1997 BMW Z3 2.8 Classic style with muscle to match. By Tony Swan, New Car Test Drive .com

When BMW's gorgeous Z3 roadster rolled

onto the world sports car stage last year, one small but persistent complaint

tarnished its otherwise rave reviews. Dynamite styling, yes. Excellent

ride and handling, check. Top quality--from a brand new factory in South

Carolina--check. Power? Well....

Frankly, we were surprised at this grumbling. The basic Z3, with its

four-cylinder engine, may not have been any faster than a Mazda Miata,

but it was a delight to drive nonetheless and a runaway success in the

showroom.

But if a perceived power shortage was the only thing that held you back

during the Z3's inaugural season, wait no more. As expected, BMW has added

a six-cylinder version to the lineup for 1997--the Z3 2.8--and, also as

expected, it adds serious go-power to this car's long list of enticements.

From a competitive point of view, this development comes none too soon.

Unlike last year, the Z3 faces some very direct and formidable new competitors

in the Mercedes SLK--the 1997 North American Car of the Year--and the Porsche

Boxster.

But with the addition of 51 horsepower, plus a longer list of standard

features and a price that's lower than its Germanic rivals, we think the

2.8 version easily measures up to the challenge.