Test drive BMW Z4 Roadster E89 since 2009 convertible

BMW Z4 Roadster Sdrive35i

As in the song of a famous group is sung, we gave the floor to not to leave the path of direct. It seems that the same principle adheres to the BMW company and therefore there are no doubt that the new Rogster Z4 SDRIVE35I is awaiting success even in the current market conditions
BMW work bold people in BMW. To make sure of this, it is enough to recall the designer revolution of Chris Banlal and the innovative approach to engineering, which is actively promoted in the walls of the BMW since the founding of the company. Perhaps, from an economic point of view, such a concept - balancing on the verge of call and consumer demand - may seem too adventurous. Especially now, when buyers are worth its weight in gold and the company are trying to be careful with new products. However, BMW boldly puts on determination and identity in the calculation not only to survive, but also to go around competitors. Whether this scheme will work in the conditions of an economic crisis, time will tell. But now it is obvious that with the advent of the latest Z4 SDRive35I, the intrigue in the class of relatives will receive a new, more action -packed development.
The return of the shark
For us, the concept of a new relatives has become a real challenge, says Juliana Biasi, author of the exterior design of BMW Z4. - We were faced with two polar views: on the one hand, the Purists campaigned for the purity of design and the uncompromising nature of the former Z4, and on the other hand, the goal of expanding the target audience of the new relatives was set. In other words, Biasi complains about the eternal confrontation between creativity and marketing. Whose took this time? Judging by the cars of the Banlla era and the current chief designer Adrian Van Hoydonka, the BMW leadership gives the design department, and Biasi's excited performance, abundant by adjectives to an excellent degree, only confirms this. The new model retained the proportions of the classic BMW classes, but was transformed compared to its predecessor. For example, the nostrils of the radiator lattice are now located at a shark angle - as in the model 507 of the release of 1955 and the new seven. The hood became flatter and long, the body was heard in the width, and the z4 is not at all to know: if earlier the BMW emblem, located in the center of the trunk cover, as if pulled the whole silhouette on itself, then performed in execution Biasi is a dominant role is played by lanterns with built -in LEDs, which visually make the Rogster even wider. However, the main feature of the design of the new ink is not at all architecture or details, but execution. A certain cipher, a message, a rebus consisting of barely perceptible elements, which gives the appearance of the Rodster a raid of mystery and special grace. You can endlessly slide along the shoulder lines, look into the expressive eyes or spy on the movements of the hips on the mountain serpentine, but it is hardly possible to unravel the nature of the sensuality of the new relatives. And you know why? Because this car was created by a woman. This is the answer to the question about a display of design with marketing. She listened to everyone and did everything in her own way. Bravo, Biasi!
It is also important that the new Z4 has a rigid aluminum roof - the lightest in the class, which is expressed not only in more attractiveness, but also in practicality. Compared to the preceding Z4, lateral glazing increased by 40%, and the area of \u200b\u200bthe rear window - by 52%. At the same time, all four glasses have electric drives, and the roof itself folds in 20 s. It is pleasant that the volume of the trunk, which is now 330 liters, increased by 50 liters. Biasi also emphasized that the hard folding top made it possible to instill the Z4 silhouette of all BMW - the legendary bend of HoffMaister.
Female look
Nadia Arnaut is also worthy of compliments, the author of the interior of a new convict. According to her, the female figure was based on the interior design. I sought to achieve sexuality in the design of the salon, and what could be more captivating than a flexible female body? - It is unlikely that you will argue with this, being a man, that is, a representative of the target audience of the BMW relatives. Once in the Z4 salon, you can hardly restrain yourself so as not to check the beauty to the touch. Cross skin on the steering wheel, soft vinyl, elastic suppleness of buttons - tactile paradise familiar and other BMW models. Ergonomics are still at a high level, but significant progress is felt against the background of Z4 of the previous generation. And although the instrument shield and steering wheel switches demonstrate the continuity of generations, there is something to be surprised here. For example, the climate control unit is enclosed in four rounds on the central console - it is much more convenient to control them than before. The place of the usual handbrake was taken by the electronic drive key. But the most important thing is the new improved Idrive. It is known that translated from English I Drive means I lead. But now Idrive is not leading you, but you. It has become simpler and more logical and left the previous interface in distant and not the best memories. Around the joystick, the Menu, Back and Option