Exhilerating Z3 2.8

BMW’S open-top two-seat Z3 1.9 roadster was exciting; the 192bhp 2.8 is exhilarating! And it makes all the right noises too.

This was the power explosion I had been expecting from the 140bhp 1.9 but where instead I found that passion and not speed, had been given priority.

But it doesn’t rest there. This was the muscular big brother, the one with the pumped-up Schwarzenegger-type body: its bulging wheel arches, housing mighty 16-inch alloys shod with fat 225/50s tyres, and a deep front spoiler. Aggressive, macho, frightening...

The body styling is familiar: long bonnet, low waistline and low seating position. A short throw gearstick with a flashy chrome knob, while under the bonnet, six perfectly balanced cylinders that, at the blip of the throttle, react enthusiastically with a throaty roar.

Naturally, it’s all excitable stuff and brought back memories of the short, but adrenalin-pumping drive I had in the Porsche Boxster last year. This, of course, is the Z3 2.8’s arch rival. In some ways I found the Boxster better – marginally faster for one – but the Z3 2.8, nevertheless, bristles with excitement with its improved looks, refinement, handling and performance... And, to be honest, I much prefer its style.

POWER: The six-cylinder, the same engine that powers the BMW 3, 5 and 7 series, combines a striking performance with great torque – 202lb ft of it at 3,950rpm – for excellent mid-range punch. The pull from 30mph in fourth is strong. Top speed is a claimed 135mph with the 0-62mph coming in 7.1 seconds. I averaged 29mpg.

And when I say this engine has been ‘well tuned’, I don’t just mean in its delivery – just listen to that exhaust note. It rrrroars beautifully. Music to the ears for true sports’ car lovers. Yet, at the same time the engine is so smooth and refined.

Gearchanging is great fun. Short, swift, slick and precise with closely stacked ratios for rapid, sporty progress.

Chassis modifications include a marginal increase in the track at the front and by 67mm at the rear. At the back the semi-trailing arms have been stiffened to cope with the extra load.

Thanks to those modified suspensions, huge tyres and standard fit traction control, roadholding on the wet and dry is positively gripping – it just refuses to budge from its course – handling unflappable, ride quality and body control faultless. Sounds almost like herself.