BMW Z Series Cars
The BMW Z Series
The idea of the Z series began in the 1980s when engineers had to find a name for the new series of BMW roadster. The objective of the series was to innovate even Redrawing the brand, in order to create a new wave of car trends.
The BMW Z1
The BMW Z1 Roadster was presented in 1987 at the International Motor Show. The Z1 is a combined technological innovation with sophisticated design. The latest BMW Z1 is shipped from the factory in 1989. Meanwhile, more than 8,000 vehicles of this model were produced. Among the technological improvements in the Z1: the pocket doors that disappear because of the belt through both the side, allowing the device driver to drive the doors open! Another new body panels in glass reinforced plastic and aluminum. The exhaust causes little noise, and the redesign of the rear axle, which was first used in the BMW Z1, was then taken over by BMW in series 3. The sleek sports car and its six-cylinder engine and 12 valves 170HP. reached the 225 km / h, for a transition from zero to hundred in 7.9 seconds and a consumption of 9.2 liters per 100 km. The BMW Roadster was built in only one version.
The BMW Z3
The Z3 was produced for the first time on a large scale in 1996 and underwent its first facelift three years later. After that, all Z3 benefited from an asset that was previously reserved for the 6 cylinder versions: the wider rear wing. The engine, however, remained unchanged. The smaller engine has 115 hp., The largest, 140hp. There was a sports version, the ZM3, developing 321 hp. Although the technique itself is rather good, electronics is a fairly common problem. In addition, the Z3 is suffering from “illness convertibles”, which means that the hood quickly loses its tightness and the trunk offers only little space. To circumvent the latter problem, some drivers from Z3 are very inventive. They pack all their belongings in bags of soft sport or in several small bags they wedged between the seats and in trunk. But go on holiday with this BMW is certainly not a good idea, it was not designed for it. It is more “country roads”.
The BMW Z4
The roadster is the current BMW Z4. We corrected some flaws of its predecessor, the Z3. The interior of the Z4, as usual, a sporty, but still offers enough room even for tall people. The insulation of the hood has been improved, giving almost the impression of having a conventional roof. The Z4 is available with an hardtop. The 6-cylinder powerplant with 231 Ch can go from 0 to 100 km / h in 5.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 250 km / h. Upon request, the shift may be related to a toggle switch attached to the wheel, like in Formula 1. One can also opt for a gear lever on the center console. The third mode ensures a comfortable ride in town, as in case of repetitive decelerations, one can, if you will, let him work the automatic transmission. Regarding the price, the BMW Z4 has been established in the class of Porsche and is therefore strongly compete with the Porsche Boxster, knowing that the Z4, a similar level of equipment is often available at a lower price as the latter.
The BMW Z8
With the BMW Z8, the Bavarian automaker unveiled in March 2000, a new class roadster. Until the cessation of production in July 2003. This model differs V8 Roadster by an engine with more torque than the original version. The six-speed gearbox and an aluminum frame of the Z8 is a classic of the future. The two-seater and 400 hp. reach a top speed of 250 km / h. The convertible is also a sprinter: from 0 to 100 km / h in 4.6 seconds. To 4.40 meters long, 1.83 meters wide and 1.31 meters high. The equipment for the BMW Z8 was not freely chosen. Thus, the Roadster was produced only with full equipment, including a telephone and a hardtop.