Hours ago, BMW took the cover off their latest Z4 Roadster model: sDrive35is. As many have mentioned, the upgrade and updated roadster sports M-like capabilities, minus the M badge. The sDrive35is carries under the hood an upgraded version of the popular N54, the award winning six-cylinder 3.0 liter twin-turbo engine found in the regular 35i roadster.
The tuned up engine produces 335 horsepower (340hp in Europe) at 5,900 rpm and 332 lb-ft in “regular mode”. An electronically-controlled overboost function can briefly increase torque under full load by another 37 lb-ft. This brings the torque peak to 369 lb-ft. The engine is matted to 7-speed Double-Clutch Transmission (DCT) with SPORT and SPORT+ driving modes. Unofficial, preliminary numbers show that the 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is runs from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds.
Even though it doesn’t carry the M badge, the BMW Z4 sDrive35is includes new M Sport upgrades such as adaptive M Suspension and M Aerodynamics. The adaptive M Suspension combines a ride-height reduction of 10 millimeters (almost 0.4”) with electronically controlled shock absorbers. Special M-Sport 18-inch light-alloy wheels in five-spoke design round off the sporty character of the Z4 sDrive35is. 19-inch wheels are being offered as well, at extra cost.
After the extensive photo gallery released earlier, BMW publishes a series of videos showing the new sDrive35is.
Even though not officially announced in the press release, the 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is is expected to cost around $61,000 in the U.S. The official debut will take place a month from now at the Detroit International Auto Show.
Author: Horatiu B.
Source: http://www.bmwblog.com/2009/12/13/video ... drive35is/