2014 BMW Z4

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PRICE : For BMW Z4 sDrive28i  $48,950

PRICE : For BMW Z4 sDrive35i $56,950

PRICE : For BMW Z4sDrive35is $65,800

The BMW Z4 is growing long in the tooth, but that doesn't mean it can't shake a leg. Essentially unchanged since the 2012 model year, aside from a handful of equipment updates, the BMW Z4 remains a quick, sporty, and luxurious roadster for those with a taste for German engineering. ...

Visual distinctions for the 2014 model year include a new 18-inch wheel design, and a new side indicator light with a "dynamic sweep" design...

Taken against competition like the recently redesigned Boxster, the Z4's performance is a tad unathletic, being rather heavy and tuned more for a balance of comfort and speed. Under the hood, you'll find the same engines and transmissions as last year. The base Z4 sDrive28i gets a 240-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder; the Z4 sDrive35i gets a 300-horsepower, 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder turbocharged engine; and the Z4 sDrive35is gets an even more potent 335-horsepower in-line six-cylinder turbo...

Across all the models, acceleration is brisk, with the sDrive35is dashing out the quickest 0-60 mph time of the bunch at 4.8 seconds. The sDrive35i comes in a tick slower at 5.1 seconds, and the sDrive28i takes 5.5 seconds. While power is generally good in all models, the base sDrive28i can feel a bit sluggish at low speeds. Cornering is stable and fairly balanced, though the suspension is a bit soft for truly aggressive driving like you'd try at the track. Around town, however, that smooth suspension makes for a more laid-back ride than many sport roadsters. An available Sport Package upgrades the performance a notch, and adds sporty appearance details inside and out. ..

Transmission choices include a six-speed manual and an eight-speed automatic for sDrive28i models, while the sDrive35i substitutes a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission for the automatic. The sDrive35is is only available with the seven-speed DCT... 

While power is generally good in all models, the base sDrive28i can feel a bit sluggish at low speeds. Cornering is stable and fairly balanced, though the suspension is a bit soft for truly aggressive driving like you'd try at the track. Around town, however, that smooth suspension makes for a more laid-back ride..

EXTERIOR

The facelift given to the 2014 BMW Z4 isn’t much of a facelift at all, so you will recognize the tiny roadster and its sweeping hood, long wheelbase, low beltline and low-slung rear. Just like the previous model, the 2014 Z4 will come with the same low seating position that will offer both the driver and passenger the possibility to feel more in touch with the road...

The Z4’s roof will come in two versions — a standard hardtop roof and an optional BMW Individual hardtop that’s available in two contrast colors, Jet Black and Titanium Silver metallic. Both can be operated at speeds up to 25 mph and can be open or closed in just 19 seconds...

Up front, the model will be distinguished by its distinctive four round headlights. The distinctive four round headlights team up with the broad BMW BMW kidney grille and turn signal indicators that now feature a chrome-colored surround. BMW i BMW is also offering a newly designed, tapered surround for the side indicators. The 2014 Z4 comes with standard Xenon headlights, and LED lights are an available option...

The 2014 BMW Z4 can be ordered in 14 exterior colors, including three new ones: Mineral Grey metallic, Glacier Silver metallic and Valencia Orange metallic. The latter color is only available with an optional Hyper Orange package that replaces the previously available Citrus Yellow Package. There is also a new set of 18-inch light-alloy wheels in a new V-Spoke design...

INTERIOR

The BMW Z4 Roadster is the reincarnation of the classic roadster. The interior design alone is proof of this: shapes, materials and controls awe with their elegance and functionality – and transform the journey into an inspirational and dynamic experience.

A perfect fit that leaves plenty of room for exploration...

 Like a well-tailored suit, the BMW Z4 Roadster is expertly customised to meet the needs of the driver. From the asymmetrical centre console to the optimally positioned instruments and round control elements that echo the legendary BMW Z8, a journey inside this vehicle offers a new discovery in elegance every time. Even with the roof closed, the overwhelming feeling of freedom remains and the bond between the driver, the vehicle and the road is as close as ever...

