2013 BMW Z4 (E89) M Sport Review - In Detail (720p HD)

BMW E89 is the chassis code of the second generation of BMW Z4. It now has a retractable hardtop like the Mercedes SLK replacing the previous roadster and coupé versions for the 2009 model year. The new model was officially announced on 13 December 2008.[1][2][3] The vehicle was unveiled in 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The BMW Z4 is a rear-wheel drive sports car by the German car maker BMW. It follows a line of past BMW roadsters such as the BMW Z1, BMW 507, BMW Z8, and the BMW Z3. The Z4 replaces the Z3. First generation production started in 2002 at BMW USA's Greer, South Carolina plant, with production of both roadster and coupe forms. When debuted, it won Automobile Magazine "Design of the Year Award". Starting with the 2009 model year, the second-generation Z4 is built at BMW's Regensburg, Germany plant as a retractable hardtop roadster. In 2009, the BMW Z4 won the Red Dot Design Award. In the Z4 sDrive35i, the new 7-speed double-clutch gearbox is used. In the 23i and 30i a six-speed sports automatic transmission with Steptronic is offered. Fitted as standard is a 6-speed manual transmission. EfficientDynamics regenerative braking is standard in most regions. The Drive Dynamic Control is standard, which include NORMAL, SPORT, SPORT+ modes. Optional Adaptive M Sport Suspension adds electronic damping control. The hand brake is electro-mechanically operated. All BMW Z4 have as standard safety equipment: ABS including emergency brake assist and CBC (Cornering Brake control), pretensioner and belt load limiter, and ESP with ASR. Furthermore, they are equipped with four airbags (driver/front seat passengers and two side airbags). The dynamic stop light feature has two stages, indicating how strongly the brakes are being applied. For normal braking, the main light element blinks, as well as blinking just before the vehicle comes to a standstill. Finally, two roll-over bars behind the seats and a reinforced windscreen protect occupants in case of roll-over. [edit]Design The Rear The new roadster features a completely revamped interior designed by Nadya Arnaout, and exterior designed by Juliane Blasi in early 2006.[citation needed] Since the new Z4 now has a retractable hardtop, it no longer comes in separate roadster and coupé versions. The two-piece, electro-hydraulic retractable hardtop in lightweight aluminium shell can be folded up or down in 20 seconds automatically.[5] In the open state, the boot capacity is 180 liters (if closed: 310 l). [edit]Differences from the previous Compared to the previous generation Z4, the new vehicle has grown 148 mm (5.8 in) longer, 9 mm (0.35 in) wider,[6] 2.5 mm (0.098 in) in wheelbase, and is significantly heavier, adding between 150 kg (330 lb) and 235 kg (520 lb) in unloaded weight, when compared to the previous model.[1]