2000BMWZ8BMW Z82000 BMW Z8ConvertibleConvertibleRWDGermanyBMW has created an all-new sports car with philosophical and styling elements gleaned from its original 1955 507 roadster.Powerful engine, super-sexy styling, limited production will ensure exclusivity.Cumbersome on tight roads, Porsche 911 Turbo is faster and cheaper, a plastic rear window.Remember a decade ago when two-seat roadsters were as rare as Internet-based companies? Then Mazda created the Miata, several thousand people made several million dollars from IPOs, and everyone was in the mood for fun. Now high-end roadsters are almost as common as SUVs, and BMW has joined the fray with its new Z8 (the company also makes an SUV, in case you're still into that trend). The Z8 is BMW's spiritual successor to the company's own 507 roadster from 1955. Both cars use a long hood/short deck design to create a powerful and sporty appearance. Both cars come in limited numbers (only about 250 of the original 507s were produced, as opposed to the 5000 total Z8 units planned over the next four years, with approximately 1,600 coming to the U.S.). The classic styling cues continue inside the Z8, where brushed aluminum surfaces are set off by supple leather, thin steering wheel spokes, and a starter button located on the dashboard, a la Honda S2000. Items not found in BMW's 1955 roadster, like multiple stereo sound system controls, a telephone, and a navigation system, confirm that this is a 21st century ride. We appreciate the power folding top, but find a $130,000 convertible with a plastic rear window rather insulting. The heart of the Z8 is BMW's 394-horsepower, 4.9-liter V8 that debuted in the stunning M5 sedan. For the Z8, BMW engineers enhanced the V8's oil delivery system to ensure adequate lubrication during heavy cornering loads that might otherwise starve the engine. The engine itself is located slightly aft of the front axle to help centralize the Z8's mass. Power travels to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. Zero-to-60 comes in a quick 4.7 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. All this power rides on an aluminum spaceframe chassis that is both super stiff (twice the stiffness of any other convertible is BMW's claim) and lighter in weight than a comparable steel frame. A multi-link rear suspension, similar to the one used in the 7 Series, controls rear wheel movement while a strut-type front suspension directs the Z8 and provides excellent driver feedback about the goings-on under the front wheels. Antilock brakes, dynamic skid control (DSC), electronic brake distribution, and even run-flat tires with air pressure sensors further contribute to the Z8's sense of security. While the Z8 may have classic roadster influences, it is not a classic roadster. The vehicle's size and weight are more attuned to grand touring duty than canyon runs or weekend autocrossing, and its long hood and low seating position are not conducive to maneuvering through tight quarters. Its sheer performance will never match that of the 911 Turbo or a 360 Modena, yet its price, with dealer gouging, could easily eclipse both cars. That's fine if you love super-rare BMWs. Otherwise, it's a tough sell. Aston Martin DB7Jaguar XKRMercedes-Benz SL-ClassPorsche 911450,000450,000450,0006UnlimitedNANANA85 litersV8394 hp @ 6600 rpm368 ft-lbs. @ 3800 rpm172.2 in.72.1 in.51.9 in.3495 lbs.98.6 in.37.4 in.NA55.2 in.NANANANANA5 cu.ft.StandardNot AvailableNot AvailableStandardNot AvailableStandardStandardRating = Not TestedRating = Not TestedNot TestedNot TestedNot TestedNot Tested19.5 gal.13 mpg / 21 mpg254 mi. / 410 mi.Insurance costs can vary greatly for this vehicle, depending on such factors as driver age, driver gender, teenage drivers in the household, driving records, theft loss data for your particular geographic region, miles driven per year, and other widely variable factors. Additionally, some companies charge a premium for certain makes and models, while others do not.$115,360$128,0007.35%$570$2,100No HoldbackBASE (6M): 5L V8 DOHC SMPI 32-valve engine with variable valve timing, (requires premium unleaded fuel); 6-speed OD manual transmission; 120 amp alternator; rear-wheel drive, limited slip differential, traction control, 3.15 axle ratio; dual stainless steel exhaust with tailpipe finisher; electronic stability, front independent strut suspension with anti-roll bar, front coil springs, gas-pressurized front shocks, rear independent multi-link suspension with anti-roll bar, rear coil springs, gas-pressurized rear shocks; power rack-and-pinion steering with engine speed-sensing assist; 4-wheel antilock disc brakes; 19.5 gal. capacity fuel tank; side impact bars; power convertible roof with lining, roll-over protection, hard top; front and rear body-colored bumpers; clearcoat monotone paint; projector beam high intensity headlamps with washer; driver's and passenger's power remote chrome heated folding outside mirrors; front 18" x 8" silver alloy wheels rear 18" x 9" silver alloy wheels;P245/45ZR18 BSW run flat front tires; 275/40 rear tires; air conditioning; premium AM/FM stereo radio, seek-scan, cassette player, 6-disc CD changer, 10 performance speakers, premium amplifier, auto equalizer, theft deterrent, fixed antenna; cruise control; power heated door locks with 2 stage unlock, remote keyless entry, power remote hatch release; portable hands free cell phone, 1 power accessory outlet, front lighter element(s), driver's foot rest, smokers' package; instrumentation display includes tachometer, water temperature gauge, clock, exterior temp, trip odometer, navigation system; warning indicators include oil pressure, water temp, battery, lights on, key in ignition, low fuel, service interval, low brake fluid, low tire pressure; driver's and passenger's front airbags, driver's and front passenger's door mounted side airbags; ignition disable, panic alarm, security system; tinted windows with driver's and passenger's 1-touch down; heated jets with variable speedintermittent front windshield wipers, sun visor strip; seating capacity of 2, front sports seats, heated-cushion driver's and passenger's seats with adjustable headrests, driver and passenger seats include 4-way power adjustment, 6-way adjustment; seatbelts with front pretensioners; leather seats, leather door trim insert, full cloth headliner, full carpet floor covering with floor mats, aluminum dashboard insert, aluminum gearshift knob, aluminum console insert, aluminum interior accents; interior lights include dome light with fade, illuminated entry; leather-wrapped sport steering wheel with power telescopic adjustment; vanity mirrors; auto-dimming day/night rearview mirror; full floor console, locking glove box, front cupholder, driver's and passenger's door bins; carpeted cargo floor, cargo light; chrome grille, black side window molding, black front windshield molding, black rear window molding and chrome door handles.