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BMW recently introduced the all new Z4 M40i Roadster and now the Z4 sDrive30i. The new Z4 looks a lot like the old Z4 but a whole new level of pleasure and performance is hidden under this car's skin. It has two new powerful TwinPower-Turbocharged engines available. The Z4 also has new re-engineered front and rear suspension, designed specifically for the car.
This is a low slung, sporty car, with athletic styling. It is gorgeous from any angle. It's bigger than its predecessor. It's 85mm longer. It's 75mm wider. It's 13mm taller. It has a wider stance than the older version. The end result of all the adjustments made by the designers and engineers is a car that has perfect 50/50 weight distribution. That all adds up to stellar handling.
The 2.0 litre four cylinder - TwinPower Turbocharged motor produces 255 horsepower, an increase of 15 horsepower over the older version. The straight six, delivers 382 horsepower. Either way it's plenty for such a small lightweight car.
The biggest improvements to this version of the Z4 can be seen and felt in the suspension. Handling benefits immensely thanks to newly designed double-joint spring strut suspension at the front and a new five-link suspension in the rear, which is a first for a BMW Roadster. This chassis combination provides balance between sports car handling and ride comfort. The front suspension sub frame and control arm mounting points are extremely rigid, which lends to precise cornering characteristics. Aluminum control arms and swivel bearings reduce unsprung weight resulting in superior agility and efficiency. Available adaptive suspension further enhances ride and handling and can give the driver a choice between Comfort, Sport, and Spot+ driving modes.
Available options include: Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Lane Change and Lane Departure Warning systems, as well as a Parking Assistant including Back-Up Assistant. The new BMW Z4 is also available with an optional Heads-Up Display.
This is just a classic design wrapped around modern drive train and suspension technology. It's great roadster. It looks fantastic with the top up or down. Add the 464-watt Harmon Kardon sound system with 12 speakers as a finishing touch.
Forward Collision Warning and the Daytime Pedestrian Detection with City Braking function come as standard, along with the Lane Departure Warning system. The list of options includes the Driving Assistance Package featuring Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, the Speed Limit Info system, the Active Blind Spot Detection, plus Rear Collision Protection and Cross-Traffic Alert.
The digital heart of the car is BMW Connected - an app and system that lets you connect I-Phones, Android Devices, Alexa, - just about any digital device really. It has an updated 12 inch instrument cluster, and nicely integrated 10-inch centre display screen. The entire digital system can be updated through a wireless internet connection.
It's sleek. It has style to spare and now the BMW Z4 it has the handling and performance to match.
Rick Walker SST Car Show News.
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