Z Series

Accolades:

AutoWeek, November 20, 2006, pg.11 “The Z4 is outstanding; I’d almost go so far as to call it a sports car bargain.”

Road & Track, September 2006, p. 73 (Road Test: BMW Z4 M Coupe). “BMW’s new coupe version of the Z4 gets the full M treatment…”

“The famously silky dohc inline-6 has been pumped up from the standard Z4’s 3.0 liters and respectable 255-bhp output to 3.2 liters and a scintillating 330 bhp.

p. 75. “In silhouette, the M Coupe looks great – muscular and a touch retro, but with numerous creases for the sake of ‘style.’ Brakes – from the M3 Competition Package – are fantastic, helping drivers hustle the car around the track. M3’s inline-6 has few rivals.”

Automobile Magazine, August 2006, p. 30 (Driven: BMW Z4 M Coupe). “…the coupe’s sloped roofline and reworked rear end utterly transform the Z4. The little fastback seems to squat on its haunches, poised for takeoff. It looks completely badass.”

p. 32. “Typical of BMWs, the seating position is superb, and the pedals are perfectly placed for heel-and-toe downshifting.”

p. 32. “Fast and furious, the M Coupe wants a buyer who prizes speed over finesse. If you’re really hard-core, you’ll make it your only car.”

Motortrend, August 2006, p. 56 (Quinteszence: BMW Z4 M Coupe vs. Porsche Cayman S). “As a coupe, the Z4 is rakish and masculine, the best interpretation yet of Chris Bangle’s controversial ‘flame surfacing’ design theme.”
p. 58. “Engine performance is superb… Great sound, nice thrust, good, gentle tapering-off power near redline.”
p. 58. “The car’s steering response is exceptional, intuitive, and never requires midcorner corrections.”

AutoWeek, July 10, 2006, p. 11 (Drivers Log: 2006 BMW Z4 M Coupe). “With the M3’s screaming six-cylinder and sublime suspension working through a nine-inch-shorter wheelbase, the M Coupe rotates through corners like a
full-size slot car.
….the M Coupe stands out as the driver’s car.”

AutoWeek, July 2006, p. 26 (2006 BMW Z4 M Coupe). “With precise steering, short-throw gearbox, quick acceleration and outstanding brakes, the M Coupe is a race car in which you can also commute. It is comfortable in both worlds, with each experience a memorable one.”

Car and Driver, August 2006, p. 48 (Comparison Test: BMW Z4 M Coupe vs. Porsche Cayman S). “The ’06 M coupe is a striking and handsome design when you see it in person.
…When parked next to the Porsche, the Z4 M consistently drew more attention and praise.”

Motor Trend, May 2006, p. 76. (First Drive: BMW M Roadster) “Borrowed from the M3, yet putting out three less horsepower due to more constrictive space for the exhaust, the M Roadster’s S54 inline-six mill not only produces 330 horsepower at 7900 rpm, but also plays mechanical notes so pleasing you’ll want to put the sweet song of successive redline shifts on repeat mode.”

p. 78 “Ripping off shifts at 8000 rpm in the M Roadster is an empowering experience. Following every needle tap to redline, a pull on the six-speed trigger – a new short-throw ZF Type H unit – brings on an addictive, violent rush of acceleration.”

“Speaking of BMW magic, the M Roadster’s hydraulically assisted rack-and-pinion steering… transmits precise feedback and linear response, two descriptions that also can be applied to the robust cross-drilled disc brakes borrowed from the M3 Competition Package.”

AUTOMOBILE Magazine, May 2006, p. 54 (Z4 M Roadster vs. Porsche Boxster). “One of the best views in modern motoring is framed by your rearview mirror as a Z4 approaches from behind.”

p. 56 “Most important, the Z4 M gets the M3’s 330-hp in-line six, which is … ‘an extraordinary engine.’”
“… BMW is responding to growing consumer demand for fun-to-drive cars rather than crude speed. You get into the M roadster and sink your left foot into the clutch, and the pedal has the same smooth fluidity and lightness as the M3.”