Introduction
The 2009 model year marks a significant change in BMW’s Z4 lineup with the debut of an all-new model at the North American International Auto Show. It is a retractable hardtop convertible—a first for BMW’s roadster. The new roof allows the redesigned 2009 Z4 Roadster to effectively replace both the convertible and coupe models from the previous generation. Its near-perfect weight balance, two available 6-cylinder engines (one with two turbochargers), and choice between three transmissions only adds to the Z4’s appeal.
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Critical Knowledge:
The first popular modern incarnation of BMW’s roadster appeared as the Z3 in 1996 (the Z8 was a hand-built, limited-production vehicle which had appeared a few years earlier). While open motoring was a new experience to mainstream BMW buyers, the 2-seat droptop was offered with a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine that did little to stir the soul. Several larger engines appeared in subsequent years (including an M Roadster in 1998), and a fixed-roof Coupe joined the lineup in 1999. Both Z3 models were replaced by the all-new Z4 Roadster/Coupe models in 2003 and 2006, respectively. Larger, stronger and more refined than their predecessors, BMW’s Z4 models were offered with a choice of 6-cylinder powerplants and manual, automatic or Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) transmissions.
2009 BMW Z4 Roadster Preview
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