ROOF

SPECIFICATION

► Year:2014

► Make:BMW

► Model:Z4

► Engine:inline-4

► Horsepower @ RPM:240

► MPG(Cty):22

► MPG(Hwy):34

► Torque @ RPM:260

► Displacement:2.0 L

► 0-60 time:5.5 sec.

PERFORMANCE

The 2014 BMW Z4 balances its dual missions as a compact luxury car and a sporty roadster effortlessly. It's neither as razor-sharp as some alternatives, nor as prone to the compromises such performance entails. It's civilized, comfortable, and still very quick. ..

Three main flavors of the 2014 BMW Z4 are available: sDrive28i, sDrive35i, and sDrive35is. The first gets a turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 240 horsepower. The second rates 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque from a 3.0-liter in-line turbocharged six-cylinder powerplant. The sportiest version is the third, extracting 335 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. ..

As you'd expect, performance matches the engines: the base model is quick and fun, managing the sprint to 60 mph in as little as 5.5 seconds per BMW, but lacks the ultimate force and vigor of the two six-cylinder models. For those wanting a measure of efficiency with the luxurious sports roadster, however, the four-cylinder turbo sDrive28is is hard to beat. Moving up to the sDrive35i cuts 0-60 mph times to as little as 5.0 seconds, but also bringing a significant improvement in in-gear acceleration at any speed. The sDrive35is takes performance up yet another notch, hitting 60 mph from a stop in just 4.8 seconds and delivering even more responsive acceleration... 

For the sDrive28is, a six-speed manual transmission is standard, and it's a great choice if you like to do your own gear changes. It's a slick, low-effort shifter that never gets in your way. An optional eight-speed automatic also provides quick and smooth shifts, though it leaves the car feeling somewhat less spirited. In the Z4 sDrive35i, the six-speed manual is also available, but the eight-speed auto is replaced by a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Quick-shifting and easy to use with the steering-wheel-mounted paddles (or left to its own devices in automatic mode), the dual-clutch gearbox offers the best of both manual and automatic worlds. BMW's dual-clutch in the Z4 is of an older school, however, and doesn't match the race-inspired crispness or near-telepathic logic you'll find in Porsche's PDK dual-clutch, offered in the Z4-rivalling Boxster. The sDrive35is is only available with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission...

Handling is good across the Z4 range, particularly when equipped with the optional M Sport Package (which is standard on the sDrive35is). Cornering is confident and quick, with direct, if not intuitive steering, and BMW's typical sense of feel only slightly muted from its more hardcore M Division vehicles. With the M Sport Package, the Z4 looks and feels much more like its M cousins, with the Adaptive M Suspension doing the bulk of the work in improving handling. Upgraded 18-inch alloy wheels with performance run-flat tires also improve grip, though the choice of run-flat tires does nothing for ride quality. ..

Whichever Z4 model you choose, you'll get a balanced, controlled chassis riding on an adjustable Driving Dynamics Control suspension system that offers Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ settings. Dynamic stability control with traction control, brake fade compensation, start-off assist, brake drying, and brake stand-by features offer high-tech aids to improve driving safety and consistency....

POWERTRAIN

Powering the sDrive28i is BMW's new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that gives up 15 horsepower to the old six but brings 40 lb-ft more torque to the table - 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of twist, to be exact. The smaller engine is able to sit farther behind the front axle line, improving weight distribution and handling. Fuel economy increases to an impressive 22 mpg city and 34 mpg highway, and the car accelerates to 60 mpg from a standstill in the mid-five second range...

The more potent sDrive35i has a maximum output of 300 horsepower, while peak torque of 300 pound-feet is achieved throughout a broad rev range from 1,400 to 5,000 rpm. Weighing just 355 pounds, the 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six owes its light weight to its composite magnesium/aluminum crankcase, cylinder head cover made of a special synthetic material and lightweight camshafts with aluminum VANOS control unit. The sDrive35i is rated at 19/26 mpg and the 17/24 with the manual and automatic gearbox options, respectively...

