March 2011

Vehicle Profile: The 2011 BMW Z4 Roadster

Do you deserve a reward? Do you enjoy driving just for the sake of driving? If you answer yes to those questions – and don’t worry, nobody’s going to ask you why you deserve a reward – then BMW has the perfect car for you - the Z4 roadster. Sure, every sportscar tries to tempt you, but only one comes with Ultimate Driving Machine® DNA engineered into it. For 2011, that counts for even more with the introduction of the high-end Z4 sDrive35is model.
 
Now a trio, the 2011 Z4 series also includes the Z4 sDrive30i and Z4 sDrive35i models. The fun starts at 255 hp with the Z4 sDrive30i, amps up to 300 hp in the Z4 sDrive35i model and peaks at 335 hp in the new-for-2011 Z4 sDrive35is. All Z4s get their power from a BMW inline six-cylinder engine; the latter two models are turbocharged, using BMW’s unique TwinPower dual turbo configuration and direct fuel injection.
 
The Z4 roadster joy starts at an MSRP of $46,500 in the Z4 sDrive30i, which, by the way, returns up to 28 mpg in highway driving with either the six-speed manual or six-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission. All Z4 models share their road shark-like design and a retractable hardtop roof for all-season comfort and security. That has been a key motivator for many customers who don’t see a “soft-top” as ideal for every day driving. Just push one button and the Z4 transforms from sleek coupe to exciting roadster in just 20 seconds.
 
Occurring much more quickly is the Z4’s sprint from zero-to-60 mph, which takes just 5.6 seconds. The Z4 sDrive35i model does the deed in an even five. For performance that enters the mind-boggling zone, choose the new Z4 sDrive35is model, which uses a higher-performance version of the dual turbo engine and rockets from rest to 60 in just 4.8 seconds.
 
As most BMW enthusiasts know, those figures just begin to convey the feeling of power that pours from these engines. In the Z4 sDrive35i and Z4 sDrive35is models, the turbo boost builds in a smooth, linear fashion, pushing you back in the seat without jolting you. In the Z4 sDrive35i, 300 lb/ft of peak torque comes in at 1,400 rpm (just off idle, essentially) and stays there through 5,000 rpm.
 
In the new Z4 sDrive35is, the torque peak of 332 lb/ft kicks in right at 1,500 rpm, and it exclusively delivers a performance surprise: Under full acceleration, the engine’s electronic controls allow a brief “overboost” condition that boosts peak torque by just over 10 percent, taking it from 332 lb/ft to 369 lb/ft. When you test-drive one of the turbo Z4 models, you might think that BMW snuck a V8 under the hood because each delivers its peak torque so quickly. It means you can feel the car’s powerful potential even when just cruising around at normal speeds.
 
Some sportscar aficionados enjoy engine sound as much as the sound of a premium audio system. That’s why BMW equipped the 2011 Z4 sDrive35is with a special exhaust system that gives the car a deep rumble. It definitely puts this roadster in the category of world’s best-sounding sportscars.
 
In the Z4 sDrive35i and Z4 sDrive35is models, power is channeled through an available (standard on 35is) seven-speed dual-clutch transmission also shared with the BMW M3, and also controlled via steering wheel paddleshifters. The world’s best sportscars, including Ferrari models, have moved to such transmissions because they yield lightning-quick, yet smooth gear changes with no clutch pedal; the Z4’s seven-speed also offers a smooth, fully automatic mode.
 
The top Z4 matches its engine performance with specially developed Adaptive M suspension including Dynamic Damping Control (electronically controlled shock absorbers) for an ideal balance of handling agility and ride comfort. This technology is available for the Z4 sDrive30i and Z4 sDrive35i models as an option. Powerful and swift, the 2011 BMW Z4 models are also every day sportscars that offer premium luxury amenities such as the iDrive system with navigation and pop-up 8.8-inch LCD screen, leather seating with Sun-Reflective Technology, premium audio and more.
 
Come in and see how much of a reward you deserve by testing one of the thrilling 2011 Z4 roadsters.


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