneous acceleration and power at
the touch of the gas pedal, quicker steering, as well as an
even more aggressive shifting program for the five-speed automatic
transmission.
Standard
features of the new Z4 include a leather sports steering wheel,
sport seats, a rollover safety system, and remote entry system.
Options available at extra cost include a DVD-based navigation
system with 16:9 display which retracts into the instrument
panel, a premium sound system with Carver technology for powerful
bass reproduction, and an integrated hands-free phone.
The
BMW Z4 roadster will be available for sale in the US market
this fall, then will make its appearance in Europe in spring
2003. As before, the new roadster will be built in Spartanburg,
SC.
For more information, click here.
