A little late for the holidays, but BMW unwrapped two new presents for sports car fans at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show: a revised Z4 roadster and M roadster. The standard Z4 comes in 3.0i and 3.0si forms. Both have a 3.0-liter inline six, but the si engine has an additional forty more hp for a total of 255. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard, and a 6-speed automatic is optional and comes with steering-wheel-mounted paddles for manual shifting. Styling is unchanged, but many new features have been added like brake drying, which works to help keep the brakes dry in wet conditions, and brake standby, which immediately positions the brake pads nearer the discs whenever the driver lifts off the accelerator. Emergency braking is further enhanced by automatic brake-fade compensation, which helps to maximize brake pressure and stopping ability whenever the brakes get hot. Smooth starts and stops are facilitated by the start-off assistant, which holds the brakes briefly on a hill after the brake pedal is released in order to prevent the car from rolling backward.

Checking in at the heart of the new m roadster is a 330-hp 3.2-liter inline six hooked to a 6-speed manual transmission. This engine features dual overhead cams, double-vanos variable-valve timing, and six individual throttle plates. BMW claims the new M roadster will accelerate from 0-60 mph in less than 5.0 seconds. The M roadster features a speed-sensitive variable-differential lock, which is designed to provide stability and traction, particularly when accelerating out of bends. The M roadster distinguishes itself from the standard z4 starting with its front air dam, consisting of an x-shaped combination of lines and openings, plus large air intake scoops. It uses exclusive double-spoke design 18-inch alloy wheels. The rear of the m roadster incorporates a horizontal diffuser and the neat four round tailpipes. The M's reworked front section incorporates new fog lights, reflectors, and xenon headlights feature with lighted rings that are a BMW design hallmark.

Both Z4 and M roadster will arrive in showrooms this spring. The Z4 3.0i with have an msrp of $36,295, and the z4 3.0si will list for $42,795. The m roadster will sell for $51,995.

BMW's Mini brand chose the 2006 Detroit Auto Show for the North American introduction of Mini Concept Detroit. It's a slightly restyled version of the Mini Traveller concept, first unveiled at the Frankfurt Auto Show last September. Mini confirmed that a production version based on the Traveller concept will be available in late 2008. Basically a longer version of the Mini Cooper, the new model should have enough space for four passengers and will likely be available in both 2- and 4-door body styles. At this point, mini won't confirm the drivetrain, but we wouldn't expect it to be much different than the normally aspirated and supercharged versions of the 1.6-liter four currently offered.

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