Chris Bangle said that you have to wash the Z8 by hand to be able to match its curves. We have to admit that the pencil stroke is more than successful, the Z8 mixing the modernity of a fast car from the 2000s with the simple charms of the bodywork of the 60s. The result is a timeless roadster with great elegance .
Exceptional car, exceptional technology. The BMW Z8 is also the first BMW entirely made of aluminum, whether it is its chassis or bodywork and all the connections to the ground. Called Space Frame, the so-called self-supporting lattice structure limits the weight as much as it can. The Z8 is therefore not based on any platform derived from a mass production model, which also explains its high selling price. On the technological level, in 2001, we also noted the extreme finesse of the rear lights operating with Xenon tubes or the reminders of LED turn signals located in the side gills.
Inside, the abundance of chrome, aluminum or aluminum-colored painted plastics affirm a neo-retro DNA. It should also be noted that no raw plastic is visible in the passenger compartment. The upholstery is dressed in a very large amount of fine leather. The top of the dashboard and the center console are finished with a steel color lacquer for the best effect. The steering wheel, the various switches and the meters are real historical reminders and none of these components comes from another BMW model. Only the gear knob can be recognized by owners of BMW E46 or E39 of the same era.
The double electric hood (standard) provides good sound and thermal insulation. Partly covered by the discreet but audible noise of the big V8, the air noises are well controlled, as are the eddies when we decide to do without the canvas or the hard-top delivered. The standard equipment was generous and worthy of the claimed standard. GPS, hands-free phone, Harman Kardon hi-fi with amplifier and 10 CD charger, air conditioning, Xenon headlights, micro-perforated anti-perspirant leather upholstery with electrical settings, remote control anti-intrusion and anti-lifting alarm as well as sensors tire pressure.
Exceptional mechanics were also essential. While BMW is indelibly associated with the 6-cylinder in-line, something more was needed to propel the Z8 into the world of GT and supercars. The Z8 therefore finds its footing with the well-known V8 S62 signed Motorsport which makes the happiness of the M5 E39. Developing the trifle of 400 hp and a truck torque of 500 Nm from 3800 rpm, this block is in perfect harmony with the philosophy of the car, allowing serene cruising as much as devastating sprint.
Derived from the V8 4.4L M62des 540i, the S62 has been deeply modified by BMW M: bore of 94mm (+ 2mm) and stroke of 89mm (+ 6.3mm) increase the displacement to 4,941 cm3. The compression ratio goes from 10: 1 to 11.0: 1 and the intake takes up the principle of the intake butterfly for each cylinder. These are electronically controlled but unlike the M5, there is only one engine management mode corresponding to the « Sport » position on the M5. The cylinder heads and camshafts have been modified at the intake and exhaust levels, the Double VANOS continuously variable timing system, combined with the Siemens MSS 52 Motronic engine management, are responsible for optimizing the filling and the torque curve. Lubrication with G sensor, high flow water pump, oil radiator, cooling of spistons by oil jet, the V8 S62 does not renounce its pedigree and the experience of BMW M from the competition.
This superb 4.9 V8 is coupled with a Getrag type D 6-speed manual gearbox, distilling with its 32 valves a rare mechanical pleasure. Very flexible at low speed thanks to the double Vanos, it also sings loudly and just up to 7000 rpm. Extensive work has been done on acoustics. So the exhaust uses a so-called crosstalk resonance point to remain discreet at low speed, wake up from 2,500 turns and delight the ears from 3,500 turns!
When driving the Z8 is a comfortable and very well suspended car. The other aspect is that the electronic armada holds the car enough to allow it to be softened, despite the large 275/40 ZR 18 tires at the rear and the lack of mechanical self-locking. Note that the Z8 roadster was delivered without a spare wheel or a puncture-proof bomb, since it is fitted with Bridgestone Runflat tires allowing it to continue its journey for around 500 km at 80 km / h.
The rigidity is very satisfactory, even on bad roads the body does not crack in all directions to complain and the behavior appears as precise as healthy. The Z8 even displays a surprising liveliness on the changes of support, while presenting the perfect balance of masses expected on a BMW. Steering ideally assisted and geared down, firm damping without being uncomfortable, well-rolled, powerful braking from the 750i very well dosed, excellent driving position with multiple adjustments possible and a perfectly guided gear lever.
Because velocity question, the Z8 does not pretend either. Armed with its ultra-torquey V8, the revivals are vigorous at all speeds and each straight line gives the opportunity to appreciate the refined melody of the Motorsport heart. We are quite far from the cavernous and flatulent sound of an AMG or Jaguar V8 it is true, but a wilder exhaust would risk breaking the beautiful overall harmony of the Z8, made of finesse. Leaving to pass for a lack of objectivity, driving confirms how close the Z8 is to a certain automotive perfection. The Z8 roadster is a real ode to automotive culture.