Revision: no gearbox, no problem with the reworked BMW Z4 roadster

For a company with a roadster heritage dating back to the 1930s, the German automaker BMW has struggled to produce a fully balanced modern version.

From the singular Z1 30 years ago (never sold in Canada) to the popular Z3 ten years later, the company's modern roadsters seemed to be trying a little too hard without offering enough of the roadster's carefree joy.

The 2019 Z4 seems to have finally succeeded.

This is the third generation of the Z4 range and it comes back after an interruption of two model years (and, interestingly, a development collaboration with Toyota). It was worth the wait. Balanced, remarkably powerful and, thank God, again ragtop, this two-seater fulfills the promise of unhindered entertainment during a Sunday walk.

"It's a sports car for Sunday morning, when you have the road for yourself," said Z4 product manager Andreas Ederer at the recent test session near Lisbon.

This Z is available in two versions in North America, 30i and M40i. The 30i is powered by a four-cylinder turbo that produces a very respectable 255 horsepower. However, BMW has only provided reporters with a top-of-the-line M40i, a beautiful machine coated with Frozen Gray II metallic paint and powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder in-line engine.

Roads have always been known to emphasize the control of power. Not this one. The M40i has Cobra-like power in a roadster that also handles exceptionally good cornering, thanks to a stiffer body than any convertible I've ever driven.

There are really three surprises in the M4: the power, rigidity and, wait, the disappearance of a manual gearbox. Yes, that's right, here's a roadster without shifter, at least in North America. Europe should get a manual in a 20i model that will not come from the Atlantic.

Strangely, the loss of the shifter did not bring the level of remorse I was expecting. That's probably because this eight-speed automatic transmission goes so fast and so intuitively that I know deep within me that it can surpbad any human being. Plus, when you push the boundaries of a cliff to hundreds of meters above the Atlantic Ocean, you want to have both hands on the steering wheel.

In Sport + Sport + mode, the transmission becomes even better. He learns your driving style and adapts the patterns of change to your liking. Entering a high-speed turn, the gearbox retrograde to help braking and allow you to get out at full speed.

The new Z has also improved its immediate predecessor by having the retractable hardtop and regrettable. This sturdy lid added weight and complexity to the car, while depriving drivers of the little space in the trunk. The new ragtop is lighter, has little wind noise and can appear in just 10 seconds at a speed of up to 50 kilometers at the time. It's something I could never do with my first and second generation Miatas (although I tried, holding the wheel with one hand while reaching the top with the other).

To reduce weight, BMW has increased the use of aluminum components. He also brought the 70-millimeter engine closer to the center of the car to achieve the near perfect 50/50 weight distribution. Wider 7.5 centimeters and 10 centimeters longer than the previous version, the wheelbase has been shortened by about 2.5 centimeters to improve steering dynamics.

Attractive 18-inch alloy wheels come with custom Michelin tires. Buyers can also upgrade to 19 inches.

The interior is high-tech, but not as fancy as such gadgets might infer. That's because BMW kept the presentation simple and clean, with digital gauges and a 26-centimeter central screen for the infotainment system. The car is equipped with the BMW Live Cockpit Professional, the latest version of the company's iDrive system. The iDrive controller is located to the right of the transmission shift lever. The seats of the M40i are finished in fine leather, providing a very relaxed luxury feel.

Our test drive took us to cliffs at the edge of the ocean in Portugal, an hour and a half south of Libson. Tight turns and tight turns in reflex tests seemed to be exactly what this car was designed for. This is without a doubt a fun car, designed for drivers who want a good dose of luxury with their sportiness.

For baby boomers who have gained wealth with their years, it also complements the changing years of youth in the pursuit of sportsmanship on a budget. In the 1970s, the Datsun 510 (now Nissan) was nicknamed "the BMW of the poor" because it had all the comfort of a BMW 1600-2, but for much less.

Z4 is the reverse; it is the Miata of the rich. The Z does the same things as its Japanese doppelganger, but with the extra power and luxury that go into a premium ride.

The Z4 arrives at Canadian dealerships in March 2019.

Technical specifications

• Base price / As tested: To come up
• engines: 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder; 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder
• Transmission / training: Automatic eight speed; Rear-wheel drive
• Fuel economy (liters / 100 km): N / A
• alternatives: Audi TT, Mercedes Benz SLK, Porsche Boxster

Regards

It's a good start compared to previous Z's, which had hoods so long that they felt like they were putting drivers in the trunk. The hood has been shortened and pbadengers have moved slightly forward for a more balanced look. It is also wider, which makes it more aggressive.

inside

The interior is high-tech, but not fanciful. It has digital gauges, leather seats and the latest version of its iDrive system. Two medium-sized people adapt comfortably.

Performance

The six-cylinder turbo generates 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, allowing a light car (1,760 kilograms in the i30 version) to move quickly. The rigid body had no detectable flex, which improves control in the corners.

Technology

All the security technologies you expect in a high-end car and, most importantly, presented intuitively.

Cargo

It's a two-seater roadster, which means the trunk is tiny (0.28 cubic meters). Night bags only.

Verdict 9.0

By adding power gains, BMW has updated the roadster concept for the time. Its almost perfect 50/50 weight distribution adds to the joy. He is even forgiven for dropping the gear lever.

The writer was a guest of the car manufacturer. The content was not subject to approval.

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