Z3 (No Quattro content)

["Graydon D. Stuckey" <graydon@apollo.gmi.edu>]

Guys,

	Yet another instalment in the continuing quest for the ultimate car...

I drove a new Z3 today for a few hours as part of our competitive 
evaluation process.   Not the itty bitty 4 banger Z3 either, but the 2.8 
6-cylinder Z3.   In a word, wow.   Note, the small letters - this is not 
as big a wow as the Corvette garnered a few weeks ago.

	This car is nice!  The power band is very broad thanks to its
variable valve timing.  The power comes on smoothly too, I think because
the valve timing is variable, and not on or off like in the Honda VTEC
system.  Although I am a firm believer in the "Always need more" 
philosophy, I would have to admit that this car has at least enough power
to get out of its own way, and actually enough to have alot of fun.  It'll
get a healthy chirp out of those 225/50-16 Michelin Pilots in 2nd gear. 

	The car is butt-ugly, but once inside, you don't have to look at
it.  The seats are fine.  The ergonomics, although not the best, are
adequate.  The transmission shifts very nicely.  The clutch is smooth, and
forgiving.  The steering is quick and sorta precise.  The brakes are
powerful enough.  The overall package though is incredible.  This car is a
whole lotta fun to drive.  The cornering may be one of its best traits. 
The rrear end gets a little perturbed at you if you feed it a bumpy turn,
but that probably contributes to the excitement of the car.  (Yes, I
understand, loosing a race is not very exciting, but on the street, 1.2gs
is nearly useless. BTDT) If you put the power down at just the right spot
coming out of a turn, you can plant the rear pretty well, and exit the
turn quite fast.  Turn-in is precise, but not as crisp as, say, a Corvette
or Camaro.   You can feel the chassis flex often on bumpy roads.

	The Z3 _can_ be driven slowly (as in cruising...) but it 
absolutely begs to be redlined in every gear!

	Yep, some days, I love my job.  :-)

Later, ---------------------------------------------------------- 
Graydon D. Stuckey 	'85 Mazda RX7 GS, no toys 
graydon@apollo.gmi.edu 	'86 Audi 5000 CS Turbo Quattro, has toys
Flint, Michigan USA	'89 Thunderbird SC, lotsa toys