keys appeared to make it easier for the user to communicate with the system. There are also navigation, radio, CDs and phone keys. The display itself increased to 8.8 inches and the resolution of 1280x480 pixels. The graphics improved, and the speed of work increased. A 80 GB hard drive appeared and a 15 GB musical carrier. You can even go on the Internet! Oh miracle, we would have thought about ten years ago. But today in this small family the future seems not so distant. And thanks to the Narov, Arnauta advanced technologies changed cold rude outlines to warm exciting forms. The female factor worked in Z4 no worse than in the election campaign of the current president of the United States: you still do not know what he is in business, but already ready to give for him not only a voice, but also a heart.
Eternal values
Is BMW SDRIVE35I good? Before moving on to the conquest of the serpentines of the southern coast of France, it is worth recalling the previous model. Roadster was very dynamic and was known to one of the best Driver's Car in his class. However, he was swarmed for excessive stiffness and swivel on the road. He demanded the heat even when the degree was expected from him. The new car has changed for the better. The body became tougher, the front suspension is almost entirely made of aluminum, including a supporting subframe, and the back of the multi -link design was finalized in detail. Thanks to a decrease in the center of gravity and displacement of the engine closer to the center of the car, the weightlifting improved. However, a key role in the behavior of the new Z4 is played by the system of monitoring the dynamics of movement. A compact block Dynamic Drive Control is located next to the IDRive controller, consisting of three keys with which you can select between Normal, Sport and Sport+modes. How do clicks with the buttons respond on the behavior of the car? Depending on the selected mode, the electronics changes the rigidity of shock absorbers, the responsiveness of the gas pedal, the power on the steering wheel and the nature of the automatic transmission. All this gives out to some virtuality, but in reality the car changes conscientiously. It is worth using the Sport mode, as the kettle turns into a professional athlete. Mountain roads proved that the limits of the capabilities of the tires prevent the chassis from opening in full force. Yes, and fear for own life begins to strangle before a way out of a turn appears. This class is damn stable even when you turn green from overloads. It seems that the controls communicate directly with the brain and the vestibular apparatus, bypassing the body. In Sport mode, the suspension is tougher than you expect, but the rolls are excluded as a phenomenon. The steering wheel perfectly informs about the movement, but is spared from unnecessary indignations. Even the brakes, which are often grazed in the mountains, are kept to the last in the case of Z4. The Sport+ mode differs only in that it partially disconnects the stabilization system, allowing the diets in the mountains, where no one will appreciate this.
And what about Normal? Perhaps this is the best mode for the new Z4. The suspension begins to work out irregularities, which allows you to enjoy comfort, if it is appropriate to talk about this in a sports family. The steering wheel becomes a little lighter, and the gearbox holds engine speed in the moderate pressure zone. Nevertheless, even in this relatively calm mode, Z4 is collected and ready for sports achievements.
The duet of the engine and gearboxes makes it swift and mobile. First of all, we were provided with the most powerful modification with a 3-liter biturbomotor with a capacity of 306 hp. (400 nm). He has already received two well -deserved gold at the Engine of the Year contest and, in combination with the latest, pre -sectus gearbox, DKT only confirmed its outstanding characteristics. The most powerful thrust is already available from idle, and in the medium -speed zone it is better to keep gas under a sensitive supervision. For a sprint from a place up to 100 km/h, the relative is enough 5.1 s - this is only 0.3 with the slower BMW M3 compartment! A semi -diaplay robot with two clutch drives adds glasses to the piggy bank Z4. Transigns switch smoothly, quickly and always on time. The pre -sequent automatic machine is so good that the sports regime can only be used for the sake of entertainment! However, as in the case of the design, not so much details are amazing as the degree of their study and consistency.
So, can the BMW Z4 SDRIVE35I be able to set new landmarks for relatives? Does he have a chance to survive in a crisis? And finally, is it good enough to be in the BMW glory hall? The answer to all these questions - yes! Bold people remained true to their path.

Technical characteristics of the BMW Z4 Roadster SDRIVE35I
Dimensions, mm
4239x1790x1291
Wheel base, mm
2496
Trunk volume, l
180-330
Equipped mass, kg
1600
engine's type
gasoline L6 with turbocharged
Working volume, cubic meter. cm
2979
Max. Power, L.S./rpm
306/5800
Max. moment, nm/rpm
400/1300-5000
Transmission
preventive 7-speed
Drive unit
rear
Max. speed, km/h
250
Acceleration time 0-100 km, with
5,1
Fuel consumption (average), l/100 km
9,0
Tank volume, l
55
 
  
Stanislav Goncharenko
Photo by the author and the manufacturer
 

Source: Avtopanorama magazine