The N52-powered 6MT M Sport E89 is an interesting combination of new and old in a rather often overlooked roadster: the second generation of BMW's sports car/roadster. It has electric steering, an electric parking brake, a ridiculous name, and drive-by-wire. It's also RWD, has defeatable traction control, stiffer damping and heavier steering settings, a great 6 speed manual, and (perhaps most importantly) a silky-smooth naturally aspirated 3 liter inline 6 that begs to be revved to its 7,100 RPM redline every time you drive it. The N52 is the last of its kind (and, as a result, so is this E89 Z4), and while it makes nearly 50 HP less than the N54 variant Z4, I would rather wring out this lightweight and raspy engine any day. It's an odd mix that leads to both versatility and contradictions; fittingly, the car's defining trait is its ability to play both the roles of coupe and convertible. So, does this confusing combination of characteristics make for an enjoyable driver's car or just a mini-GT car? Read this rambling review of my own mother's car and find out.
from Jalopnik http://ift.tt/1qSNYXc
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