Destined to be a classic, the Z8 is perhaps one of the most beautiful cars ever built. The sleek, flowing lines look great from any angle, reminders of classic BMW roadsters like the BMW 507 or even the 328. 

The appointments are superb, from the soft leather interior, the art deco steering wheel, to the sculptured rear view mirror and brushed metal trim.

But there's more! The Z8 will go from 0-60 in under 5 seconds, thanks to a 5.0 liter V8 engine pumping out 400 horsepower. And when the accelerator is floored and in sixth gear, it promises to keep you in the fast lane with a top speed of 155 mph.

 The BMW Z8 sports car, latest in a tradition of limited production vehicles built to exemplify the company's passion for performance, handling and style, was named Robb Report's 2001 Car of the Year. The award, announced at the Greater Los Angeles International Auto Show, is given annually to automobiles priced above $40,000 whose technical designs, styling, and performance position them as the world's best sports and luxury cars. 

"Selection of the handsome BMW Z8 was straightforward and uncomplicated", says Daniel J. Phillips, president and CEO of Luxury Media Corporation, publishers of Robb Report. "The Z8 is the modern embodiment of Count Albrecht Goertz's 1955 BMW 507 roadster, considered by many to be one of the most beautiful cars ever built. The Z8's classic elegance, performance and handling, and contemporary technology combine to create a modern legend."

Robb Report evaluates the products of manufacturers that specialize in the production of exclusive, high-performance, thoroughbred automobiles. Each vehicle is judged using a points system based on select criteria including ownership experience, purity of design, ride and handling, build quality, and degree of high-performance luxury. The BMW Z8 was the overriding choice of the magazine's six-judge panel that included Phillips, Robb Report publisher Paul Dean, and contributing writers Ken Gross, Dan Neil, Patrick Paternie and J.P. Vettraino.

The judges' impression of the BMW Z8 were captured by writer J.P. Vettraino who noted that, "designer Henrik Fisker's work honors the sports car's heritage without groveling in front of it, and underneath the beautiful skin is an aluminum space frame as advanced as the underpinnings of many contemporary race cars. There's thorough, precise engineering in the German tradition, but new-millennium electronics and the variable-valve-timing 394-hp V8." He concluded by saying "BMW has built its reputation with fine, driver-oriented sedans. Neither its brand image nor its long-term prosperity hinges on a tiny-volume, truly exotic roadster. Simply put: BMW didn't have to build the Z8..."

"To be named 2001 Car of the Year by Robb Report is a great honor indeed," noted Tom Purves, Chairman and CEO of BMW US Holding Corp. "Being chosen out of a field of outstanding competitors makes it even more significant. The decision to build such an exclusive, low-volume sports car is vindicated by accolades such as this."

    As you drive forward over 25 mph in your convertible, high pressure air flows over the hood, windshield, and top of your car. It blows low pressure air from behind! It enters mostly from between the front seats. This reverse gust or "back-draft" wind causes hair tossing in your face and a whistling wind that blows past your ears. This is all right coming home from the beach or if you always wear a hat, but NOT when you want to look good and feel comfortable (going to work, shopping, out on a date or going to a fancy affair).