The first reviews of the new BMW Z4 sDrive35is are starting to come in and BMWBLOG will also have the chance to drive the super-sporty Z4 35is in May. The sDrive35is carries under the hood an upgraded version of the popular N54 engine or in everybody’s language, the award winning six-cylinder 3.0 liter twin-turbo engine.
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.
With the technical details out of the way, let’s have find out about the driving impressions.
What’s it like?
Faster, certainly. Beyond a freer flowing exhaust there are no mechanical changes to the 35is’s motor over the 35i’s. That’s okay – the turbocharged 3.0-liter ’six was already a stonker.
The way the 35is picks up and pulls cleanly through its rev range is world-class, and now it comes with the kind of exhaust rasp that’s been missing from the line-up since the demise of the old M3. Economy and emissions are on a par with the regular 35i, too.
A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is standard and, save for the usual second-first hesitancy when maneuvering, it shifts cleanly.
It constitutes part of a generous standard kit-list that also includes lowered suspension with adaptive dampers and the option to choose between Normal, Sport and Sport+ settings.
Should I buy one?
Maybe. Like other Z4s the 35is lacks the precision and poise of a Boxster, but steering feel has been slightly improved thanks a mildly re-worked rack, and there’s still fun to be had – with equal weight distribution, rear-drive and 335bhp, how could there not be?
Author: Horatiu B.
Source: http://www.bmwblog.com/2010/04/30/autoc ... drive35is/