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Like all in her house, the Z4 3.0i stops without fuss and almost no noticeable brake fade thanks to the use of vented calipers all around (300 mm at the front, 294 mm at the back). On the start-finish straight, she showed her balance when stepping on the brake pedal produces no squabble or tug on the steering wheel. She stops straight, with black tire markings from the Bridgestones as the only evidence. Warning those with lesser brakes is the active brake light system. The harder you brake, the brighter they light up. Inside and out, Teutonic levels of build quality are present. Despite this, however, all of the world’s Z4 production will come from the Spartanburg Plant in South Carolina, USA, where 4,000 associates will be putting her together alongside the X5 Sport Activity Vehicle. Despite the absence of a hotted-up M version or a more practical coupe, the Z4 represents a bold new direction for BMW’s roadster line. Her classic lines married with twenty-first century detailing, and a powerplant and drivetrain to die for, means that she’s well on her way to the top of her game. Although it’s still too early to say if success will strike twice for BMW, she’s the company’s definitive statement of automotive art and engineering. ‘Z’ is the last letter of the alphabet, and with that, the Z4 couldn’t be better named. At this point in time, she’s the definitive statement of what a luxury roadster should be. |
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