Envy is a terrible thing. But that is the
feeling which engulfs you every time you set eyes on the drop-dead gorgeous Z8. For this is BMW's most mind-blowing roadster to date, and just about the best car the firm has ever produced. Driving this car is a
moment we have waited for as anxiously and impatiently as any enthusiast - ever since the end of 1997, in fact, when the original Z07 concept stunned crowds at the Tokyo Motor Show. Now it's finally arrived, thoughts
turn to just how little it differs from the breath-taking study. The shape, detailing and visual delights - they're all here to savour. But there's much more to this model's appeal. For starters, there's the engine's
push-button igntition. Swing back the door, slide into the cockpit and one finger-stab quickly breathes life and soul into the static head-turner.
A deep bellow from the exhausts takes you somewhat by surprise - the
5.0-litre V8 is never so vocal in the M5, the heavyweight BMW sports saloon with which the Z8 shares its powertrain hardware. But for all its capacity to intimidate, BMW's no-compromise roadster initially displays a
rather easy-going nature. The clutch pedal sinks with a well oiled slickness, first gear engages with a light yet positive touch and the clutch bites just as progressively as your regular supermini's.
Even the ride
is surprisingly supple and cosseting as you head out of town. Given the 245/40R18 tyres at the back, you'd expect a really bone-jarring trawl through city centres, yet there's no such discomfort, only plain good road
manners. Don't be lulled into a false sense of security, though. It doesn't take much to bring the other side of the Z8's personality to the surface. Just as the power and performance figures suggest, the Z8 can chew up
tarmac and spit it back in the face of almost any sports car you care to name-drop.
BMW claims a 0-62mph time of 4.7 seconds, a 0-124mph sprint in only 16.4 seconds and the ability to breeze on to 155mph on the
German autobahns - or much faster still if you cancel the electronic restrictor. But it's not just the eye-watering acceleration which leaves you mesmerised. The V8's mid-range punch is seriously heavyweight, providing
accessible performance in everyday driving conditions plus assured overtaking ability. It's also stirring to listen to, especially at the back where you'll find the deep-bellowing twin exhaust tailpipes.
Straights
between corners are eaten up at an astonishing rate, while long-distance touring is taken in the Z8's stride without so much as a falter. Well judged ratios help here, with sixth gear striking the best balance between
long-legged refinement and surging response from the powerplant at motorway speeds. However, all this performance would be a little excessive if the Z8 didn't boast a skilled chassis.
When the roads start to twist,
BMW's masterpiece keeps its cool. The chassis is as rigid as any saloon's, resolutely remaining free of flex or wobble despite the absence of a roof. This in turn allows the sophisticated aluminium suspension to work at
its optimum level; the Z8 tracks as straight as an arrow over ruts and off-gradient cambers, yet still displays remarkable agility.
Such impressive engineering integrity comes as no surprise when the bare bones are
exposed. The Z8's advanced backframe is made entirely of aluminium, as are the lovingly carved body panels, giving the Z8 the ultimate balance of strength and lightness. The next tick on the scoresheet is for the weight
distribution - a perfect 50/50 balance between front and rear axles. The V8 sits behind the front axle, ensuring neutral handling to inspire confidence and giving a feel which is a lot more agile and willing than, say,
the M5. Should you choose to switch off the DSCIII (dynamic stability control) system, the Z8 will reward you with controllable and enjoyable rear-wheel-drive-led handling in the dry. In the wet, though, you'll need to
keep your wits about you...
There are no such worries with the phenomenal brakes, which perform well in all situations. Hard use showed no signs of fade, with consistently massive stopping power, while the pedal's
weighting is near faultless.
If we're going to pick faults - and you really need to search long and hard to do so - the two main culprits are the steering and throttle. The former is too numb and lacking in feedback,
even if its rack is accurate enough. The throttle, with normal or sports mode settings, can be too abrupt if you don't concentrate.
In fact, so accomplished is the Z8 that, for some, this may translate in to a lack
of involvement. For others, on the other hand, the fact it is not necessary to constantly battle with the car is precisely another reason why they've got to have it. Customers who crave a more hard-nosed edge to their
sports car could look elsewhere - say to Porsche or Ferrari.
But neither can hope to come close to capturing the magic of the Z8's cabin. The BMW is a masterpiece in high-quality, stylised design, with tactile
detailing to crave. It's practical, comfortable and hard-wearing, too. Safety features abound, and even the boot is big - large enough to swallow two golf bags. While most owners will prefer to spend their miles topless
in the Z8, when the fabric roof is slid into place - a simple 10-second operation - the seal is remarkably tight, ensuring the cabin remains hushed at speed.
Of course, you can always snap on the complimentary hard
cover, transforming the wild roadster into a snarling coupe in a minute. Dressed either way, there's no ignoring the designers' inspiration - the classic 507 roadster of the Fifties. The modern Z8, hand-built, limited
to tiny numbers and, of course, capable of taking your breath away before even turning a wheel, owes much to the old-timer.
Designing and engineering a car to such exacting standards is an achievement in itself. But
for it to possess true spirit and soul is equally as impressive. Make no mistake: this is an incredibly desirable car.
And nobody knows that more than BMW. The company is so proud of its latest creation, it promises
to guarantee parts production for the next 50 years - at least. That should put anxious owners' minds at rest.
1ST OPINION
Practical to live with and sure to thrill for many years, this is the most accomplished
high-performance roadster on the market. But despite possessing the ultimate strain of dynamic BMW DNA, the provocative Z8 never demands compromise. And therein lies a beauty as deep as the visual details. The Z8's
mechanics are as polished as the beaming bodywork. As an all-rounder, little can come close to it.
