South Motors Community

It doesn’t just draw attention to itself on the road, but also from renowned design experts.  Fresh from its market launch, the Roadster received the 2009 International Design Excellence Award (IDEA).  Presented annually by the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA), the BMW Z4 recognition continues the success of BMW vehicles in this competition.  Since 200, nine vehicles from BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad brands have been honored with awards for their outstanding design.

A lengthy hood, long wheelbase and short overhangs compliment the modern interpretation of the classic Roadster, allowing the Z4 design to harken back to its early roots but still satisfy the modern eye. The resulting visual appearance and thrilling driving experience really must have swooned the judges.  The official ceremony, where the Z4 will publicly receive its honors, is scheduled for September 26, after the annual international design conference of the IDSA right here in Miami.

Revised iDrive

iDrive, BMW’s innovative system that links your vehicle’s communications, navigation and entertainment functions into simple gestures, makes your drive even better with on-demand information right at your fingertips.  Completely redesigned to be more intuitive, the iDrive system responds to your every need, even collaborating with your onboard diagnostics system to deliver instantaneous service information to both driver and technician.

Its single toggle switch and 7 keys are conveniently located in the central console, so you never have to grope for the controls or take your eyes off the road to get up-to-the-minute status, entertainment and communications capability.

BMW Night Vision

Talk about high tech.  This detection option, available on the 7-Series and other BMWs, uses an infrared camera mounted in the front bumper that can scan up to 980 feet ahead and detect people shrouded in the cloak of darkness.  Their presence, and the direction they are traveling, displays on the iDrive or the optional Heads-Up Display (if equipped), giving you ample time to respond to any dangers those unpredictable pedestrians may present.

Though the distance of detection can be shortened by rain, fog humidity and other weather conditions, this is still a totally cool option, keeping the pedestrians safe on their feet instead of becoming another unsightly stain to hose off of your bonnet.