Shades
of Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle, where not one but three sexy lasses kicked
backsides while barely batting an eye. With its slight rear spoiler riding high
at seemingly supersonic speeds, BMW's Z4 surely can kick a few competitors squarely
in the exhaust as well. The
Bavarian automaker calls its American-built roadster a painting done with "broad
strokes," with more visible BMW in the cultural lineage of this road hugger
than the Z3 predecessor. The result: The kind of "pow, zap" knockout
punch in its second season that even a bevy of bustling crime-busting beauties
could take to the bank. A
varied mix of amenities highlight the sport roadster's pick-and-choose philosophy,
expanded for '04 including a hardtop version. Add four transmissions (a five-speed
auto STEPTRONIC with sport mode function among them), two models, and a range
of starting prices from the mid-30s to low 40s. Power comes from a pair of responsive
inline sixes, from the M54 engine family. The 2.5i puts out 184-HP while the 3.0-liter
inline six churns out 225-HP. By
design, the Z4 has classic visual appeal, capturing years of heritage with an
eye on the future. (Remember the original Angels of some two decades ago, surpassed
in energy and execution by the latest crop?) The Z4 retains distinctive "beltline"
styling that outlines its characteristic window edges and driver cocoon, while
sectioned curves and valleys highlight a roadster that, in purest form, would
call for an open top, long snout, and room for two set back and low. BMW adds
the tagline: "Pure driving pleasure." Leather
adds interior luxury, while BMW-type paddle controls (for the available Sequential
Manual shift) remain baffling to the uninitiated. But with the softtop down, there's
little more than a breeze in the face, something BMW definitely worked to get
right. Top up, it simply runs free. Brake lights grow more intense with sudden
stops to warn anyone driving behind, thanks to adaptive braking. BMW's
four-year or 50,000-mile full maintenance promise brings the assurance of a secure
future. That beats the brief cinematic reign of Charlie's Angels' newest -- unless
there's a sequel in the works. |