Analysis of the Car and Driver Lightning Lap #10 at VIR

[Zyal8r]

For the past 10 years Car and Driver has been taking about 10 different higher performance cars to VIR raceway for an in depth test. A lot of the results and info are posted on their website.
The Z4 35is was run in 2012. As everyone knows its not a great track car and it is not a Cayman/Boxster. However it's lap times are better than some cars that are claimed to be great track cars. It was faster than cars like the highly regarded 2007 Z4 M coupe. It is within a second of the 2006 Cayman S.
On a long very intricate track with lap times of over 3 minutes (about 190 seconds on average) it is within a couple seconds of cars like the 2016 Audi TTS and within 4 seconds of the 2013 BMW M5 as well as the 2015 Mustang GT 440 hp.
In the ball park but about 5-7 seconds faster were a number of Caymans and 911s and some other Bmw M cars and Corvettes from over the years.
Below 3 minutes were what I consider to be hyper-cars like Lambos and 600 hp Corvetttes all of which I have little interest in for the highway.
This post is merely to say that this discontinued, "dated", "not a Cayman", is a very versatile, roadster/coupe, that has a reasonable ride for long trips, but is no slouch for speed and cornering grip.

[ljkiter]

we have beautiful beasts only z4 owners can understand

[NoQuarter]

I am currently on a road trip from Northern Indiana in the US to Key West, Florida.

Long trip and the car is very comfortable to travel in. Normal setting and 7th gear is a treat for cruising and switching to sport mode makes it fun when ready for it.

[ljkiter]

Originally Posted by NoQuarter

I am currently on a road trip from Northern Indiana in the US to Key West, Florida.

Long trip and the car is very comfortable to travel in. Normal setting and 7th gear is a treat for cruising and switching to sport mode makes it fun when ready for it.

i wish the 6mt had a 7th gear. i take mine with the wife and 2 dogs comfortably on monthly trips. love it