M is For Mighty

Ferocious probably best describes the acceleration given to 1,490 kg (3,277 lb) by 330 horsepower- such is the 2006 BMW M Roadster. This

(Photo: Rob Rothwell, Auto123.com)

mighty machine is a steroid-driven version of BMW's dramatic looking Z4 Roadster, which in of itself is a strong performer on track and off; however compared to the might of "M," the dashing Z4 Roadster is sedate. In distinguishing the "M" version from its Z4 roots, Bimmer stylists incorporated extra aggression into Bangle's slash and dash body sculpting by cutting larger air inlets into the front fascia and adding a couple of sharp creases to the car's long hood. Some interior detailing, such as an assortment of badges and insignia scattered about the leather-lined cockpit, also express the uniqueness of "M". Of course the only real way to confirm "M" authenticity is to grab the roadster's fat, leather-wrapped steering wheel and twist the key of life.

Awakening the inline-6 is like poking a lion with a sharp stick. It's a tolerant beast until the stick jabs a little too deeply, then look out. Displacing 3.2 litres (198 cu in), the DOHC design utilizes 4-valves per

(Photo: Rob Rothwell, Auto123.com)

cylinder and variable valve timing to convert premium octane fuel into 330 horsepower @ 7,900 rpm and 262 pounds-feet of torque at 4,900 rpm. Although those numbers suggest an engine that only dishes out thrust near the top of its rev band, that's not the case; low-end output is outstanding as well. But I admit it, the rush invoked as the mill screams past 5,000 rpm on its way to an 8,000 rpm redline is flesh flattening and exhilarating. Look for 0-96 kph (0-60 mph) times, accompanied by a turbine-like exhaust note capable of peeling paint from anything in its jet stream, in the range of 4.8 to 5.3 seconds. Not only does the M Roadster light up off-the-line, it harbors immense passing power at highway speeds thanks in part to its decisive 6-speed manual gearbox. This short throw unit requires a firm hand to fully capitalize on its wide range of gearing, the collection of which enable easy exploitation of the engine's top end.

Activating the car's "Sport Mode" sharpens throttle response and steering actuation while improving traction. The most noticeable effect is a sudden burst of power with only a slight dip into the throttle; bear in mind though,

(Photo: Rob Rothwell, Auto123.com)

the increased responsiveness tends to erode the M Roadster's civility in city traffic. The program is great for spirited driving but not well suited to stop and go commuting. Fortunately, the brute force ascribed to the M Roadster by its intoxicating powertrain is adeptly matched by the vehicle's razor-edge handling characteristics. A sophisticated, fully independent suspension setup keeps the car flat and firm as the tenacious grip of its low profile rubber holds it secure through the most daring hairpins and switchbacks. A pre-apex nudge of the throttle easily initiates enough oversteer to quickly set the car for a rapid, controlled exit- all without deactivating BMW's Dynamic Stability Control program (DSC). As far as "nanny" controls go, the mighty M's is pretty lenient, allowing a reasonable level of performance driving before curtailing the fun. Want to buck the system all together? A console-mounted button deactivates the program in its entirety.