For those who demand maximum power, the sDrive35is brings an uprated version of the turbo six with 335 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, which rises to 369 lb-ft for short periods thanks to an electronically-controlled overboost function. The sDrive35is returns 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway...

A six-speed manual transmission comes standard on all sDrive28i andsiDrive35i. The iDrive28i has an optional eight-speed automatic, while the sDrive35i has an available seven-speed dual-clutch automatic that is fitted as standard to the sDrive35is...

ENGINE

In the U.S. market, the 2014 BMW Z4 will come with a choice of three engines: one four-cylinder and two inline-six-cylinders. The base version — the sDrive28i – will be powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers a total of 240 horsepower and a peak torque of 260 pound-feet. It will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds, and deliver a fuel economy of 22 mpg city and 34 mpg highway.

Next, there is the sDrive35i powered by an N54 TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter inline-six engine with an output of 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. It will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5 seconds, and deliver 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. Finally, the top version — sDrive35is — gets an updated version of the N54 TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter inline-six engine with an output of 335 horsepower and 332 pound-feet. It will hit 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds. The base model can be ordered with either a six-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic, while the two sDrive35i models will only come with a 7-speed DCT.

In the European, market BMW has also added a new entry-level version that gets a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine that delivers a total of 154 horsepower and a peak torque of 177 pound-feet. It can be mated to either a 6-speed manual or an optional 8-speed automatic gearbox and will sprint the car from 0 to 62 mph in 7.9 seconds and up to a top speed of 137 mph.

DRIVETRAIN

During our road testing at the new Z4's launch in far north Queensland a couple of months back we fell in love with the 180 kW four-cylinder engine. It provides almost as much performance as the six-cylinder and its lighter weight adds to the already good agility of the Z4 when cornering hard. Our week's retest on the Gold Coast in day-to-day driving confirmed that this is our powertrain of choice..

You wouldn't expect a high-performance roadster with a 180 kilowatt engine to have fuel consumption as low as 5.9 litres per hundred kilometres, but that's the number we had during the stages of testing at 110 to 120 on motorways. That's amazing efficiency and shows why BMW continues to sit at, or near the top, when global 'engine of the year' awards are handed out. In everyday driving in the suburbs and when pushing hard in the country the consumption was generally in the eight to ten litres per 100 km range, which is still impressive in a sports machine like this...

It's no surprise that the BMW Z4 continues to provide excitement. It has near-perfect chassis balance, provides huge levels of grip in corners and answers virtually instantly to steering and throttle inputs from the driver.  Anyone who doesn't come away from a drive in a Z4 on challenging roads with a big smile on their face hasn't been trying hard enough...

There's a lot of tyre noise on coarse-chip bitumen as found on many Australian roads, at times conversation can be difficult even when the roof is closed. Boot space is quite limited when the roof is folded down and life is further complicated by the fact the opening is small...

COMFORT & QUALITY

The Z4's balance between speed, comfort, and luxury, is one of the best in the business, but it does entail some trade-offs. ..

The seats are comfortable and adjustable to suit a wide range of body sizes and types, but they're mounted rather high in the cabin, compromising head room for drivers over six feet tall when the top is up (or putting the top of the windshield near eye-level even with the top down). ..

Cabin and trunk space are also tight in the Z4. Planning a weekend trip will involve a careful selection of what you really need to bring along, as there's just no room for much more than two small carry-ons and a few personal items. The cabin itself has numerous pockets and trays, but they're small--don't expect to securely stash a laptop with two people in the car. ..

Despite these shortcomings, however, the Z4's construction and materials are very good throughout the cabin. Leather upholstery is soft and supple, and can be expanded to the dash, door caps, and visors with an extended leather package. Unlike many convertibles, the Z4 exhibits very few squeaks, rattles, and vibrations, further indicating its build quality... 

