The 2002 BMW Z3 brings to us the rewards of six years of consistent development and improvement. The exciting Z3 was BMW’s contribution to the rebirth of the sports car that began with the Mazda Miata and has also included the Mercedes-Benz SLK, Toyota MR-2 Spyder and other two seaters. However, the 1996 Z3 didn’t reach the company’s high standards of refinement, in particular with its suspension, but all of that began being corrected almost immediately.
BMW 'Z Series' - Page 3
The famous ‘M’ division of BMW has made over over the Z4 Coupé which is ready to be seen mid 2006. The original convertible Z4 was an incredible looking little roadster, and fortunately the coupe version has retained similar appeal. The design itself is a development of the controversial ‘Flame surfacing’ design style first seen on the BMW X Coupe concept from 2001.
Powered by a 3.2-litre straight-six M power unit developing 343 horsepower (252 kW) and 269 lb ft (365 Nm) of torque, as used in the BMW M3, the Z4 M Coupe hits 60 mph in just 5 seconds, going on to a top speed of 155 mph (electronically limited). To halt the proceedings, The Z4 M Coupe is stopped by brakes taken from the M3 CSL.
When BMW’s wonderful Z3 roadster rolled onto the world sports car stage last year, one small but persistent complaint tarnished its otherwise rave reviews. Dynamite styling and excellent ride and handling.
Frankly, we were surprised at this grumbling. The basic Z3, with its four-cylinder engine, may not have been any faster than a Mazda Miata, but it was a delight to drive nonetheless and a runaway success in the showroom.
But if a perceived power shortage was the only thing that held you back during the Z3’s inaugural season, wait no more. As expected, BMW has added a six-cylinder version to the lineup for 1997 the Z3 2.8 and, also as expected, it adds serious go-power to this car’s long list of enticements.