2009 BMW Z4 @ 2009 Detroit Auto Show Video

By Edmunds Video Productions | Published October 14, 2009

1:24 min

Watch the 2009 BMW Z4 @ 2009 Detroit Auto Show Video on Edmunds' Inside Line

By Edmunds Video Productions | Published October 14, 2009

1:24 min

The Z4 sports car has never really found its niche. So BMW has decided to add a little luxury by making the new Z4 a convertible hardtop.

Of course the new hardtop helps keep the elements out but there�s a little more room inside too - at least it feels that way thanks to larger side windows. Headroom and shoulder room grow by less than an inch but in a car this small, every little bit helps.

The expected extra luxury is thanks to a more polished cabin plus iDrive and an available hard drive nav system with 15 gigs for music storage.

Two different models mean two engine choices � there�s a 255 hp inline 6 or a 300 hp inline 6 with direct injection. BMW�s new 7 speed automated manual transmission is available with the beefier engine choice.

The security and luxury of folding hardtop come at a price though � a 35i version is more than 350 lbs heavier than its 2008 counterpart. And that�s not the only price you�ll have to pay for comfort; expect the 2009 BMW Z4 to be significantly more expensive too.