One particularly welcome feature is one you can't even see: BMW's unique Sun Reflective Technology leather. Rather than soaking up the sun to then scorch your exposed skin, the seats do an admirable job of staying merely warm to the touch, greatly increasing comfort in summer top-down driving. ..

The Z4's power retractable hard top is another strength, stowing or deploying quickly and smoothly. When the top is up, the Z4 is effectively transformed into a coupe, with all of the security, weather protection, and noise reduction that entails...

SAFETY

Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have crash-tested the BMW Z4 in recent years, but the sporty roadster does offer many standard safety features, plus an array of advanced electronics (both standard and optional) that should put buyers at ease. ..

Front and side airbags, adaptive brake lights, and multi-setting stability and brake control systems are all standard. The Z4 can even cut fuel flow, turn on the hazard lights, and unlock the doors in the event of an accident. ..

For those seeking even greater safety, optional upgrades include: automatic headlamps, park distance control, and BMW Assist service with Bluetooth. More advanced features, such as a rearview camera, blind spot monitoring, and lane departure warning systems aren't available in the Z4, however. ..

Visibility is never much of an issue in the Z4, even with the folding hardtop raised. The side windows are quite large, the rear window opening is well-shaped, and forward visibility is expansive..

DRIVER ASSISTANCE

More light means more safety: the High-Beam Assistant from BMW ConnectedDrive automatically switches between high and low beam depending on traffic, thus relieving stress on the driver...

When the system is active, a camera installed on the inner side of the rear-view mirror monitors the traffic situation and the light and determines whether the high beam can be switched on. When a vehicle is approaching or immediately in front or when there is sufficient light outside, the system automatically switches your headlights back to low beam...

EQUIPMENTS

The new BMW Z4 delivers the driving pleasure customers have come to expect from the brand, fulfilling the desire for both sporting ability and comfort. Drivers can use the standard Driving Experience Control switch to select a configuration to suit the situation at hand and satisfy personal preferences. COMFORT, SPORT and SPORT+ modes can all be called up using the rocker switch on the center console. As well as adjusting the responses of the engine and DSC stability system, the different modes also alter the shift characteristics of the automatic gearbox, the responses of the Servotronic function and the mapping of the electronically controlled dampers, if these items are specified. These modes allow the driver to choose from a selection of distinctive and clearly differentiated set-ups for the car...

Other items of equipment fitted as standard are Xenon headlights, automatic climate control, a heated glass rear window, the Soft Close Automatic function for the boot lid and runflat tires with a tire pressure monitor. The standard Z4 sound system includes CD player, AUX-IN socket and 11 loudspeakers...

 Customers can also choose the optional Premium Sound System with higher output and 14 loudspeakers. The optional navigation system enables high-resolution map graphics - complete with 3D view - on the 8.8-inch iDrive monitor. The navigation data for the system is stored on an in-car hard disk, which also provides 12 GB of capacity for personal music collections...

The range of driver assistance systems and mobility services from BMW ConnectedDrive has also expanded once again. The new BMW Z4 can be equipped with features such as High Beam Assistant and Park Distance Control with sensors at the front and rear of the car. If the navigation system is specified, the ConnectedDrive Services options allow use of internet-based information and entertainment services inside the car... 

This system must be fitted to enable access to the BMW Online portal and apps using the Control Display and iDrive Controller. The Real Time Traffic Information function is also on hand, supplying the driver with congestion warnings and diversion recommendations in real time. Apple iPhone owners can use BMW apps, for example, to receive web radio stations, display Facebook and Twitter posts on the monitor and ask for them to be read out. BMW Apps also enhanced safe, convenient access to music streaming services like Pandora, MOG and Aupeo as well as Stitcher. The range of BMW ConnectedDrive features available for the new BMW Z4 also includes BMW TeleServices, BMW Remote Services, Concierge Services and enhanced Automatic Collision Notification with automatic vehicle location and accident severity detection...

