2006 BMW Z4 M Roadster
BMW has announced the long-awaited M version of their two-seat roadster, the [tag]Z4[/tag].
Packing the M3′s 3.2-liter in-line six, the [tag]M Roadster[/tag] performance should be down right amazing. With 330 horsepower at a high-revving 7900 rpm, the Roadster, weighing in at 3200 pounds, will hit 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. According to BMW, the British magazine Engine Technology International has named BMW’s powerplant the “Best Engine of the Year for 3.0 to 4.0 liters for five years in a row.” The Roadster will, of course, be available with a six-speed manual.
What’s nice as well as is the transformation of the standard-production Z4 to the M model. As [tag]BMW[/tag] puts it the, “BMW M creation is always subtle, always purposeful. The M Roadster is clearly in this tradition.” As mentioned previously in this blog, BMW’s new styling is a love or hate relationship. Anything BMW can do to the Roadster to improve the looks is welcome. The M Roadster gets a complete new fascia, including bumper, spoiler and grille framing. Standard Xenon headlights as well as the now easily recognized luminous rings on the inboard lamps help round out the Roadsters new look. The side view is better as well, with 18-in. M double spoke wheels and low-profile tires help to improve the Roadsters attitude. From the rear, four chrome exhaust tips hint at the performance potential as well as help you recognize this Roadster as more than the standard model.
Top Gear has a great article and some pictures of the new M Roadster. Base price for BMW’s new drop-top is around $51,995, making it about $2,400 more than an M3 coupe. The down side there is, of course, a smaller car, fewer seats and a smaller trunk.
The upside is that its $3,400 less than a Boxster S and $10,000 less than an SLK55 AMG. And if BMW’s performance numbers are correct, the M Roadster should be quicker than both.
Place your order now.
