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2007 Z4 M Roadster
2007 Z4 M Roadster


Base price: $52,100

As tested: $59,575

3.2-liter, 330-hp inline 6

16 city / 24 highway

More info:
www.bmwusa.com



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BMW's Z4 has a "distinctive" look. Its deep contours and sharp edges separate it from less daring competitors like the Honda S2000 and Porsche Boxster. It's flashier than most Beemers, and the convertible, which we drove, has an old-school roadster look with a cockpit situated well back on the frame. We tested the high-performance M model and, for the casual observer, it would be hard to tell the difference (basically quad exhaust pipes and a slightly more aggressive nose). We have always wondered why BMW doesn't differentiate its M models more, but maybe the Z4 just couldn't handle any more distinctiveness.

A flashy exterior does not carry over into a distinctive interior. The only conspicuous aspect is red and blue signature M stitching on the steering wheel. That's not to say there isn't anything to like. Positives included excellent kidney-hugging racing seats, speakers behind the seats so massive that they might obliterate a kidney stone and a cool "SOS" button under a clear plastic cover (we didn't punch it). Our main gripe was a poorly integrated pop-up navigation screen that annoyingly activated when changing radio stations.

Here's where the Z4 M Roadster gets really distinctive. Its 3.2-liter inline 6 churns out 330 horses and will rocket to 60 in just under 5 seconds. That's 115 horses more than a base mode Z4, and 35 more ponies than a Boxster S - for about $3,500 less. While the six-speed manual was a bit stiff and grindy even after getting acquainted, the car's turning radius and agility were shocking, giving us room to spare when we thought we had no margin for error.

-- by John D. Thomas

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