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BMW - Z 4
photo of Z4
photo courtesy of http://auto.mielofon.com


BMW may have gotten famous from their sport sedans, but their heart belongs to the roadsters. The Z4's cockpit delivers a modern design, offering many new features and materials. There are more functions, more convenience and more comfort. Many of the features are making their first appearance in the BMW roadster.

The Interior design fits perfectly with the bold exterior design. A "T" theme defines the dash and center console, the fascinating display of the "T" Design is a truly unique part of the Z4. With the full-width panel that frames the audio system, center air outlets and primary driving controls the instrument design and configuration are completely new.

The interior door pulls show once again the unique Z4 surface interplay. This makes transitions from convex to concave and back again as they sweep upward from the armrests.

Sport seats are standard with a new seat design and construction. With strong side supports the occupants are securely restrained for sporty driving. Six-way manual adjustment is standard and 8-way power adjustment with 3-way driver's-seat memory is optional.

The Z4 is powered by two versions of the current 6-cylinder engine family.
In addition to its six cylinders inline, this engine architecture features:

- Aluminum construction, contributing to vehicle performance by keeping down engine weight.
- Dual overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder, for optimum torque and power.
- Chain camshaft drive, requiring no periodic replacement.
- Double VANOS steplessly variable valve timing, enhancing torque, power and emission control.
- Hydraulic valve adjustment for consistent sound and reduced maintenance.
- Electronic throttle system ("drive by wire") for smooth, precisely tuned throttle action and seamless integration of cruise control, dynamic Stability Control and other features.
- Electronically controlled engine cooling, enabling precise and purposeful control of engine temperatures; contributes to fuel efficiency and heater effectiveness.

There are two versions of this engine that power the two Z4 models:

Z4 2.5i. 2.5-liter, with 184 horsepower and 175 lb-ft. of torque. This "entry-level" power plant provides performance that's anything but entry-level. Though these official power and torque ratings are unchanged from earlier versions of this engine, fine-tuning of the intake system and a new exhaust system enhance its response at low to medium speeds.
In the Z4 2.5i with manual shift, this unit delivers 0 to 60 mph in 7.1 sec. and achieves the amazing top speed of 146 mph. Its projected EPA mileage ratings are impressive too: 21-mpg city/28-mpg highway with the optional automatic transmission, 20/28 with the 5-speed manual.

Z4 3.0i. 3.0-liter, with 225 hp and 214 lb-ft. of torque. It powers the Z4 3.0i to 60 mph in just 5.9 sec.; top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. With its standard (and new) 6-speed manual transmission, the Z4 3.0i earns excellent projected EPA mileage ratings of 21-mpg city / 29-mpg highway; with automatic it tests at an impressive 20/28.