BMW Z4 sDrive 35is is NOT a Z4M.

I have a long-held obsession with BMW M cars. They take a basically sound formula - that is to say, front engine, rear wheel drive, and balanced weight distribution - and add more of everything in balanced measure.  More power, more grip, better looks, more technology - and what comes out is usually greater than the sum of it's parts.  Take, for instance, the E36-generation M3.  At least in US Spec, all it really was, was a 328i with a stroked-out motor, good seats, and tight suspension.  And while the European E36 was actually special (individual throttle bodies, crazy redline, etc), the E36 M3 was still hailed as one of the greatest driver's cars of all time.

And among all M cars, I've always especially loved the M Coupe and Roadster, the M version of BMW's cute Z3/Z4 convertible.  In particular, the final Z4 M Coupes and Roadsters were particularly epic - powered by a mildly detuned version of BMW's S54B32, which was the 3.2L I6 used in the E46 M3.  With a tiny wheelbase, a low kerb weight, and 333bhp with an 8000+rpm redline, they were slightly mental.

So when BMW brought out the new, folding-hardtop Z4 and said they were canning the whole Z4 M thing, I'd have to say I was a little bummed.  I mean, the available N54 motor out of the 335i (3.0L 24v I6, direct injection, twin-sequential turbocharging, 306bhp) was a fantastic engine, and the whole thing was a lot prettier and significantly more refined that the rather unpleasant previous Z4.  But no hardcore M version?  I will admit, I kinda tuned out at that point.

Turns out I was wrong.  There isn't going to be an M variant, but there will be one that enthusiasts will care about!  Called the sDrive35is (holy long name, Batman!), it's meant to sort-of take the M spot in the lineup.  It's a little harder, a little faster, and a little hornier than the regular twin-turbo Z4, and it looks like (with a few exceptions) it'll have some serious enthusiast appeal.

Let's start under the hood.  Power increases from 306bhp@5800rpm to 335bhp@5,900 rpm.  Torque jumps from 295lb-ft to 332lb-ft between 1,500 and 4,500 rpm, which is a pretty broad torque spread for a 3.0L!  Even better, there's an "overboost" function which allows an additional 37lb-ft of torque, for a total of 369lb-ft at wide-open-throttle for short bursts.  Gee, wonder where they got that idea? These power increases are made primarily through a less restrictive intake tract, as well as ECU reprogramming to allow more turbo boost pressure.  Duh.  There's also a high-flow exhaust that's been tuned to sound a little more alive than the rather boring exhaust note of the regular N54, which will be welcome.

Unfortunately, there's only one transmission choice: BWM's 7-speed DCT, which is a dual-clutch automated gearbox.  There are a lot of things to like about this unit: instant, smooth gear changes, integrated Launch Control, two different Sport modes, and a fancy dual-mass flywheel.  Still, the unavailability of, y'know, a clutch pedal in this top-of-the-line sport model is faintly ludicrous.  Still... it's hard to argue with a 0-60 time of 4.7 seconds!  Which, I believe, is faster than the old Z4M Roadster anyway.

Other changes include revised EPAS (Electronic Power Assisted Steering) recalibrated for more weight and feel, an M aerodynamic package (whoo boy!) and interestingly, M Adaptive Suspension.  Along with 10mm lower static ride height, the shocks at all four corners are electronically adaptive for the perfect damping for any situation.  Rounding out the changes are some sporty touches in the interior:  M Sport seats, a chunky M-sport contoured steering wheel with shifter paddles, grey faced instruments, and - oh my god! - an M-Sport dead pedal make it feel a little more special inside.

The 2011 Z4 sDrive35is will debut in January at the NAIAS (Detroit Show), and will go on sale mid-2010 as a model year 2011 vehicle.  No word on pricing yet, but I don't imagine it's going to be cheap.