HIGHS
Lots of grip, smooth revving six-cylinder engine, excellent six-speed manual tranny, quick folding top. |
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LOWS
Take-it-or-leave-it styling, stiff ride, noisy interior, awkward seating position that seems to be perched over the rear axle. |
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WHAT'S NEW
Reintroduced for 2006. No major changes for 2007. |
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BEHIND THE WHEEL
Steers, stops, and goes like a sports car should. It’s fast, but not as coherent or connected as a Boxster. |
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CAPSULE REVIEW
The M roadster marries the terrific inline six-cylinder engine from the M3 with the Z4 roadster body shell. Add handling tweaks and bigger wheels and tires, and the result is a rocket-ship two-seater that also gives decent value compared with the Porsche Boxster S. |
Editorial by: Car and Driver
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Vehicle type: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2-passenger, 2-door roadster
Base price: $51,995
Engine type: DOHC 24-valve inline-6, aluminum block and head, port fuel injection
Displacement: 198 cu in, 3246cc
Power (SAE net): 330 bhp @ 7900 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 262 lb-ft @ 4900 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Wheelbase: 98.3 in
Length/width/height: 161.9/70.1/51.3 in
Curb weight: 3200
Performance ratings (C/D est):
Zero to 60 mph: 4.5 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 13.3 sec
Top speed (governor limited): 155 mph
Projected fuel economy (mfr’s est):
EPA city driving: 16 mpg
EPA highway driving: 24 mpg
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