Z-licious: BMW Z4 @ 2009 NAIAS

Description

FOR DETROIT AUTO SHOW AT INSIDELINE.COM: www.edmunds.com First off, let's skip right past the part where we have to explain that the 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. This new model takes the place of the former Z4 roadster and coupe models, and it'll be built in Regensburg, Germany, now that BMW's plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, is devoted solely to X models. The Z4 looks the same with its 98.3-inch wheelbase, but the hardtop model is slightly larger overall, now measuring 166.9 inches in length (5.8 inches longer), 70.5 inches in width (0.4 inch wider), and 50.8 inches high (0.4 inch lower). Two engine choices are available. The 2009 BMW Z4 sDrive35i features the twin-turbo, 300-horsepower, 3.0-liter inline-6 with direct fuel injection, and you can choose either the conventional six-speed manual transmission or BMW's new seven-speed, dual-clutch automated manual. 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 <b>...</b>

Keywords

2010, BMW, Z4, 2009, NAIAS, Edmunds, Inside, Line, Detroit, Auto, Show, motor, German, Z3

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