BMW at the 2010 Detroit NAIAS

BMW Z4 sDrive35is

BMW will unveil the BMW Z4 sDrive35is at the 2010 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, 16–24 January. With its 250 kW/340 hp straight-six power unit featuring BMW Twin Turbo Technology and High Precision Injection as well as BMW's optional seven-speed Sport Automatic, the BMW Z4 sDrive35is accelerates to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.8 seconds. And with BMW EfficientDynamics this significant increase in power and performance goes together with average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of just 9.0 litres/100 kilometers, equal to 26.1 mpg US. BMW will also showcase the other models and concepts including BMW Concept ActiveE, MINI Concept Beachcomber and MINI Moke.

The Z4 sDrive 35is pictured above uses Munich's existing 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight six, tweaked to produce 335bhp and 332lb ft of the twisty stuff all the way from 1400-4500rpm. That's one flat torque curve, and a 29bhp jump over the regular sDrive35i. The six-pot is mated to BMW's paddle-controlled seven-speed twin-clutch transmission, driving the rear wheels.

Subtle body addenda denote this as the sportiest Z4: an M Aerodynamics Package includes 18in light alloys (19s are an option) and a 10mm drop in ride height, while a new bumper includes matt aluminum horizontal bars at the front and a chunked-up rear bumper/diffuser assembly. All typically Germanic, subtle one-upmanship to justify the step up in price.

Thanks to a brief overboost function for overtaking, 0-62mph is claimed to take just 4.8 seconds. Top speed is, naturally, limited to 155mph.

CO2 emissions stand at 210g/km and the quoted combined economy figures are 31.4mpg (the same figure as the regular Z4 sDrive 35i equipped with the Sport Automatic transmission).