The new roadster has a 20 second retractible hardtop, a brand new generation iDrive system (that made its debut on the new Z4) as part of the navigation system, leather that incorporates Sun Reflective Technology and a standard sound system, rated as being better than the old one.
Engine wise, there are two new units, both with 6 cylinders and a 3.0-liter displacement. The Z4 sDrive30i develops a maximum power of 255hp and a maximum torque of 220 lb-ft being able to accelerate from 0 to 60 in 5.6 seconds. The sDrive35i uses two turbochargers to give the car a more meaty feeling and reduce turbo lag. It allows the car to sprint to 60 in a whisk over 5 seconds, by using all of its 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque.
The thing is that we don't think this one will be a classic anymore. The old one shocked when it came out with its odd angles, devilish design and a classic fold away cloth roof. The new one has more conventional angles, designs that are easier to digest and a solid metal roof. It actually looks like an older version of the one that came out in 2002 with wrinkles and a bit fatter.
We are not sure what the extra weight of the roof did to the handling of the thing, but we think that BMW engineers know what they are doing. The new car is advertised by a campaign that emphasizes on the “Joy” factor of open top cruising, which is a bit sad considering that the Z4 has always been about being a hooligan.
This is the follow up of the “Joy” video that we featured in our articles some time ago. Enjoy...
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