Straight-six screamer, six-speed paddle-shift
Power comes from a BMW staple- a three-liter inline six cylinder engine, tuned in this case to develop 255 horsepower. A free flowing exhaust emits a delicious reedy howl, accented by just a hint of snap, crackle and pop from the tailpipes when the accelerator is released with the revs up.

Power comes from a BMW staple- a three-liter inline six cylinder engine developing 255 horsepower.

Z4 leaps forward with determination when asked, engaging subsequent gears quickly when the six-speed, paddle-shifted autobox changes up. The power, torque, revability and trim weight add up for some really serious performance.

There's even a sport mode that calls up a more energetic shift pattern, throttle mapping and steering feel. A stick it is not, though the automatic is a whack of fun- ready to play with a few paddle-clicks, but happy to calm down and relax when left in 'drive'. A six-speed manual comes standard.

Z4's exhaust note isn't conducive to fantastic fuel mileage- especially with the transmission enabling quick, smooth access to such killer sound effects. Ultimately, mileage averaged about 10L / 100km. Premium only, of course.

Through the air
A button press and nine seconds separate occupants from an open-topped driving experience. Z4's top-down airflow characteristics aren't as impressive as some competitors in memory, and I've been notably warmer in other roadsters at seven to ten degrees Celsuis with a light jacket on. Wind noise and turbulence levels are only average here.

Over the road
The steering and ride help are a different story. A sharp, precise and heavy setup makes the car feel weightier than it really is, while increasing stability over surfaces where most roadsters exhibit nervousness.

Z4 corners flatly, with every flick of the wheel transmitted to the pavement with enthusiasm. Engineers have generated an uber-nimble feel, minus the twitchy behavior you may find elsewhere. It's still a noisy, busy and somewhat harsh experience on torn up roads- though it could definitely ride worse.

A sharp, precise and heavy setup makes the car feel weightier than it really is.