BMW's Z4 breaks cover - again

The world of motoring journalism is a funny old thing. For instance, a number of rather interesting events have lead up to the BMW officially unveiling it's new Z4 roadster months in advance.

Certain factors - some avoidable, others not - have conspired against BMW, which ultimately had to force its hand, officially announcing the Z4 now, as opposed to all the hoopla that would have accompanied it, had it launched at the Paris Motor Show, September 2002.

Since the beginning of 2002, the new Z4 -- successor to the popular Z3, which brought reams of drivers back to the retro-styled roadster market -- has been seen thinly disguised during testing periods on roads around the US and Europe.

As such, many print and online motoring publications printed these images, and it would be fair to say that the feedback from readers was pessimistic.

We even uploaded an early Z4 story in Q2, 2001, but spy shots we didn't have, rather artists impressions. Still, they were pretty damn close to the real thing, regardless.

But the event that really undid the gift-wrapping on BMW's Z4 surprise was when German car mag, Auto Motor Und Sport, broke an embargo and 'accidentally' printed the fresh promotional images of the Z4.

While many are quick to criticise the new-look roadster, it should be noted that when the original Z3 arrived, people panned it, yet it still sold almost 300,000 units in its lifetime.

On a side note, the last Z3 rolled off the manufacturing line at the American BMW plant on Friday, June 28th. It will now reside there in the factory's museum.

Back to the story, though, and it's as though BMW is damned if it does, and damned if it doesn't.

When the 3-series had its facelift almost five years ago, it was instantly branded too dull. Critics were unimpressed with the way all BMW's looked the same, the only difference was in length and width.

But now, with the radically different Z4, BMW is again copping heaps of flak. It would truly be a tough lesson in life for BMW's American designer Chris Bangle...

While we have our own opinions on the new look, and we think the new design isn't as bad as everyone makes out, it is understandable why some don't like it's new suit.

The bootlid could be described as a little too curvaceous and the bulbous nose and grille-section can detract a little from the overall lines of the front end. Some are even saying the new headlight cluster is ugly, but for our money, it does the job.

On the other hand, the integrated dual exhaust-pipes at the rear look fabulous, and the new-look tail lights are rather chic as well.

Inside, the new-look Z4 is fairly utilitarian, though leather abounds - always a good thing. The three (or is it four?) spoke steering wheel is a nice touch, though the particulars are yet to be announced, such as whether or not it will get the groovy iDrive system from the 7-series.

The original Z3 was created after Bavarian Motor Works saw how popular Mazda's MX-5 was. The small and very nimble drop top sold exceedling well - and still does today - and the Z3 aimed to capitalise on the top-end of this market.

However, the Z4 has moved up another level. Interior space has been increased and the all important golf-bag factor has been addressed. The new roadster can now fit two golf bags. Hmmm.

The convertible gives drivers a soft-roof with a heated glass rear window, with the whole operation folding in a Z-shaped way in about 10 seconds in the fully-automatic version.

BMW is also likening the new Z4 less to the MX-5 and more to the Porsche Boxster. For starters, a completely revised and re-jigged suspension setup is claimed to improve handling sugnificantly, and early reports back this up.

The Z4 has a very low centre of gravity, with a 50:50 front-rear weight distribution, which will help turn-in. It's wide track, thick rubber and electric power steering are also said to be contributing factors to the new car's sportier on-road characteristics.

The new Z model will initially be available with either five or six-speed manual transmissions on the 3.0-litre model, with a five slotter only for the 2.5. Both will also be offered with auto gearboxes and, later on in their lives, the Z4 models will be hooked up to the lauded Sequentual Manual Gearbox (SMG) option.

Two models will be available when the new car goes on sale in the US later in 2002, and Europe in the first half of 2003 - the 3.0i and the 2.5i. Engine specifics haven't been divulged completely, but both models will come with smooth-revving inline six cylinder mills, with the smaller 2.5-litre engine worth 141kW, which translates to a feisty top speed of 235km/h. The 3.0-litre powerplant churns out a more impressive 170kW, taking it to a top speed of roughly 250km/h, conditions permitting. Rumour has it that a specialised 'M' version will appear later in the Z4's life as well.

There's no concrete Z4 release schedule for Australia yet, but we can expect it to arrive later in 2003. Despite all the negativity surrounding the new "Zed", if it handles and feels half as good as the mind-numbingly pliable Porsche Boxster, it will be one seriously drivable roadster. And as for the new look - we believe a 'live and let live' philosphy should apply.