BMW z4!

A friend of mine just got this one, and he kindly took me out for a ride. so this is why i am writing this article. I find this car superb, its road holding, throttle response, braking efficiency, and etc......all to be tremendous. My friend is one lucky bastard, coz he didnt have to fork out a single cent." his dad bought it for him". well here goes....

When the Z4 roadster was introduced a year ago, it was a significant leap forward from its highly successful Z3 predecessor. Indeed, the Z4’s debut was much more than just “successor replaces predecessor,” for the new Z4 roadster put BMW in a more elevated, sophisticated segment of the roadster market.

To paint the broad strokes: Built on a longer wheelbase than that of the Z3, the Z4 is also wider and longer – while employing advanced engineering to keep any associated weight increase to a minimum. More to the point, the Z4 expresses a traditional concept – that of the two-seat sport roadster – in utterly new terms of unique design, contemporary engineering and comprehensive features.


The Z4 places BMW squarely in the field of sophisticated, full-featured sport roadsters. It comes exclusively with 6-cylinder power and offers a choice of four transmission types. Its chassis engineering is new, encompassing multi-link rear suspension, standard run-flat tires and wheel/tire diameters up to 18 inches. The Z4 offers amenities and options never before seen in a regular-production BMW roadster. Safety engineering and features have been further developed.



The ’04 Z4 roadsters are improved in detail for the ’04 model year:

* Rain-sensing windshield wipers and automatic headlight control, formerly included in the optional Convenience Package, are now standard.
* BMW Assist, a suite of convenience and safety services built around an integrated wireless communication and positioning system, is newly offered as part of the Premium Package or a stand-alone option.
* New multi-function steering wheel for enhanced convenience.
* Hardtop prep is offered as an option; the hardtop is available for the ’04 model year.
* A new color combination – Dream Red/Black – is offered for the leather interior that is standard in the 3.0i model and optional in the 2.5i, and for the extended-leather interior that is optional in the 3.0i only. This is in addition to the already available Dream Red/Gray combination for both these interiors.

sc 430, lexus

This is one of my favourite, even though its not a sport car. i still adore this one very much.

Introduced as a 2002 model, the Lexus SC 430 was the first retractable hardtop convertible in the premium luxury segment and quickly became one of the best-selling models in its class. The retractable hardtop transforms the SC 430 from a coupe into a convertible in less than 25 seconds with the push of a button. For 2003, the newly optional Lexus Link communication system can add an additional measure of safety and security.

"Competitors let customers choose between premium luxury coupes or convertibles. The Lexus SC 430 lets customers make that choice every time they drive the car," said Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager Denny Clements.

The SC 430's design approach ends the compromise between the pleasure of top-down driving and the security and comfort that a closed coupe provides. The optional Lexus Link system can provide even more peace of mind. At the press of a button, or automatically in certain emergency situations, the Lexus Link system combines GPS satellite and cellular phone technology to connect the customer with experienced and trained Lexus Link advisors at anytime, day or night, 365 days a year (when cellular and GPS service are available).

Lexus Link services include automatic notification of air bag deployment, dispatch of emergency services, accident assistance, roadside assistance with location, theft notification and stolen vehicle tracking, plus remote door lock and unlock. An available Premium Services Plan includes many other services to enhance customer productivity and convenience.

The exterior design of the Lexus SC 430 was created by the company's European design center and was inspired by the sights and styles of the French Riviera. The interior is a plush combination of natural materials including leather and wood. Aside from Lexus Link, the SC 430 offers only two factory options: run-flat tires (designed for limited emergency use only) and a rear spoiler.

300-horsepower V8

The rear-wheel drive SC 430 convertible is engineered to deliver exciting performance even when driven leisurely. The all-aluminum, double overhead-cam, 4.3-liter V8 engine produces 300 horsepower and 325 lb.-ft. of peak torque, and, coupled with a five-speed automatic transmission, can propel the car from 0-60 mph in only 5.9 seconds.

The SC 430's engine, which also powers the LS 430 flagship sedan and the GS 430 luxury performance sedan, achieves Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV) certification.

Two technologies help define performance beyond the acceleration numbers. Continuously Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) helps eliminate the traditional compromise between low-end torque and high-rpm horsepower by optimizing valve overlap throughout the engine's speed range, not just at one or two set speeds. The Torque Activated Powertrain Control works with the Electronic Throttle Control System (drive-by-wire) to help smooth out acceleration from a standing start by very slightly delaying throttle opening when the driver steps on the accelerator pedal.

The five-speed automatic transmission uses Shift Logic Control to respond to road grade and acceleration/deceleration activity, holding gears or downshifting on inclines and downshifting on descents to provide increased engine braking.

panoz aiv "roadster"

The mold has been broken. The blanket of automotive conformity lifted. The true American sports car has returned. A car that captures the imagination and awakens the senses. Not a rehash of past glory, but a new sports car, built with the passion and independent spirit once found in American cars.
This is the Panoz AIV Roadster.As its name suggests, it is a roadster in the purest sense. Designed and built for the essence of open cockpit driving. A perfect marriage of new automotive technology, classic styling and hand-built craftsmanship. Its all aluminum body and chassis are the first to be designed and built in the U.S. The unmistakable shape of its aerospace industry's Superplastic Forming (SPF) technology, another automotive industry first. Each panel is carefully assembled by hand. Every weld eyed with precision. Every coat of paint lovingly applied. You can see it as you trace its curves with your eyes. You will know it the first time you slip behind the wheel. The passion and devotion that can only come form a car built by hand.Turn the key and hear the throaty growl of the AIV Roadster's 305hp. V8 confirm what your other senses have been telling you. This is a high-performance exotic meant for spirited driving. One short throw of the shifter and you're off. The response of the accelerator matched only by the AIV Roadster's quick and nimble handling. Braking is precise. Even the tightest corners come and go with ease. And your connection with the road grows stronger with every mile.

The Panoz AIV Roadster stands as a defiant challenge to automotive convention. As different in philosophy as it is in its design and manufacture. It is proof that high-performance and reliability are not mutually exclusive. Proof that the American sports car still lives.