2009BmwZ4

Quick Drive Review: 2009 BMW Z4 sDrive35i

click above for a high res gallery of the 2009 BMW Z4

Ever since BMW unveiled the new 2009 Z4 at the Detroit Auto Show last January, the automaker has been scrupulous about not referring to it as a sports car. Instead the Z4 is the latest generation BMW Roadster. BMW's roadster heritage dates back to the 1930s but this is the third generation of the modern drop top two seaters that began with the Z3 in the early 90s. Like the last transition that saw the Z3 become the Z4, this one has grown and become more sophisticated than its predecessor.

That means it is both more feature rich and heavier than before. The most significant change is the adoption of a retractable hard top for the first replacing the soft top of previous models. The Z4 is the second BMW following the 3-series to go down this path and as with most other examples the two-seater is far more visually appealing. The new Z4 is also more aesthetically pleasing in other ways was well. To learn more about the Z4 including whether it lives up to its tag-line "an expression of joy" continue reading after the jump.

Gallery: Quick Drive: 2009 BMW Z4 sDrive35i