TO THE POINTWhat's New? Plop the M3's powerful inline six, a hydraulic rather than electric steering system, a revised suspension, and styling tweaks both functional and decorative into the BMW Z4, and the result is the excellent new M Roadster. Selling Points: Tons of torque, macho looks, impressive handling Deal Breakers: High price, lacks refinement, only a tick faster than a stock Z4
Cruising in the BMW M Roadster at freeway speeds with the top down requires conversing in louder tones, even though the wind doesn't buffet the cabin much. Oddly enough, there's no flip-up wind blocker between the seats as in other convertibles. With the top up the passenger compartment gets much quieter and wind noise is subdued, allowing for normal conversation.