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04-21-2009, 02:50 PM | #1 |
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Scary comments on Z4 test drive
I am quoting the following comments on a Z4 test drive by drivers-republic.com, I dont know I am a bit apprehansive now about the car, read the following:
"The body control - pretty hopeless in Normal, acceptable in Sport and Sport+ - is on a par with the SLK, but a world away from a Boxster, and to be honest I think the SLK is more nimble and feels lighter, keener to work with you at high speeds. It's like there's a hesitancy built-in to the Z4, even the engine feels happiest just stroking along using no more than 5000rpm. It's a smooth and terrifically powerful unit, but it doesn't zing to the red line like a BMW should." "First thing you'll notice is that the ride quality is leagues ahead of the knobbly old Z4, in fact it's quite incredibly supple considering its runflat tyres. Next you'll be surprised how effective the DCT 'box is when left in 'D', shuffling between ratios with all the fluidity of a torque converter auto, snapping upshifts through seamlessly and in 'S' delivering intuitive rev-perfect downshifts when approaching a corner or roundabout. Impressive. But you'll also be slightly shocked that the Z4 doesn't feel like a sports car at all - more like a comfortable 3-Series sized saloon car... " "On a road this good (good enough to get the brakes smoking and the pedal sinking to the floor) the Z4 should be utterly brilliant, inspiring even. But despite carrying good speed, offering consistent and predictable levels of grip and excellent traction it just doesn't get your pulse racing. Even the manual car - which felt somehow tauter, with a cleaner line of communication between throttle and engine and more energy in the way it revved, doesn't quite hit the spot (although I think it's the transmission of choice if you want thrills from your Z4). " My God, have the enthusiasts been proven right? |
04-21-2009, 03:06 PM | #2 |
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Why would anyone be surprised? The car is on a 3-Series platform, it is bloated, heavy and bigger than the previous Z4. A roadster with the new Z's dimensions and specs will never handle as well as the mid-engine Boxster or the more taut SLK. It is a user-friendly cruiser aimed to please a larger demographic than the previous model. I was excited as everyone else and will still see and test drive the car. But now, especially with prices heading into the $60k range, I am almost certain a Boxster is in my future.
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04-21-2009, 03:16 PM | #3 |
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most test drive hilight a better compromise between confort, ride quality and handling, also in sport + mode, a ride pretty similar to previous z4. would not be scared by these comments, the best is to test drive yourself, i dont trust reviews. for me the new z4 is in between a series 3 and a boxster, certainly closer to series 3 than porsche. if you want a car handling like a boxster then yes you ll be disappointed.
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04-21-2009, 03:36 PM | #5 |
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God.... SLK is nimbler than the z4?????????????????
Haha...That's plain crazy. I guess new z4 really went into the blvd cruiser type. |
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04-21-2009, 04:13 PM | #6 |
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BMW may have tuned the car out of the factory to be softer (won't know for sure till we all test drive the car ourselves), but i'm sure the underlying fundamentals of the drive are going to be up to par with BMW standard, and a few simple changes will bring this car up to phenomenal handling and ride. for me, that would include a set of normal summer tires (no RFTs here!), change of the springs and shocks, and possibly a set of thicker anti-roll bars. Something along those lines and I bet this car would be a killer.
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04-22-2009, 12:57 AM | #8 | |
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Quote:
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04-22-2009, 01:13 AM | #9 | ||
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Let me start my selective reading.
Why compare the Z4 with a Boxster? At least in Europe prices of a Boxster are far away from prices for a Z4. If this is different in the US it might be a different story. BMW themselves also don't compare the Z4 to a Boxster (they target Audi TT and Merc SLK but not Porsche). Quote:
Quote:
I feel sorry for all other guys who are looking for the ultimate sports car - but for me it closes the deal. I couldn't care less. I believe the BMW will still be solid ride - maybe not ultimately sporty but still good value for money. You see, it is always a question of your own expectations. I know that this may not be the common opinion in this forum and I understand that some (most?) of you guys are looking for something different. Personally, I am very happy with the development the Z4 is taking. |
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04-22-2009, 01:58 AM | #10 |
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Hey, everyone has their opinions. It's clear, from reading the numerous reviews, that some people love it whilst other people don't. This reviewer is clearly one who doesn't like the car. The review is littered with hidden positives wrapped up in general negativity. Such as, "it's really smooth, BUT...", or, "it's terrifically powerful, BUT..."
