2012 BMW Z4: A Sleek Roadster of Classic Proportion
The BMW Z4 may have waited seven years between its first and second generation, but the two-door roadster will be seeing a few updates come in the 2012 BMW Z4 model year when its scheduled to get a minor facelift at its early age. As of now, there isn’t a lot of talk about exterior or interior updates, but the inner workings will surely get a dose of modernization with a new engine.
The 2012 BMW Z4 styling, however, is as conservative as ever, echoing the 6-Series lines somewhat, but upon closer inspection revealing a more sporting, purposeful demeanor. A long, low hood, short rear deck, and ground-hugging lower aerodynamic elements make the BMW Z4 2012 a sleek roadster of classic proportion, aside from the slightly lengthened rear to accommodate the retractable hardtop. The biggest update for the new BMW Z4 2012 happens under the hood, where BMW has done away with the naturally-aspirated in-line six-cylinder engine of the 2011 BMW Z4.
The current US line-up for the 2012 model of BMW Z4 includes three models: Z4 sDrive30i, Z4 sDrive35i, and Z4 sDrive35is. The entry level model is powered by a 3.0-liter, inline 6-cylinder engine that delivers 255 HP, but that will be changing next year when the six-cylinder engine is dropped in favor of a turbocharged four-cylinder power plant.
BMW has promised that this new engine will deliver the same amount of power as the engine it replaces. All that says to us is that the difference will be completely auditory as turbocharged engines always sounds better. This four cylinder is rumored to plant itself in the BMW Z4 sDrive28i as well. Code name the N20, the new 2.0-liter single twin-scroll turbocharged 4-cylinder engine replaces the normally aspirated 6-cylinder in the 2012 BMW Z4 lineup.
2012 BMW Z4 Photo Collections
How the N20 Works
Weighing 22 lb. lighter, and with those two cylinders lopped off, the N20 helps make the 2012 BMW Z4 more balanced by hanging less weight up front and closer to the car’s center of gravity. Even though rated at 240 bhp (6 percent less compared to the six’s power), the forced-induction 4-banger comes out on top with 260 lb.-ft. of torque (18 percent more than the six’s).
With direct injection and BMW’s Valvetronic on the intake side, the company has attached the moniker TwinPower to this type of engine configuration. Equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission, the turbo 4-cylinder in the 2012 BMW Z4 can race to 60 mph from a dead stop in 5.5 seconds, 0.1 sec. faster than the normally-aspirated 6-cylinder. Of note, there is also a no-cost option of ordering the 2012 BMW Z4 coupe with a slick 8-speed automatic and the N20 powerplant.
The Competitors
The list of competitors for the 2012 BMW Z4 is quite long and includes models like the Porsche Boxster and the Nissan 370Z Roadster. We don’t know about anyone else, but BMW may have to do a little more with the 2012 BMW Z4 to even stand a chance at competing with its rivals. With all of the new models surfacing, the 2012 BMW Z4may need a swift kick in the bumper to get up to speed. The Porsche Boxster competitor, the BMW Z4 2012, is expected to debut by late 2011, with sales beginning in early 2012. Expect the 2012 BMW Z4 model to be much cheaper than the current BMW Z4 Roadster price which starts at $46,500.
