mr funny
14-08-10, 18:20
http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/sub/motor/story/0,4574,399551,00.html?
Published August 14, 2010
Sizzling Z4
The new BMW Z4 sDrive35is has increased power and torque. By Samuel Ee
http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/mnt/media/image/launched/2010-08-14/BT_WEEKEND_1_CURRENT_SEZ4.jpg
http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/mnt/media/image/launched/2010-08-14/BT_WEEKEND_1_CURRENT_SEZ4-LCY.jpg
IT MAY look like it has the same long name but the new BMW Z4 sDrive35is really is different, and it's not just because of the extra 's' at the end. Compared with the sDrive35i, the sDrive35is has increased power and torque. The turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine has been given a higher boost pressure and revised air intake to hike power up 34 horses to 340hp. Meanwhile, the engine management is modified to allow an Overboost function to briefly raise torque by 50Nm to 450Nm.
Together with a re-tuned exhaust system, this rear-wheel-drive rigid-roof roadster sounds and feels different. Floor the accelerator pedal and the low exhaust rumble develops into a deep growl as the engine revs climb and the Z4 hurtles forward. There is virtually no lag from the twin-turbo straight six, which spins a new dual-mass flywheel to handle the extra power.
The unit is mated to the sweet seven-speed double clutch Sport Automatic gearbox, which offers three dynamic driving modes - Normal, Sport and Sport+. The Sport option obviously quickens gearshifts but it is Sport+ that is more interesting because it reduces DSC or dynamic stability control intervention.
Previous EPS electric power steering systems may have been criticised for being a tad dull but the Z4's steering is now lighter and more communicative. The small wheel also means you rarely have to take your hands off it unless it is a U-turn or a particularly tight corner.
Still, with its speed and swift gear changes, the Z4 sDrive35is hardly feels brutal. Even with an adaptive M Suspension that lowers the car by 10mm, ride comfort is not significantly harsher. Four continuously adjustable twin-sleeve gas-pressure dampers ensure this.
Despite its snug cabin and low ride height, the Z4 sDrive35is is a surprisingly easy car to live with - even on a daily basis.
In fact, the Z4 feels almost like a grand tourer shoehorned into a roadster body, with a metal roof that is electrically and quickly retracted. It also has other endearing aspects.
The cabin is compact but cool. The Z4 sDrive35is interior is finished in a new Aluminium Carbon trim and one clever 'touch' is the audio buttons' 'mouseover' feature. While searching for a radio station, just place your finger on the button and the station name appears onscreen. Only when you've found the one you want do you select it by pressing.
Then there is the visual emotion that its exterior styling evokes. With its large kidney grille and long nose, the Z4 has a shark-like mien reminiscent of the original 6 Series coupe. But its design also means the Z4's two occupants sit close to the rear axle and even closer to the floor. It may take a tall driver some time to get into the perfect driving position but the good design of the sports seat allows for this.
So despite its snug cabin and low ride height, the Z4 sDrive35is is a surprisingly easy car to live with - even on a daily basis. Its muscular performance allows it to outrun almost everything else, while the sweet handling ensures maximum driving fun.
At the same time, its design details and M Aerodynamics package convey enough machismo to avoid it being labelled a hairdresser's car.
The turbocharged three-litre can be a bit thirsty though. But if you stop driving like a maniac and choose the Normal mode, BMW promises the Z4 will require only 9.4 litres to cover 100km under the combined cycle. Considering how much fun it is to drive, achieving that figure is likely to be very difficult for most people.
[email protected]
SPECS
BMW Z4 sDrive35is
Engine 2,979cc inline-6 turbocharged
Transmission 7-speed double clutch
Max power 340 hp @ 5,900 rpm
Max torque 450 Nm @ 1,500 rpm
0-100 kmh 4.8 secs
Top speed 250 kmh
Price $293,800 (with COE)
Distributor Performance Motors
Tel 6319-0100
Published August 14, 2010
Sizzling Z4
The new BMW Z4 sDrive35is has increased power and torque. By Samuel Ee
http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/mnt/media/image/launched/2010-08-14/BT_WEEKEND_1_CURRENT_SEZ4.jpg
http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/mnt/media/image/launched/2010-08-14/BT_WEEKEND_1_CURRENT_SEZ4-LCY.jpg
IT MAY look like it has the same long name but the new BMW Z4 sDrive35is really is different, and it's not just because of the extra 's' at the end. Compared with the sDrive35i, the sDrive35is has increased power and torque. The turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine has been given a higher boost pressure and revised air intake to hike power up 34 horses to 340hp. Meanwhile, the engine management is modified to allow an Overboost function to briefly raise torque by 50Nm to 450Nm.
Together with a re-tuned exhaust system, this rear-wheel-drive rigid-roof roadster sounds and feels different. Floor the accelerator pedal and the low exhaust rumble develops into a deep growl as the engine revs climb and the Z4 hurtles forward. There is virtually no lag from the twin-turbo straight six, which spins a new dual-mass flywheel to handle the extra power.
The unit is mated to the sweet seven-speed double clutch Sport Automatic gearbox, which offers three dynamic driving modes - Normal, Sport and Sport+. The Sport option obviously quickens gearshifts but it is Sport+ that is more interesting because it reduces DSC or dynamic stability control intervention.
Previous EPS electric power steering systems may have been criticised for being a tad dull but the Z4's steering is now lighter and more communicative. The small wheel also means you rarely have to take your hands off it unless it is a U-turn or a particularly tight corner.
Still, with its speed and swift gear changes, the Z4 sDrive35is hardly feels brutal. Even with an adaptive M Suspension that lowers the car by 10mm, ride comfort is not significantly harsher. Four continuously adjustable twin-sleeve gas-pressure dampers ensure this.
Despite its snug cabin and low ride height, the Z4 sDrive35is is a surprisingly easy car to live with - even on a daily basis.
In fact, the Z4 feels almost like a grand tourer shoehorned into a roadster body, with a metal roof that is electrically and quickly retracted. It also has other endearing aspects.
The cabin is compact but cool. The Z4 sDrive35is interior is finished in a new Aluminium Carbon trim and one clever 'touch' is the audio buttons' 'mouseover' feature. While searching for a radio station, just place your finger on the button and the station name appears onscreen. Only when you've found the one you want do you select it by pressing.
Then there is the visual emotion that its exterior styling evokes. With its large kidney grille and long nose, the Z4 has a shark-like mien reminiscent of the original 6 Series coupe. But its design also means the Z4's two occupants sit close to the rear axle and even closer to the floor. It may take a tall driver some time to get into the perfect driving position but the good design of the sports seat allows for this.
So despite its snug cabin and low ride height, the Z4 sDrive35is is a surprisingly easy car to live with - even on a daily basis. Its muscular performance allows it to outrun almost everything else, while the sweet handling ensures maximum driving fun.
At the same time, its design details and M Aerodynamics package convey enough machismo to avoid it being labelled a hairdresser's car.
The turbocharged three-litre can be a bit thirsty though. But if you stop driving like a maniac and choose the Normal mode, BMW promises the Z4 will require only 9.4 litres to cover 100km under the combined cycle. Considering how much fun it is to drive, achieving that figure is likely to be very difficult for most people.
[email protected]
SPECS
BMW Z4 sDrive35is
Engine 2,979cc inline-6 turbocharged
Transmission 7-speed double clutch
Max power 340 hp @ 5,900 rpm
Max torque 450 Nm @ 1,500 rpm
0-100 kmh 4.8 secs
Top speed 250 kmh
Price $293,800 (with COE)
Distributor Performance Motors
Tel 6319-0100