2008 BMW Z4 Coupe

Adding a coupe roof to the two-seat BMW Z4 sports car and powering the rear wheels from BMW's 255-horsepower inline 6-cylinder engine mounted under the long hood creates a serious alternative to Porsche's mid-engined lineup. The lower-body contours are all Z4 curves and knife edges, while the top, which adds significant stiffness to the chassis, has twin bulges on the top harking back to the classic Zagato-bodied race cars.

The coupe is only available with the BMW 3.0 liter normally-aspirated engine. With a flat torque curve peaking at 220 pound-feet, the engine is capable of rapid acceleration from virtually any speed, making the Z4 nimble in traffic and great fun on the track. Power delivery is enhanced by a three-stage induction system. In independent tests, the Z4 delivered over 22 mpg in mixed driving, excellent for a car with this performance potential.

Gearing is controlled either by a satisfying six-speed manual extolled by reviewers for its satisfying 'snickability' or six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission with steering-wheel paddles and normal, sport, and manual shift modes.

The fast-back top is all hatch from the top edge of the window past the faired-in rear spoiler to the rear bumper, covering a luggage area that, while shallow, can swallow two medium-sized golf bags, or a duffle bag and racing gear for a weekend at the track.

The interior, finished in BMW's 'High Performance' leather and high-quality trim materials, with BMW's careful attention to build detail is snug and entry and exit are awkward, typical for this class, but well-suited to the purposes of this car's design. Sport seats with prominent backrest side bolsters are standard, but M sport sets can be ordered in combination with the optional Sport Package. A premium 10-speaker sound system is standard.

Two major option packages are available. For the owner interested in spirited driving, the Sport Package adds 'dynamic driving control' for quicker throttle action, reduced power-steering assist, and a more radical sport mode for the automatic transmission. The package includes sport suspension which lowers the vehicle and firms up springs, shocks, and anti-sway bars, plus 18-inch wheels and low-profile 225mm front/255mm rear tires. A Premium Package is also available, adding a long list of luxury and convenience features plus BMW Assist on-call customer services and emergency telematics.

Handling, BMW's strongest suit, enhanced - if that is possible - by the greater stiffness of the hardtop chassis, is quick and agile on tight curves and stable at highway speeds, making the car suitable for daily errands and the occasional BMW club track day.

Standard safety equipment includes high-performance brakes with ABS, stability and traction control which are useful on damp pavement, and front, side, and knee airbags for driver and passenger.