Z4 Reborn: 2009 BMW Z4 sDrive35i Full Test

Description

CHECK OUT FULL ARTICLE @ INSIDELINE.COM: www.edmunds.com There's this guy at work (let's call him Dan) who never warmed up to BMW's Z3 and Z4 roadsters. Something about them simply didn't ring true. "The original Z3 seemed like a reactionary car," says Dan, "a concept BMW didn't really believe in themselves. But everyone had to respond after the Mazda Miata reinvigorated the demand for small two-seat sports cars." And the result seemed like an über-Miata, too — except the super-suit didn't fit well. BMW must have felt the same way, because the redesigned car received significant changes and a new name: Z4. Attempts to tailor the suit included a wheelbase stretched by nearly 2 inches, a stiffer chassis and a much improved rear suspension. But the magic still wasn't there and the Bangle-administration styling was polarizing, if not confrontational. Doubters like Dan remained unconvinced. "I remained unconvinced," says Dan. So the recent arrival of the new 2009 BMW Z4 sDrive35i roadster at our offices was met with considerable suspicion. Some approached it carrying a grudge, in fact, because its new power-retractable hardtop signals the end of dedicated fixed-roof versions like the M coupe, considered by some to be the best thing about previous Z roadsters.

Keywords

2009, BMW, Z4, sdrive35i, Full, Test, car, hardtop, convertible, auto, motor, engine, Bavaria, German

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