FUEL ECONOMY

From fast to efficient, the BMW Z4's engine range offers more choice than most roadsters for those concerned about gas mileage...

The base Z4 sDrive28is uses a turbocharged four-cylinder engine to score 22 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined with the manual transmission. Opting for the eight-speed auto shaves 1 mpg from the highway rating, but leaves the others untouched... 

With more power comes somewhat poorer gas mileage: the sDrive35i rates 19/26/21 mpg city/highway/combined with the manual transmission. Pick the dual-clutch seven-speed gearbox and those numbers fall to 17/24/20 mpg. ..

The sportiest model, the Z4 sDrive35is, also scores 17/24/20 mpg city/highway/combined... 

Those looking to save some cash at the pump with their sport roadster will choose the turbo four-cylinder Z4 sDrive28i, and in our experience, real-world gas mileage easily matches, and occasionally exceeds, the EPA ratings...

PRESS RELEASE

The BMW Z4 Roadster represents the interplay of classical proportions and state-of-the-art technology. An updated version of the modern classic is set to arrive in BMW showrooms in time for spring 2013...

The new BMW Z4 represents a time-honored and yet contemporary interpretation of the traditional roadster concept. New exterior features, detailed interior refinements, the new Hyper Orange design package, as well as availability of the full range of BMW ConnectedDrive features all provide fresh impetus and lend the BMW Roadster even greater appeal and individuality...

The new BMW Z4 takes to the stage 25 years after the legendary BMW Z1 began the modern era of BMW Roadsters. That Roadster turned heads when it was unveiled at the 1987 Frankfurt Auto Show not only for its revolutionary door concept, but also thanks to its agile and responsive handling. With the BMW Z1 began the latest chapter in the history of BMW Roadsters – a tradition which stretches back to the 1930s and reached the first of many high points with the BMW 328 (winner of the 1940 Mille Miglia) and BMW 507 from 1955. The BMW Z3 and BMW Z8 triggered a fresh wave of excitement for the classic open-top two-seater concept in the 1990s. And they also paved the way for the first-generation BMW Z4 and its successor, the brand’s first Roadster fitted with a retractable hardtop...

A total of 11 external paint finishes are available for the new BMW Z4, including the new Mineral Grey metallic, Glacier Silver metallic and Valencia Orange metallic, which can only be ordered together with the Hyper Orange package. This new aesthetic/design package lends the Roadster a lively aura; the interior, for example, boasts an energy-charged contrast of black and orange. The bespoke Alcantara door panel trim, like the lower section of the instrument panel, comes in orange. The black leather seats have contrast stitching in Valencia Orange and an accent stripe running down the central section of the backrests and seat cushions. This stripe is likewise orange and is flanked by two thin white lines. The door panel trim and lower section of the instrument panel can also be specified in black as an option. Another exclusive element of the Hyper Orange package is the metal weave trim strip, which can be combined with further decorative elements in high-gloss black for the door openers and the gearshift or selector lever. This new Design package replaces the previously available Citrus Yellow Package and is also available in combination with other exterior paint colors as an option...

New interior additions to standard specification include high-gloss black surrounds for the central air vents and the iDrive control system’s folding Control Display, which comes as part of the optional navigation system. Elsewhere, exquisite Fineline Anthracite wood has been added to the selection of interior trim strips available as an option for the new BMW Z4. The BMW Z4 sDrive28i, BMW Z4 sDrive35i and BMW Z4 sDrive35is are offered with Kansas leather trim. The range of light-alloy wheels includes a newly designed V-Spoke 18-inch wheels combined with staggered front and rear tire sizes...

