When BMW's gorgeous Z3 roadster rolled onto the world sports car stage last year, one small but persistent complaint tarnished its otherwise rave reviews. Dynamite styling, yes. Excellent ride and handling, check. Top quality--from a brand new factory in South Carolina--check. Power? Well.... Frankly, we were surprised at this grumbling. The basic Z3, with its four-cylinder engine, may not have been any faster than a Mazda Miata, but it was a delight to drive nonetheless and a runaway success in the showroom.
But if a perceived power shortage was the only thing that held you back during the Z3's inaugural season, wait no more. As expected, BMW has added a six-cylinder version to the lineup for 1997--the Z3 2.8--and, also as expected, it adds serious go-power to this car's long list of enticements.
From a competitive point of view, this development comes none too soon. Unlike last year, the Z3 faces some very direct and formidable new competitors in the Mercedes SLK--the 1997 North American Car of the Year--and the Porsche Boxster.
But with the addition of 51 horsepower, plus a longer list of standard features and a price that's lower than its Germanic rivals, we think the 2.8 version easily measures up to the challenge.
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