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TEST DRIVE More Z4 2020 BMW Z4 sDrive M40i

DAN LYONS | text Special to the Times Union

ollowing on the heels of last year’s redesign, the BMW Z4 marks its return in 2020 with the Frollout of a new flagship, M model. The two seat, convertible is now offered in 30i trim (MSRP $49,700), and M40i ($63,000).

Interestingly, this generation of Z4 is PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE MANUFACTURER the product of a joint venture between BMW and . The Coupe-only Supra and -only Z4 share substantially the same mechanics, but differ in styling, suspension and software. “M” in BMW’s lingo denotes an added layer of sport. In the Z4 M40i, that starts under the hood. The standard Z4 employs a twin scroll turbocharged, 2.0L four cylinder engine. It’s rated at 255 horsepower @ 5,000-6,500 rpm and 295 lb.-ft. of torque @1,500-4,000 rpm. That’s plus 15 h.p. and 35 lb.-ft., compared to the previous motor, and the company claims a 0-60 time of 5.2 seconds. By comparison, M series Z4’s run a 3.0 litre straight six. Also a twin turbo and with a water cooled exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder head, the six generates 382 h.p. @ 5,000-6,500 rpm (an increase 2020 BMW Z4 sDrive M40i, a two seat, convertible sports car now offered in 30i trim, and M40i. of 47 h.p. over the former engine), and 369 lb.-ft. of torque @1,600-4,500 rpm. This is my second take on a firm yet comfortable ride quality. I’ve not had the which the Z4 doesn’t. In sports cars in particular, I this engine, and my first impression stands. It’s sneaky opportunity to wring the car out on a road course, think the presence of a stick makes for a more involving fast. BMW says the zero to sixty time for the 3.2L is 3.9 but with the addition of M sport goodies (adaptive drive. But, judging by industry sales numbers, that’s a suspension, limited slip differential, upgraded brakes minority opinion. In any event, in terms of automatics, 2020 BMW Z4 sDrive M40i and suspension), all the ingredients are there for a the ZF 8-speed automatic is a good one – smooth and MSRP: $49,700 (Z4 sDrive 30i) $63,000 (Z4 sDrive M40i) responsive track car. The potential dings on the car responsive, in automatic or paddle-shifted, manumatic As tested: $73,295 from a competitive standpoint are curb weight and – mode. A final point on drivability. This is a rear drive seconds. In normal, ‘round town driving, the power for some - transmission. The Z4 in M trim is 3,443 lb. sports car, and like all rear drive sports cars, it is best flows easily, feeling like a normally aspirated BMW left parked on wintry days. Here in the northeast, most six. But, leaning into throttle for a two lane pass or a sports cars and muscle cars are second cars, whose highway merge reveals another layer of response. The With the addition of M sport winters are spent hibernating in garages. engine has a smooth, wide power band. goodies, all the ingredients are BMW found a way to squeeze an extra .9” out of If you’d like to sprinkle a little exhaust pop and the seat travel for 2020. An inch may not sound like burble into the mechanical soundtrack, the Sport there for a responsive track car. much, but in terms of leg room in this type of vehicle, modes in the car’s adjustable Driving Dynamics the more the merrier. Six footers will find their legs Control loosen the muzzle on the mufflers, as well Probably the closest competitive comparison for the car slightly bent, but not disagreeably so. Trunk capacity as sharpening shift points, suspension stiffness, is with the Porsche Boxster, which, in S trim, with an is 9.9 cu.-ft., which is double the size of the preceding steering heft and throttle response. The default, automatic, is 310 lb. lighter. The Boxster also offers a Z4, and quite good, by the modest standards of sports Comfort mode buttons up the exhaust tone and lends manual transmission, (albeit at a higher sticker price), cars. Better still is the fact that the top doesn’t eat into Continued on next page

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