Monday 14th December 2009

Faster BMW Z4 Set For Detroit Show

Range-topping Z4 sDrive35is gets close to M-car pace

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A new, faster range-topping BMW Z4 will make its debut at the Detroit motor show in January.

The new car, dubbed the Z4 sDrive35is (snappy, we know), will take the Z4 close to M-car territory, with power and torque jumping by more than 10 per cent. That gives the hottest Z4 a peak power output of 330bhp at 5900rpm, while torque jumps to 332lb ft from 295lb ft.

There is also an electronically controlled overboost facility that releases 369lb ft for short bursts under full acceleration.

By way of comparison, the old Z4M could only muster 338bhp and 269lb ft of torque.

The new power and torque comes courtesy of a high-flow air intake and increased boost pressure for the twin-turbo straight-six motor.

That's good enough, says BMW, to get the hottest Z4 to 62mph in less than 5.0secs (the current sDrive35i takes 5.2secs to do the same) on the way to an electronically limited 155mph top speed. BMW claims that the engine's efficiency is unchanged, so the 30mpg combined fuel consumption figure should remain.

Visual changes for the sDrive35is include new front and rear bumpers, with matt aluminium strakes at the front and new exhaust tailpipe surrounds, a rear diffuser and five-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels.

The sDrive35is also gets 10mm lower M sport suspension, reprogrammed electric power steering and a standard 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

 

[Beirut Taxi]

But will it be as sharp and as involving as a Boxster?

Good looking car, gash colour though.

[AB]

That looks absolutely stunning. Far nicer to look at than the Boxster. I slagged the Z4 off when I saw the first pictures of it but having seen them on the road, I absolutely love it.

The interior is a lovely place to be as well, chalk and cheese compared to the old shape.

[stuckmojo]

I like that. Not as manly as the previous Z4, but I'd have it.

[RobM77]

Beirut Taxi said:

But will it be as sharp and as involving as a Boxster?

Good looking car, gash colour though.

With a linear steering rack it'll always be my choice over a Boxster. There's also more adjustment in the driving position in the BMW, meaning that the Boxster gives me leg and back ache after a short while, whereas the BMW doesn't. Simple things for Porsche to fix, but until they do, it's BMW Z4 everytime for me.

I wish they'd release a lightweight and stiff coupé version. This folding hardtop adds too much weight over the outgoing model, and puts the weight too high up. Then they can keep the Z4 roadster for those that want an open top. That's something they could learn from Porsche...

[kambites]

Misgivings over the choice of roof aside, I've come to rather like the new Z4. Definitely the best looking BMW currently on sale. The article doesn't say whether you can specify a manual gearbox?

[10 Pence Short]

Surely in the running for crappest name, ever? A car shouldn't be named in such a way that you sound like a beard every time you utter it.

Driving a 'Type-R' used to be bad enough for that.

[Buzzkill]

Looks lovely, apart from the miss matched mirrors. Strange colour choice as well.

[Beirut Taxi]

AB said:

Far nicer to look at than the Boxster.

I can't say I agree with "far nicer", the Boxster has a lovely shape to it.


As nice looking as this new Z4 is, I wouldn't say it's as bold as the original though.

[kambites]

Beirut Taxi said:

I can't say I agree with "far nicer", the Boxster has a lovely shape to it.

My word. Someone who actually likes the way the Boxster looks. Even the people I know who own them tend to say they bought them despite the looks rather than because of them.

[AB]

I'm a massive fan of the previous Z4, obviously, I have one - and I always said that the new Z4 was never going to tempt me out of it. Things may have just changed, I just need it to depreciate a bit

With regards to Boxster comment, yes it's a nice enough shape but I just find it a bit boring, it has always looked to me like an unfinished 911.

I think the Z4, both models, look different and unique and have that air of interest about them.

[Mr Whippy]

So apart from the suspension lowering and a few bits of bodywork, they have turned the boost up (ecu), and changed the steering (ecu)...

I wonder how much more it'll cost


Still can't help but think, if this kinda car turned out to be my bag, that a few year old SLK55 AMG would be more up my street.

Dave

[johnag007]

I really do not get it, we get an X5M and not a Z4M, why? Anyway been in a low powered version, as a car it is fantastic, as a driving machine not so. On the other hand BMW would not have to take a big step to make it so.

[kambites]

johnag007 said:

I really do not get it, we get an X5M and not a Z4M, why?

Because that's what the market wants.

[soad]

I don't know how much the asking price is going to be but got a feeling it's fairly steep?

Nice enough car, but probably would pick a second hand older Z4M model.

Front view looks sleeker, but rear lights reminds me of the current 5 series too much (i know, that's the point probably) but they look fairly big, perhaps too big for my liking. Probably being too picky.

Edited by soad on Monday 14th December 11:33

[Dr S]

Is it only me who thinks this BMW naming convention is utter b*ll*cks? If they need to make such a big fuss about making half of a car's name refer to the fact that it has two driven wheels I wait till they also include the existence of backseets and the type roof in it:

What about the Z4 sDrivecRoofnBSeats35iS or an X3 xDrivefRoof3BSeats20ds...

[noclue]

Seems to me some poor sod puts thier money in one of these and then low and behold a few months later a full blown M will be out for just a few more grand.

Have heard that they are more than a match for a Boxster tho.

[OnTheOverrun]

I quite like the new Z4, but I'd prefer it as a proper coupe rather than a metal folding roof job.

[vz-r_dave]

I'd take the older Z4M over this everytime.

[Agent Orange]

kambites said:

johnag007 said:

I really do not get it, we get an X5M and not a Z4M, why?

Because that's what the market wants.

We have a 5GT so how do you square that? Guess it's what do you determine a "market". Surely there is a bigger market for a Z4M than there is for an X5M or 5GT?

[havoc]

Agent Orange said:

kambites said:

johnag007 said:

I really do not get it, we get an X5M and not a Z4M, why?

Because that's what the market wants.

We have a 5GT so how do you square that? Guess it's what do you determine a "market". Surely there is a bigger market for a Z4M than there is for an X5M or 5GT?

Not globally. The Middle East, US and Russia in particular are going bonkers over ultra-quick 4x4's, and those are the markets (+ China) where the money is right now...