| Ultimate BMW Z4 | ||
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(Tue 15 Dec 09) BMW is to complicate the already laborious name of its Z4 roadster by introducing a new version with even more letters. But the car is so interesting that it may be worth the extra effort to pronounce.
The Z4 sDrive35is is based on the currently range-topping sDrive35i and uses the same three-litre six-cylinder twin turbo petrol engine. That engine, however, has been uprated and now produces 340bhp rather than the standard 306bhp, while maximum torque has been increased from 295lb/ft to 332lb/ft in normal circumstances and 369lb/ft for brief periods of hard acceleration. All this has had little effect on the normal benchmark performance figures. Top speed remains limited to 155mph as before, while the 0-62mph time has dropped by a mere 0.3 seconds to 4.8 seconds. But in real-life motoring the sDrive35is should feel substantially quicker. It will also drink more fuel if you make use of the extra performance, though the official combined economy and CO2 ratings are the same as before at 31.4mpg and 210g/km respectively. The sDrive35is will make its formal debut at the Detroit Show in January and will go on sale in the UK two months later, priced at £43,885 (including VAT at 17.5%).
In other Z4 news, BMW has announced that it will introduce a new M Sport trim level for all existing versions in March. M Sport models (pictured above) will feature a body styling kit, 18" light alloy wheels, Sport seats with electric adjustment, leather upholstery and anthracite headlining. Pricing will be confirmed early in 2010. Comment on this story on Facebook or Twitter. Previous: The Daihatsu Situation Next: New Ford S-MAX And Galaxy |