What strikes me as really surprising is what he had to say about the International Engine of Year (2008): "It's a smooth and terrifically powerful unit, but it doesn't zing to the red line like a BMW should." The motoring press have pretty much been waxing lyrical on this engine ever since it first appeared in the 335 but this guy finds something bad to say about it. Sums the article up for me. I personally wouldn't get too hung up with reviews. If you're thinking of getting one but are still undecided book a test drive and form your own opinion. Much better than simply reading this review and projecting one man's view onto your own. One such poster, in another thread on this site, did exactly that (test driving the Z4 35, a Boxster and a TT) and decided on the Z4. Hmm, maybe they're not too bad after all. |
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04-22-2009, 02:46 AM | #11 |
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It is quite obvious that BMW are not really targeting the previous generation of Z4 owners with the 09. They are playing to a different audience altogether...
Also, the reviewer is correct...the N54 does not zing to redline like a true roadster engine should. This is what probably concerned me the most. I would prefer a high-revving 6 in a 2-seater sports car. It also confirms that BMW is appealing to a certain segment with their range, especially the 35i. |
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04-22-2009, 03:09 AM | #12 | |
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http://www.richardaucock.com/bmw-z4-...nt-background/ It is BMW policy that they want each car to have a different characteristic. They may share the same engine (N54) but the cars should have a different personality. Quote: "just as the 5 cannot simply be a shrunken 7 or a big 3, so the Z4 should not be a quasi-M, or a 135i Coupe with 2 less seats." They surely could have made the Z4 a pure sports car, if they had wanted to do this. |
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04-22-2009, 04:55 AM | #13 |
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04-22-2009, 06:05 AM | #15 |
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Yep. Shown at the official Press launch in Alicante.
Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/3525999...7615722693868/ |
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04-22-2009, 09:01 AM | #16 |
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" did you create the graph....". That's funny. Agree it looks little homemade. NOT bmw quality looks like they took a pic of a pic and posted it.
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04-22-2009, 09:11 AM | #17 | |
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The original slide probably looks better and cleaner. |
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04-22-2009, 02:39 PM | #19 |
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I really liked Honda S2000. It really give F1 feeling when you drive it. Its sad Honda don't produce a S2000 successor, because I still think S2000 is great car for people who want very sporty oriented roadster... I hope Z2 will be similar ...
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04-22-2009, 03:39 PM | #20 | |
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I guess I was expecting something a little more professional(for lack of a better word) if it came from BMW. Anyone here could have made the graph shown. Silly me. |
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04-23-2009, 01:42 AM | #21 | |
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But then, what relevance would the picture have, if I would have doodled it To be relevant it must come from BMW at this stage (since up to now they are the only ones who can judge the behaviour) |
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04-24-2009, 07:45 PM | #22 |
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It seems to me that BMW is positioning the z4 for that baby boomer crowd who has become successful in life and want a luxurious but not harsh sports car experience. You know - something that is more exotic than a Corvette, but less splashy and expensive than an Aston Martin (or you fill in the blank).
I would guess they plan on producing fewer of them too. But the Z2 will take the place of those who lusted after the more sporty buzz in your seats experience that came from the Z3; yet do it with more pizzaz, more luxury (options) and considerably less money than a well equipped Z4. It's product differentiation. We're all just used to one 2-seat BMW sports car (the Z8 notwithstanding) and many of us are chagrined over the high MSRP of this fabulous machine. Unless BMW comes out with substantial manufacturer discounts, I doubt my next car will be the Z4. This might be the push that gets me into a C6 instead Doug |
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