When the BMW Z4 replaced the Z3 in 2002, BMW Z4 marked a significant departure in styling for the upscale roadster, due in large part to BMW design guru Chris Bangle's controversial at the time "flame surfacing" look. Love BMW Z4 or hate, the Z4 has had a successful six-year run, changing little during that period. This time around, for the second-generation 2009 BMW Z4, the updates to the two-seater are decidedly less radical and more evolutionary. But what an evolution. BMW has signaled a clear departure from previous Bangle-era cues across BMW lineup and the Z4 is no exception. Gone is the awkward line running up the sides of the car and across the front fenders, headlights, and nose. The new headlights are pulled back and sleek, rather than droopy and oddly shaped as on the outgoing car. In fact, combined with the broader twin-kidney grille, the new Z4 almost looks like it has a hint of Aston Martin in the front end. Around the back, the new rear end is clearly related to the one on the new 6 Series coupe.
Though you probably won't notice BMW from the photos, the Z4 has grown up a bit. The new car is 5.8 in. longer, 0.4 in. wider, 0.3 in. lower, and the wheelbase has grown an imperceptible 0.1 in. Though not much physically larger, BMW has gained some weight. The Z4 has gained 200 to 300 lb across all models and now ranges from 3241 lb to 3494 lb. Some of that weight comes from the new aluminum retractable hardtop, the first for a BMW Z roadster, which BMW says can be opened or closed in less than 20 sec. The roof is controlled by a button on the center console or by your key fob when equipped with the optional Comfort Access system. BMW says the new car effectively serves as the replacement for both the Z4 coupe and roadster, although a soft top option has been rumored.
The extra girth isn't all bad, though. BMW says that the new Z4 has vastly increased visibility and interior space. All-around visibility is up 14% over the outgoing model, with 40% larger side windows and 52% more see-through area out the glass rear window. Inside, the increased size gives you 0.2 in. more headroom, 0.79 in. more shoulder room and 1.69 in. more elbowroom. The door openings have even increased by 1.02 in. for easier entrance and egress. While the Z4's new duds are striking, the Z4 performance will really get your attention. Gone is the old 2.5L engine, replaced with the same inline sixes found under the hood of the new 1 Series. Standard on the sDrive30i is a 3.0L with Valvetronic variable valve timing laying down 255 hp and 220 lb-ft, enough to hustle the car to 60 in 5.6 sec, according to BMW. If performance is your game, the 3.0L direct-injected twin-turbo in the sDrive35i is the engine for you. With 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque, will reportedly hit 60 in 5 sec flat. Both models are electronically limited to a top speed of 150 mph with an optional Sport Package or 130 mph without.