The Z4 Roadster has been travelling highways everywhere since 2009. It is hard to believe the first BMW roadster (Z1) was unveiled back in 1988. This year's Z4 maintains the tradition of the classic roadster while offering minor exterior and interior changes and an all new Hyper Orange design package.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Roadster | Base Price: NA |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 14.5 gals (55 L) | MPG: 26 city / 42 hwy |
| Length: 166.9 in. (423.9 cm) | Wheel Base: 98.3 in. (249.6 cm) |
| Height: 50.8 in. (129.1 cm) | Width: 70.5 in. (179 cm) |
| Unladen Weight: 3241 lbs (1470 kg) | Maximum Seating: 2 people |
| Engine: 2.0 Liter 4 CylinderTwin Turbo | Compression Ratio: 10.0: 1 |
| Horsepower: 156 HP | Max RPM: 5000 RPM |
| Torque: 178 lb-ft @ 1250-4400 rpm | Transmission: 7-Speed Automatic Double Clutch |
| 0-60 mph: 5.5 seconds | Maximum Speed: 137 mph (221 km/h) |
The BMW Z4 Roadster is available with one of three engine options. The SDrive 28i power plant is a 2.0L four cylinder, it is small, but quick, this engine creates 240 horsepower and can go from 0-60 MPH in 5.5 seconds.
The SDrive 35i packs 300 horses under the hood helped by a 3.0L, V6. This one cuts a half second off the 0-60 MPH listed above. Last, but not least, is another inline V6 generating 335 HP and travelling from 0-60 in under 4.8 seconds as part of the SDrive 35is series.
You can pair the SDrive 28i with either a 6-speed manual trans or an 8-speed automatic. The larger engines come with a 7-speed double clutch transmission.
Exterior
The 2014 Z4 Roadster maintains the same low profile, long wheelbase and sweeping hood. The front features 4 unique headlights on either side of the kidney shaped, vertical slatted grille. The headlamps are Xenon with LED offered as an option. Even the front turn signal lamps have been upgraded with chrome casings.
There are 2 roof options this year. The standard retractable hard top and a new contrast color version. The 2 color choices are Jet Black or Titanium metallic Silver. Both retract in less than 19 seconds at the rate of 25 mph.
There are 14 body colors to choose from, including metallic Valencia Orange if you opt for the Hyper Orange package mentioned above.
Interior
Once seated inside the Roadster you may notice the new high gloss black framing around the A/C ducts and iDrive control system. If you prefer, beautiful Fineline anthracite wood is offered as an option to trim your vehicle.
There is of course the automatic climate control and the Z4 audio system which includes 11 speakers.
