The new BMW Z4
BMW has revealed a new version of the popular Z4 roadster which will go on sale in March, 2013 – 80 years after we first offered such an exciting concept. Currently BMW’s only two seat drop-top to be offered, the BMW Z4 now comes with a new entry-level sDrive18i, while at the same time the Pure Traction Design package boasts a level of sophistication and high specification not seen on a Z4 before.
The new BMW Z4 sDrive18i engine heralds a new entry point into BMW Z4 ownership. Priced from £27,610 OTR this new derivative uses a de-tuned version of an existing 2.0-litre four-cylinder twin-scroll turbocharged engine. Producing 156hp at 5,000rpm from its 1,997cc powerplant the car is capable of zero to 62mph time of 7.9 seconds before going on to a top speed of 137mph. It manages to do this while still recording 41.5mpg and emissions of just 159g/km.
Some of the existing engines have also received enhancements to improve their overall performance. The BMW Z4 sDrive20i comes with a 184hp engine that achieves 41.5mpg and 159g/km CO2. The model is the most popular derivative of Z4 currently accounting for 80 per cent of sales.
Further up the range and the four-cylinder twin-scroll turbocharged sDrive28i, and the six-cylinder twin-turbocharged sDrive35i and the sDrive35is offer customers greater performance courtesy of their respective 245hp, 306hp and 340hp power outputs. All cars are rated at an electronically-limited 155mph top speed.
Transmitting the power to the road is a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. Customers can also specify an eight-speed automatic with gear shift paddles located on the steering wheel, while buyers of the BMW Z4 sDrive35is have a seven-speed Double Clutch Transmission, again with gear shift paddles, as standard.
EfficientDynamics
All of the latest BMW Z4s come as standard with facets of BMW’s award-winning EfficientDynamics programme. Technologies that improve engine performance while enhancing economy and cutting emissions include Brake Energy Regeneration, Electric Power Steering with Servotronic, Reduced Rolling Resistance Tyres, on-demand control of the engine’s ancillaries and Optimum Shift Indicator on manual transmission cars. The BMW Z4 also adheres to a philosophy of lightweight construction with the front suspension and subframe being largely made from aluminium.
