BMW Z4

The ultimate driving machine is usually thought of as a BMW sedan. The BMW Z4 lineup applies this mantra to what is by modern standards a true sports car, complete with rear-wheel drive and room for just two people. Freed from passenger-carrying requirements, the BMW Z4 focuses even more tightly on high-performance driving with cutting-edge style than do the BMW sedans.

First and foremost, the BMW Z4 is a blast to drive, with sharp handling that is the match for anything on the road. Yet the ride is compliant in base models. The Sport Package option sharpens handling further, though at the expense of ride quality.

The Z4 comes as either a traditional roadster with a convertible cloth top or as a hardtop coupe with a graceful fastback body and a larger cargo area. The Z4 Roadsters offer manual and power soft tops, and both are easy to operate. Inside the Z4 it's comfortable and everything is well-assembled though there is not a lot of places for belongings.

The Z4 is powered by a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engines provide smooth, ample power. It comes in two states of tune, the 3.0i and the more powerful 3.0si.

The high-performance M Coupe and M Roadster versions of the Z4 boast even more power and sharper handling. They are exciting to drive, though they can become harsh on rough roads.

The daring styling introduced with the 2003 Z4 was mildly updated for 2006, when BMW introduced new engine choices, the hatchback coupe, and a high-performance M model. Changes since have been minimal. For 2008, 18-inch wheels come on all Sport Package models.