2003 BMW Z4Seven years after its introduction in 1995, the Z3's successor is finally ready for launch. The all-new Z4 is an angular reinterpretation of the original roadster; BMW calls the look "an interplay of convex and concave surfaces, hard edges and curves." It is clearly a recipient of BMW's new design philosophy, which first appeared on the new 7 Series.
As with its predecessor, the Z4 has a wide track, short front and rear overhangs, a long, sweeping hood and a low center of gravity. The new design allows for a larger trunk (9 cu ft, roomy enough for two golf bags sans wheels) and a soft top with heated glass rear window and an integrated tonneau cover (no more wrestling with the stiff-leather add-on one) and a better front-to-rear weight distribution-50:50 vs. 51:49.
The new roadster will be offered with two inline-six engines, the 225-bhp 3.0 and the 184-bhp 2.5. The 3.0-liter Z4 comes with either a six-speed manual or a five-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. The Z4 2.5 has a five-speed manual or the aforementioned Steptronic. Next spring an SMG will be offered for both models.
The suspension is a modified version of the 3 Series setup, with Dynamic Drive Control (and its accompanying fun-enhancing "Sport" button) as an option. Fade-free high-performance brakes, Run-flat tires and Dynamic Stability Control are also part of the package.
Standard features include a leather sports steering wheel, sport seats, a rollover safety system and remote entry system. Options include a DVD-based navigation system with a 16:9 retractable display, a premium sound system and an integrated, hands-free phone. The BMW Z4 roadster goes on sale in the U.S. this fall and in spring 2003 for Europe.
VW Microbus A Go For 2005The decision has been made: The Volkswagen Microbus will be built in Hanover, where Volkswagen's commercial vehicles are built. The decision means 1,500 new jobs for the Hanover plant. Gnter Lenz, chairman of the Works Council Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said, "The Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles team put up a marvellous fight to win this vehicle. All our efforts have been rewarded. The decision shows that the Hanover site can hold its own in an international comparison of VW locations."
By choosing to build the Microbus, Volkswagen has set its sights on a new segment-an MPV that combines bold design and multi-purpose use with luxury and comfort. Dr. Pischetsrieder emphasized that "with the Microbus, a legend begun some 50 years ago when the first VW bus left the production line here is now returning to Hanover. The VW bus was never just a means of transport, it has always been a cult object. The public's reaction at motor shows combined with the findings of market studies already show us that the Microbus design has a spontaneous appeal, and that the vehicle will follow in the footsteps of its successful predecessor."
The Microbus concept car debuted at the Detroit Motor Show in 2001.
Notes From EuropeThe last time MG had a TF in its model lineup, Ike was in the White House, Elvis had just cut his first record, and the New York Yankees had won the World Series five years running. There were no Toyotas outside Japan, only the military drove SUVs, and MG was the world's best-selling sports car.
The world's changed a lot in almost 50 years. And for most of that time, MG has been playing catch-up. When the MG F was launched in 1995, it was the first proper, all-new MG sports car since the 1962 MGB. This small, mid-engined roadster looked the part, and drove well enough, although in truth it was easily outclassed by Mazda's epochal MX-5 from the outset. Mazda has since replaced the MX-5 once, and is working on a third-generation model. Meanwhile the MG F has just been given its first major makeover-and a name from the history books.