Zed Cars Org

Mmmmmmmm I could be VERY tempted by this........

When BMW launched the new Z4 early this year, they made it clear that, unlike the last Z4 and the Z3 before it, there were no plans to create an M version this time around. Of course, forgoing the M nomenclature doesn't mean that BMW won't create a faster Z4 than what's currently in showrooms.

In fact, the first of those faster roadsters will debut next month at the Detroit Auto Show. The Z4 sDrive35is is based on the existing 35i, with its delicious twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six. Compared to the existing turbo Z4, the new model gets a higher-flow intake and the turbos are allowed to spin up to higher boost pressures, resulting in an 11 percent bump in both power and torque output. The '35is now makes 335 hp and 332 pound-feet. In fact, for brief bursts, the 35is can crank up the boost even higher -- resulting in short periods of up to 369 pound-feet of torque.

BMW claims the Z4 sDrive35is will get to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds. Other features of the 35is include revised electric electric power steering programming, a standard dual-clutch gearbox, and brake energy regeneration. Visually, the 35is wears some M Sport aero and suspension bits and sees its ride height dropped 0.4 inches lower than the standard 35i. They may not be calling this a full M Roadster, but in most respects, that's exactly what this new model is.

The problem with the new Z4 IMHO is the styling. When the original Z4 came out - I got it - It was aggressive - with flame surfacing every which way but loose - it shouted Bangle. And yet for all those lines which shouldn't have worked it did - from the lesser loved colours of Merlot Red and Mauritaus Blue (the former being the colour I had - and loved) to the classic Sterling Grey and Blacks. In every colour it worked. It certainly benefitted from a nice set of 18s wheels - and looked amazing once Alpina has tacked a spoiler onto the boot and 19s in the arches.

The new Z4 doesn't seem to have the same balance - look at one in the mirror of your car - and the nose is sniffing the road like a bloodhound and the bonnet then arches up far higher than then the lines would suggest. There is no doubt that once inside the oldtimer has to give way to the young buck. More space and a more coherent layout tells you exactly which is the new car - but despite that the old car isn't a bad place to be. You sit nestled up against the rear axle - the cabin is snug - in the way a roadster should be - and styling hasn't exactly dated.

For all the trumpeting from BMW about its folding roof and more luxurious cabin I can't shake the feeling that newer, better, faster - has ended up being just newer, bigger, fatter.

I hear what your saying Dodgy, but the new Z4 handles so much better than the old one does / did!

I spanked the tits of one the other month and although it was a 23i it was so good. it was able to carry more speed along poor roads and in to the apex of corners.

I love my Z4, but the handling of the new one is probably 2/3 times better than the old one.

if the boot weren't such a shamozzle it would be a good all rounder.

Dario

dario wrote:If the boot weren't such a shamozzle it would be a good all rounder.

That's why I have not even taken the new Z4 out on a test drive.


Nick

dario wrote:I hear what your saying Dodgy, but the new Z4 handles so much better than the old one does / did!

I spanked the tits of one the other month and although it was a 23i it was so good. it was able to carry more speed along poor roads and in to the apex of corners.

I love my Z4, but the handling of the new one is probably 2/3 times better than the old one.

if the boot weren't such a shamozzle it would be a good all rounder.

Dario

We certainly had a blast in our loaners on that weekend! The 23i was also pretty much as quick as the 'old' 3.0L. I didn't think the boot was too bad to be honest - there was certainly more room than an E93 3 series convertible

I have bought a 2.3 I love it .Sorry couldn't take to the old Z4 just didn't do it for me.
The boot space is larger than my Z3 even with the roof down.The steel roof was the decider.If I get caught in the rain when it stops it takes 30 seconds to leather it dry then it can be folded you cant do that with a soft top.

Agreed, but the soft top does go up a lot quicker when it the heavens open.

I got soaked (and so did the inside of the car) on my test drive.