Test Drive BMW Z8 Roadster E52 2000 - 2003 Convertible

Explosive

Roadster BMW Z8 was presented in Russia very peculiar - under the roar of rocket engines, accompanied by pillars of flame and smoke clubs. Thus, the showrooms decided to emphasize the explosive nature of the super sports car from Bavaria.
 
For acquaintance with an extraordinary machine, approach the auto show at the appointed time. Just at this moment, the silver roadster with the treated riding, a knight, slowly rolls out out.
 
Yes, not every day, it is possible to meet a whisk with the work of engineering art worth $ 170 thousand, under the hood of which hides four hundred horses, ready to carry the car away with a mad speed - up to 250 km / h.
 
In the early 50s, Albrecht von Gertz created the incomparable 507th model, for a long time, a long-standing style of double sports windows with an open top. Much later, Christopher Bangle returned to this topic, which made the BMW Z07 Rostotype, which was shown at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1997. The prejudo car was exposed to the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1999. And now the living BMW Z8 is facing us.
 
Once again, the smelly, muscular bodies of the body resembling the body of the shark. Nothing superfluous, all to the limit is rational. Even Kutsaya the back of the car looks completely natural against the background of an incredibly long hood. Dry lapties suggest a good sustainability of the car. Neonki are used not only for direct purpose (overall lights), but also as a gills backlight in the dark, when Z8 is even more like a shark.
 
We remove the top. On the security arc wear a special grid to prevent the turbulent streams in the salon.
 
The audience the contents of the trunk: the battery and a good driver's instrument, there are no spots. She cannot go to 500 km at a speed of 80 km / h. In addition, discs and tires are different: in front of 245/45R18, behind 275/40R18.
 
Easily sit down in the bucket seats. Landing is low, but very convenient. Numerous adjustments provide maximum comfort to the driver and passenger. Something similar had to experience in the 8th series BMW.
 
The harmonious combination of red leather with gray plastic, matched in tone aluminum interior details, the impression is not that luxury, but rather a classic German quality factor.
 
Push button engine start. V-shaped eight immediately alive, filling vicinity pleasant snarl. The exhaust system is set up so that even a slight force of the sound to guess a hidden power.
 
Unusually look instrument panel located above the center console. Readings are good, but if the unit is in the usual place, it would be somehow calmer.
 
Informative pedals crisp control lever 6-speed manual transmission and a sufficient torque in a wide range of rotational speeds of the crankshaft allow smoothly pull away.
 
Leisurely ride through the city streets, szhivayas with a predator. Get used to the stiffer suspension, we begin to feel better wheel. Finally decides to find out what a Z8. We leave on the line and give the wide promenade on gases.
 
Roadster instantly wakes up from a nap and roared, lurching forward. Before the eyes of all the contracts. We dents in the bucket seat so that is breathtaking.
 
And surprise: it turns out, our speed gear shift is not satisfied with the Z8. Indeed, we do not keep up with the insane speed dial. At some point, there is cotton in the exhaust system, saying that the necessary shift points is omitted, the engine twisted, worked speed limit system. Driver - deuce.
 
With unaccustomed set at such rapid speeds (100 km / h the car reaches 4.7 seconds) and do not have time to watch the road, and tachometer readings. It takes time to achieve synchronization of the eye acts, feet and hands. With experience, you can probably shift gears entirely by ear. We only get to know the car, the first time for us all.
 
Reset The tempo before broken road section. Magnificent brakes allow smooth to slow and begin to maneuver. Dent on the left, right, left, right ... Z8 great helm, following a predetermined path. In this case, a backlash on the steering wheel is simply amazing.
 
We try to start from the spot as sharply as possible. The expected squealing of the tires is not heard. The DSC system clearly monitors the dosage of tractive effort on driving wheels, not allowing their slippage. True, you can press the DSC shutdown button and experiment. But in mind suddenly the fabulous price of the car pops up, and no longer wants to risk.
 
However, it is difficult to deny yourself the pleasure to try sports mode. It turns on by a button on the center console. However, the first time nothing turns out, solid cotton. Again it is more advantageous to manipulate the KP lever, and it goes to the way. The result is awesome, feeling the words not to pass ...
 
It was not necessary to freeze in an open roadster (with raised windows and installed with a blind curtain), despite the September plus 12. In addition, it was also possible to include air conditioning and achieve absolutely comfortable conditions. The aerodynamics of the car we were satisfied. Along the way, we note that the automatic raising-lowering awning takes place in seconds.
 
The openness of the salon left the imprint on the execution of some of its elements. Conventional pockets and shelves are replaced with gloves (even in the doorway) and containers with covers.
 
The high-class audio system, which includes ten speakers, a 250-watt amplifier and a CD changer for six disks (it is behind the driver's seat), ready to shake the world. Navigator, built-in phone and other electronic things perceived here as granted equipment.
 
Yes, BMW Z8 really has an explosive character. Such machines are created to demonstrate unlimited possibilities of automotive firms applying for the title of world leaders. The high cost of the stunning rhodster, a clear case, not everyone will seem so far, including in our country. In any case, annually in Russia it is supposed to sell up to two tens of Z8.
 
It is extremely important to whom will fall into the hands of such a powerful car, although polished by all imaginable and unthinkable safety facilities. In the West, by the way, the presence of money does not always provide unhindered access to the desired car. For example, when buying Ferrari or Lamborghini, you must demonstrate your skill to manage such a projectile. And if you do not stand a strict exam, you will have to either look for a stallion more harmful, or to sit at the desk of the school of driver's skills.
 
In St. Petersburg, and in Moscow, we had to see terrible accidents performed by the BMW 850CSI and Mercedes-Benz CL600, which, however, does not diminish the advantages of these machines. It all depends on whose hands they fall. One thing is an experienced driver, the other is the Great-Beauty, as a gift on the 18th anniversary.
 
Nevertheless, BMW Z8 is a cool thing. In a good envy the future owners of a beautiful car and wish them good luck on the roads!
 
Specifications BMW Z8
 
Curb weight, kg - 1585
Full weight, kg - 1900
Dimensions (Length / Width / Height), mm - 4400/1830/1370
Base, mm - 2505
Maximum speed, km / h - 250 (with limiter)
Overclocking time up to 100 km / h, C - 4.7
Fuel control, l / 100 km:
- urban cycle - 21.1
- Country cycle - 10.6
- Mixed cycle - 14.5
Engine:
- Type - V8
- Working volume, cm3 - 4941
- Power, hp at min-1 - 400/6600
- torque, nm at min-1 - 500/3800
- Power system - multipoint injection
Transmission - Mechanical, 6-speed
Tire size:
- Front - 245/45R18W
- Rear - 275/40R18W
Wheel suspension:
- The front - independent, on transverse levers with jet rods
- rear - independent, multi-dimensional
Brakes - disk, ventilated, with ABS, DSC, CBC
Steering - Rush, with amplifier
 
Text: Sergey Zhukov
 

A source: Magazine 5 Wheel [10/2000]