The engaging character of the Roadster as a driver’s tool is given particular emphasis by the optional M Sport package, which includes Adaptive M suspension, 18-inch M light-alloy wheels and an M aerodynamics package with large air intakes in the front wing and a rear bumper inlay painted Anthracite metallic. Bringing an extra dose of sporting flair into the interior, meanwhile, are features such as sports seats, an M leather steering wheel, M driver’s footrest, M door sill finishers and an anthracite-colored roof liner. The Aluminum Carbon trim strip, M leather gear lever knob and grey dials for the instrument cluster lend the finishing touches to the interior ambience. The new BMW Z4 sDrive35is comes with a model-specific version of the M Sport package...

The BMW Z4 will continue to be available in the US with one four-cylinder and two inline-six powerplants. Their most significant shared feature is BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, which ensures an exceptionally effective balance between driving pleasure and fuel consumption throughout the range...

The BMW sDrive28i features BMW’s award-winning TwinPower Turbo 2.0-liter four cylinder engine, which produces 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. It powers the BMW Roadster from 0 – 60 mph in 5.5 seconds with the 6-speed manual (5.6 with the 8-speed automatic) and returns EPA mileage estimates of 22 mpg city/ 34 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined with the manual and 24/33/26 for the 8-speed automatic). The BMW Z4 sDrive35i features BMW’s N54 TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter inline-6, producing 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. It goes 0 – 60 mph in five seconds flat with the7-speed DCT (5.1 with the 6-speed manual) with EPA mileage estimates of 19 mpg city/ 26 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined with the manual and 17/24/19 for the 7-speed DCT. The top-range Z4 sDrive35is features a higher-output version of BMW’s venerable N54 producing 335 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque and the 7-speed DCT. The top model goes from 0 - 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds without a penalty to the EPA mileage estimates...

The new BMW Z4 delivers the driving pleasure customers have come to expect from the brand, fulfilling the desire for both sporting ability and comfort. Drivers can use the standard Driving Experience Control switch to select a configuration to suit the situation at hand and satisfy personal preferences. COMFORT, SPORT and SPORT+ modes can all be called up using the rocker switch on the center console. As well as adjusting the responses of the engine and DSC stability system, the different modes also alter the shift characteristics of the automatic gearbox, the responses of the Servotronic function and the mapping of the electronically controlled dampers, if these items are specified. These modes allow the driver to choose from a selection of distinctive and clearly differentiated set-ups for the car...

Other items of equipment fitted as standard are Xenon headlights, automatic climate control, a heated glass rear window, the Soft Close Automatic function for the boot lid and runflat tires with a tire pressure monitor. The standard Z4 sound system includes CD player, AUX-IN socket and 11 loudspeakers. Customers can also choose the optional Premium Sound System with higher output and 14 loudspeakers. The optional navigation system enables high-resolution map graphics – complete with 3D view – on the 8.8-inch iDrive monitor. The navigation data for the system is stored on an in-car hard disk, which also provides 12 GB of capacity for personal music collections...

The range of driver assistance systems and mobility services from BMW ConnectedDrive has also expanded once again. The new BMW Z4 can be equipped with features such as High Beam Assistant and Park Distance Control with sensors at the front and rear of the car. If the navigation system is specified, the ConnectedDrive Services options allow use of internet-based information and entertainment services inside the car. This system must be fitted to enable access to the BMW Online portal and apps using the Control Display and iDrive Controller...

 The Real Time Traffic Information function is also on hand, supplying the driver with congestion warnings and diversion recommendations in real time. Apple iPhone owners can use BMW apps, for example, to receive web radio stations, display Facebook and Twitter posts on the monitor and ask for them to be read out. BMW Apps also enhanced safe, convenient access to music streaming services like Pandora, MOG and Aupeo as well as Stitcher. The range of BMW ConnectedDrive features available for the new BMW Z4 also includes BMW TeleServices, BMW Remote Services, Concierge Services and enhanced Automatic Collision Notification with automatic vehicle location and accident severity detection...

2014 BMW Z4  ( VIDEO )

             

FOR FULL IMAGES...CLICK HERE >>> View Photo Gallery

By : Automotive News & Super Modified Sports Cars

=Shahen Tharammal