BMW Z4 (E89)

BMW E89 is the chassis code of the second generation of BMW Z4. It now has a retractable hardtop like the Mercedes SLK replacing the previous roadster and coupe versions for the 2009 model year. The new model was officially announced on 13 December 2008.[1][2][3] The vehicle was unveiled in 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. In the Z4 sDrive35i, the new 7-speed double-clutch gearbox is used. In the 23i and 30i a six-speed sports automatic transmission with Steptronic is offered. Fitted as standard is a 6-speed manual transmission. EfficientDynamics regenerative braking is standard in most regions. The Drive Dynamic Control is standard, which include NORMAL, SPORT, SPORT+ modes. Optional Adaptive M Sport Suspension adds electronic damping control. The hand brake is electro-mechanically operated. All BMW Z4 have as standard safety equipment: ABS including emergency brake assist and CBC (Cornering Brake control), pretensioner and belt load limiter, and ESP with ASR. Furthermore, they are equipped with four airbags (driver/front seat passengers and two side airbags). The dynamic stop light feature has two stages, indicating how strongly the brakes are being applied. For normal braking, the main light element blinks, as well as blinking just before the vehicle comes to a standstill. Finally, two roll-over bars behind the seats and a reinforced windscreen protect occupants in case of roll-over. The new roadster features a completely revamped interior designed by Nadya Arnaout, and exterior designed by Julian

Blasi in early 2006.[citation needed] Since the new Z4 now has a retractable hardtop, it no longer comes in separate roadster and coupe versions. The two-piece, electro-hydraulic retractable hardtop in lightweight aluminium shell can be folded up or down in 20 seconds automatically.[5] In the open state, the boot capacity is 180 liters (if closed: 310 l). [edit]Differences from the previous Compared to the previous generation Z4, the new vehicle has grown 148 mm (5.8 in) longer, 9 mm (0.35 in) wider,[6] 2.5 mm (0.098 in) in wheelbase, and is significantly heavier, adding between 150 kg (330 lb) and 235 kg (520 lb) in unloaded weight, when compared to the previous model.[1] The E89 is not produced, as its predecessor, in the Spartanburg, South Carolina manufacturing facility, but in Regensburg. It is also the first BMW roadster to use iDrive. BMW also offers the BMW Z4 in motorsport, with a FIA GT3-specification car available to private teams.[10] While the production version of the BMW Z4 has a six-cylinder engine, the GT3 car is powered by a 4.4-litre eight-cylinder engine derived from the BMW M3 GTS, which produces approx. 515 PS (379 kW; 508 bhp). The weight of the BMW Z4 GT3 is approx. 1,190 kilograms (2,624 lb). In its first year of racing, the car proved competitive in the FIA GT3 European Championship as well as not only emerging victorious from the Dubai 24 Hour endurance event, but also heading to second place from a low 49th position at the 24 Hour Spa Francorchamps event by the Racing Team of Need For Speed.