Tracing its design heritage back to the storied BMW Z8 (itself an
evocation of the milestone BMW 507 of the 1950s), the new 2012 BMW Z4
two-seat Roadster fulfills the mandate of every premium roadster: To
surround you in absolute comfort while delivering the ride of your life.
This year, the Z4 lineup matches precise handling, robust power and
supreme luxury with exceptional efficiency, thanks to the addition of an
all-new TwinPower turbo inline four-cylinder base.
BMW offers the Z4 in three trim levels: the Z4 sDrive28i (MSRP
$48,650), Z4 sDrive35i (MSRP $55,150), and Z4 sDrive35is (MSRP $64,200).
In the Z4 model names, “s” stands for “sport,” and “i" indicates a
fuel-injected engine.
As
noted, the big news for 2012 is the introduction of the new Z4
sDrive28i, the foundation of the Z4 family. In the Z4 sDrive28i, the
normally aspirated inline six-cylinder found in last year’s Z4 sDrive30i
is replaced by a new inline-four, displacing 2.0 liters and featuring
direct injection, Valvetronic turbo variable intake control and a
TwinScroll turbo.
The new TwinPower turbo four cranks out 240 hp and 260 lb/ft of
torque—40 lb/ft more than last year’s six-cylinder. Best of all, that
abundance of torque reaches its peak at a low 1,250 rpm, good for
near-instantaneous acceleration. Power channels through either a
six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed STEPTRONIC automatic
transmission. Sprints from 0-60 mph take 5.5 seconds (with the manual
transmission), and fuel economy, EPA-estimated at up to 34 mpg highway,
is improved by up to 20 percent over the Z4 sDrive30i.
The source of power for the Z4 sDrive35i continues to be the
renowned 3.0-liter TwinPower turbo inline six-cylinder, making 300 hp
and 300 lb/ft of torque in this application. The dynamic Z4 sDrive35is
model draws strength from a 335-hp version of the same powerplant. Drop
the hammer on the Z4 sDrive35is and an electronically controlled
overboost function temporarily raises torque from its usual 332 lb/ft
peak to 369 lb/ft. The result: Bolting from a standstill to 60 mph in
less than five seconds.
A six-speed manual transmission serves as the standard gearbox on
the Z4 sDrive35i while an advanced seven-speed, Double-Clutch automatic
transmission (optional on the Z4 sDrive35i) sourced from the BMW M3
heightens performance in the Z4 sDrive35is. Shifts with the seven-speed
automatic are breathtakingly swift, while manual control is available
through the gear selector lever on the center console, or via paddles
mounted on the steering wheel.
Straight-line propulsion may capture headlines, but a true Roadster
earns its stripes slicing through twisting tarmac. A fully independent
suspension, four-wheel anti-lock ventilated disc brakes, and
speed-sensitive Electric Power Steering help make the Z4 the perfect
implement for precise road carving—as do such standard aids such as
traction control, Cornering Brake Control, Driving Dynamics Control, and
Dynamic Stability Control.
For drivers looking to explore the razor’s edge of premium Roadster
performance, the Z4 offers the M Sport Package on the Z4 sDrive28i and
the Z4 sDrive35i. It’s a gathering of features designed to push the
level of driving excitement squarely into the red (most of these
features come standard on the sDrive35is). The package includes an
Aerodynamic Kit, sport seats, special interior trim, an anthracite
headliner, and 18-inch light-alloy wheels (19-inch light-alloys are also
available on the Z4 sDrive35i and Z4 sDrive35is). An M Sport
leather-trimmed steering wheel is also added, along with an Adaptive M
Suspension with electronically controlled dampers and an increased
top-speed limiter (up to 155 mph).
At the touch of a button, the Z4 hardtop roof completely retracts
in 20 seconds, unveiling the bounty of standard features you’ll find
inside. The Z4 sDrive28i brims with such must-haves as Xenon Adaptive
Headlights and rain-sensing windshield wipers, Bluetooth® phone connectivity, an AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system, HD Radio, an auxiliary jack, and an iPod®/USB adapter.
Choosing the Z4 sDrive35i nets you additional standards such as
eight-way power seats, Kansas Leather seating and Brushed Aluminum
interior trim, while the top-of-the-line Z4 sDrive35is boasts 10-way
power seats with adjustable side bolsters and the Aluminum Carbon Shadow
trim.
Buyers intending to personalize their Z4 models have a host of
available packages and stand-alone options to select from. Depending on
the model, the choices include a surround sound audio system, heated
front seats and steering wheel, satellite radio, BMW Assist™, and a
satellite-based navigation system with a pop-up 8.8-inch high-resolution
display.
Come experience the exhilaration of driving in its most liberating
form by scheduling a test drive of the new 2012 BMW Z4 Roadster.
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