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http://www.autobild.de/artikel/bmw-z...t-5257988.html

Driving: The Z4 is a genuine Roadster (UPDATE!)

Our test drive in a prototype of the M40i took place on the BMW racetrack in Miramas, southern France. There it immediately noticed that the new Z4 is spurt-strong and curvy, without overdoing it. This is also due to its first-class Reihensechser. There is hardly a competitive engine that combines speed and smoothness so well. This fits the eight-speed automatic, which is the first BMW automatic transmission in terms of timing and pace on par with the previously unattained Porsche PDK. In other words, even a good driver does not do much better. In the driving mode "Sport Plus" the six-cylinder is even more toxic and the Z4 rear has significantly more freedom of movement. To give better feedback, steering requires more effort in this mode. Although the handling of the 1490-kilogram (3285-lbs) Z4 is addictive, it also has a few minor weaknesses: The front-axle grip when turning leaves something to be desired, and when braking the Roadster has too strong a tendency to understeer. BMW could give the open athlete a little more of the known from the M2 jaggedness. Nevertheless, the new Z4 is not a soft-washed cruiser, but a real roadster.