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The 2009 BMW Z4 is completely redesigned, now a roadster only, with a look that
is lean, mean and sophisticatedly elegant at the same time. The newest version
of the Z4 is slightly larger than previously, and with more storage space. It
introduces an aluminum convertible top that does a better job of keeping out the
weather and folds into the trunk in 20 seconds, as well as reducing blind spots
and greatly increasing the size of the rear window.
The Z4 is the direct descendant of the famous Z3 and competes with other foreign
sports cars such as the Audi TT, Infiniti G, Mazda MX-5 Miata, Nissan Z, Porsche
Boxter and Mercedes-Benz SLK. American competition, if you can call it that,
includes such vehicles as the Chrysler Crossfire, Pontiac Solstice and Saturn
Sky.
The Z4 comes in two trims: the Z4 sDrive 30i and the Z4 sDrive 35i, both with
rear-wheel drive. The 30i has a 3.0 liter, 255 horsepower V6 gasoline engine
with a special six-speed manual transmission that has a shorter - thus faster -
gearshift than other BMWs.
The 35i has a 3.0 liter, 300 horsepower turbocharged V6 gasoline engine. It
offers a choice of the same transmission as the 30i or a six-speed automatic.
Either transmission can be shifted manually with paddles on the steering wheel.
Finally, the 35i offers a seven-speed dual clutch transmission that can
reportedly take you from 0 to 60 in five seconds. The 30i has pretty good
horsepower for a small sports car, and the 35i is excellent. Mileage figures are
not available for the Z4.
NHTSA and IIHS ratings are also unavailable for the 2009, and the changes from
2008 make previous ratings less than useful. The Z4 comes standard with antilock
brakes with electronic braking assistance, traction control and vehicle
stability control system, keyless remote entry and a trunk safety latch.
Like other small, luxury sports cars, the Z4 is somewhat hard to classify as the
common classes are any one of those - small, luxury or sports. How well it
performs and whether it's a bargain depend on how you look at it.
The base price for the 2009 BMW Z4 30i is $45,750 which compares well to the
similar Audi TTS. The 35i, a bit snazzier little car, is also a little more
expensive, coming in with a base price of $51,650. In today's economy those
prices might be a little hard to swallow, but even in a downtrend you get what
you pay for. And with BMW what you pay for is always first rate.
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