Detroit debut for stove-hot BMW Z4 sDrive35is
Pumped-up Zed appears to have the pace to give an M3 a run for its moneyBMW had said at the launch of its new Z4 range that it wouldn't create an 'M' version of its roadster, but the company has released the first details of a new variant that goes at least halfway towards being worthy of the vaunted suffix.
These are the first images of the clumsily titled Z4 sDrive35is, which makes its world debut at next month's Detroit motor show, before going on sale internationally in the second quarter of 2010.
Derived from the standard Z4 sDrive35i, the "is" suffix brings a more powerful engine, along with a tweaked transmission, steering and suspension.
The twin-turbo 3.0-litre engine features increased air intake flow and boost pressure and, consequently, peak power rises from the donor car's 225kW to 246kW, while nominal peak torque is up from 400 to 450Nm -- and this quota is on tap from 1500 rpm to 4500rpm.
As per the Porsche 911 Turbo, there's also an Overboost function, which briefly increases torque under full load by another 50Nm (yielding a brawny 500Nm).
The company quotes a 0-60mph (0-96km/h) split of 4.7sec, which means it's not far off M3 pace in terms of straight-line stonk. Top speed is electronically governed to 250km/h.
What's more, BMW claims the added performance comes without an increase in thirst or emissions, as its consumption figures are expected to match those of the BMW Z4 sDrive35i with Double-Clutch Transmission (DCT) on the EPA test cycle.
A beefier aural signature is an added selling point, as the exhaust system of the BMW Z4 sDrive35is has been tuned (via new baffles and mufflers) to produce "a very deep rumble with a focus on the low frequency sound range".
The Bimmer boffins have also reprogrammed the Electric Power Steering (EPS) to provide sharper feedback, while the Double-Clutch Transmission has also been tweaked and equipped with a Launch Control function.
Meanwhile, the adaptive M Suspension drops ride height by 10mm with electronically controlled shock absorbers (Dynamic Damping Control), and this set-up is claimed to boost agility without compromising ride comfort.
The sDrive35is comes standard with 18-inch five-spoke alloys, but 19-inchers will be available as an option.
In addition to its unique wheels, the new model is further distinguished by a bespoke front bumper with a matte aluminium trim bar in each outer air intake, a rear bumper with accentuated surrounds on the tailpipes, and a rear diffuser finished at top in body colour and black textured surface underneath.
Inside, the Z4 sDrive35is gains a new thick-rimmed M leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles, an M driver's footrest, and sport seats. Grey-faced instrument dials feature the "sDrive35is" model designation.
The newcomer will be offered in a choice of six colours -- Alpine White, Titanium Silver, Black Sapphire, Space Grey, Deep Sea Blue and the newly introduced Melbourne Red metallic. Regardless of the colour chosen, the exterior mirror caps on the sDrive35is are always Oxide Silver.
All sounds good on paper. We eagerly anticipate our first drive...
And on the subject of high-performance bimmers, another tweaked Z4, AC Schnitzer's ACS4 3.5 turbo (a Z4 sdrive35i at heart), recently recorded a speed of 303.1km/h at the Nardo circuit in Italy. This speed, impressive for any sort of drop-top sportster, is not a world speed record, but the 288.7km/h speed set by the ACS3 3.5d Coupe is a record -- for a road-registered diesel car. The ACS3 3.5d Coupe is AC Schnitzer's own variation on the BMW 330d Coupe.
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