BMW Z8 Roadster

The BMW Z8 roadster is the company’s first foray into classic design since their famous 507 roadster which ceased production in the 1950s. The Z8 is very similar to the 507 in many ways, including the long, sloping hood and the rounded headlights which adorn the face of the car. In addition, both the Z8 and the 507 have very distinctive vents. These design features combine to give the Z8 a strikingly simplistic layout that works well for the car.

While the Z8 may bring back memories of the retro 507, the engine is the same used by the third-generation M5 sedan, giving it plenty of power under the good. Overall, the Z8 was designed to be a flagship car which would attract attention to BMW and its line of vehicles. It was produced for only four years and the annual production rate was around 1,200 cars. Due to this unnaturally low number, owning a Z8 is considered a top luxury which many BMW collectors would pay upwards of a half a million dollars to add to their collection.

The most recent Z8 model was produced in 2003. It was sleek and stylish and didn’t give up on superior performance, while providing a great ride. The all-aluminum chassis was light enough to provide a great road feel, even while driving hard. It is perhaps the best feature of the Z8, and many Z8 owners have praised the light body for offering a superior feel of the road while stretching the limits of the Z8.

The Z8 sports a 4.9-liter V8 capable of producing 394 horsepower at top speeds. The power is fed through the rear wills in a standard six-speed transmission, although the Z8 based BMW Alpina model featured an automatic transmission. Given the test of time the Z8 averaged 0 to 60mph in just 4 seconds. The variable valve timing system which was included on the car allowed it to perform supremely well both in-town and on the track, while not losing an ounce of performance in either situation.

The BMW Z8 was very forgiving to even beginning drivers, thanks to BMW’s Dynamic Stability Control system. This system combined anti-lock brakes, traction control, and a cornering stabilization feature to rein in drivers and prevent collisions and accidents in common road conditions.

The Z8 interior was extremely supple and rich, and in a nod to the retro 507, BMW moved the speedometer and other gauges to the center of the dash. This was coupled with a retro-styled steering wheel with a leather-wrapped rim and metal-rodded spokes in order to evoke the classic sports car feeling. The entire car is decked out in supple leather, including the dash, center console, and even the door skins and rollover bars. Perhaps the final touch which put the Z8 above just the standard luxury sports car is the push button start. With the key in the ignition, a single press of a button causes the car to roar to life.