2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is: First Look

• Competes with: Mercedes-Benz SLK, Audi S5
• Looks like: BMW’s new Z4 got better, with a worse name
• Drivetrain: 335-hp, twin-turbo six-cylinder with seven-speed double-clutch transmission
• Hits dealerships: May 2010

For 2011, BMW is adding a new trim level to its recently redesigned Z4 convertible hardtop roadster. A new 335-horsepower model with an adjustable sport suspension, which is borrowed from the company’s M lineup of performance cars, now sits atop the range. BMW has dubbed this model the Z4 sDrive35is. There’s also a Z4 sDrive30i and a Z4 sDrive35i, which has the same engine as the new 35is but puts out less power and doesn’t have the performance and body modifications of this new entry.

The sDrive35is gets a specially tuned exhaust, the M suspension that lowers the car 10 millimeters or a third of an inch, unique 18- or optional 19-inch wheels, matte aluminum trim and special silver side mirrors no matter the car’s exterior color.

The only reason we can tell this Z4 isn’t given an M designation is that the engine isn’t as powerful as the current Ms in the lineup, which bottoms out with the 414-hp M3. Even with the “paltry” power ratings, the Z4 sDrive35is is predicted to go from zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds.

Pricing hasn’t been announced, but the 2010 Z4 sDrive 35i starts at $51,650; expect the “is” to cost more than that. More photos below.

Through Ian's Lens: 2009 BMW Z4

When I was 8, I wanted the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile. When I turned 14, any Lamborghini would have done. Now, as I slide ever closer to 35, the perfect second car for my family must fit my current set of “midlife” needs. The prerequisites? This car must be nimble and powerful, have four to six cylinders, two seats, cargo space for suitcases and camera bags, and it must look aesthetically refreshing yet classically stylish. A tall order? Maybe...

Enter the completely redesigned 2009 BMW Z4. It may not be my absolute dream car, but it comes as close as any luxury-priced modern roadster can. With a completely new look, the ‘09 Z4 announces its presence quickly with an elongated nose that gives the new Z4 the powerful stance of a performance coupe rather than a roofless roadster. Coupled with this pronounced snout is a flawlessly designed retractable hardtop that’s hidden (when down) by a raised rear end above twin tailpipes under a slight bumper. All these design cues are leaps and bounds from the previous design, which left a lot to be desired aesthetically (and don’t get me started on how ugly the soft-top was on the roadster).

The Z4 can now be called a gracefully balanced car from bumper to bumper. My favorite angle? The profile. From the side, you can see just how perfectly weighted the car really is. And let’s be honest, it would totally look sweet in the garage next to my station wagon. Unless it were white. I’d probably bring it back to the dealer if it were white.

2009 BMW Z4 Hits the iPhone

While BMW is not the first car manufacturer to introduce an iPhone application, it is the first to create a 300-hp paintbrush for the iPhone. The new app, centered around the upcoming 2009 BMW Z4 retractable-hardtop roadster, uses a virtual Z4 Roadster to paint on a relatively hangar-sized canvas with nothing but paint and wheels. This app allows the user to build and drive a custom BMW Z4 in a similar way to online car configurators. After you pick your options and car color, it’s off to the races … er, canvas.

While there isn’t much real-life use for this app, it’s something fun to check out and worth the free download. However, it is a hefty 50MB.

This application is labeled “Lite,” a term used for smaller versions of full-blown apps that typically cost money to download. Does this mean BMW has something else in line for the iPhone App Store?

2009 BMW Z4 Through Ian's Lens

More than 30 cars debuted at this year’s 2009 NAIAS in Detroit. After wading through three-row SUVs, concept touch-screens, economical four-door sedans and enough hybrid/electric/plug-in cars to make your head spin, I fell in love with a roadster — the 2009 BMW Z4 roadster, to be exact.

A recessed brake light at the top of the trunk is a slick touch, while the interior fit and finish is pretty close to flawless. Creased hood lines, an upgraded grille and seamless flow from front fender to door handle give it a performance stance the previous model lacked. All-around? This was my favorite production car in Detroit this year. I can’t wait to get my hands on one in Chicago … in summer.

Please leave your remarks in the comments section; a full set of photos is below. Feel free to use the full-screen mode on the photo browser.

2009 BMW Z4 Video

Cars.com’s Kelsey Mays took some time at the 2009 Detroit auto show to check out BMW’s new Z4. The ’09 Z4 comes loaded with new features, like BMW’s next generation of iDrive and a retractable hardtop roof that does its business in less than 20 seconds. Mays also finds plenty of reasons to be impressed with the Z4 other than new gadgets. Watch the video to find out why else the Z4 is a must-drive roadster.

Up Close: 2009 BMW Z4

I’m not crazy about the redesigned Z4’s dimensions, but the overall design is much tidier than before. Both the hood and trunk have subtle arches that parallel the fenders, and the rear bumper and tailpipes end things tastefully. There’s too much overhang up front, though, which is unusual for BMW.

2009 BMW Z4

• Competes with: Mercedes-Benz SLK, Audi TT
• Looks like: Someone stretched out the Z4 like it was Silly Putty
• Drivetrain: 255-hp inline-six-cylinder with six-speed manual or automatic, or 300-hp, twin-turbo six-cylinder with six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch transmission
• Hits dealerships: Summer 2009

BMW has radically redesigned its Z4 roadster. The new edition features a retractable hardtop, which seems to be a must these days. It’s also a lot longer — 5.8 inches — while the wheelbase grows just 0.1 inches. Under the hood is the same six-cylinder from the previous generation, producing 255 hp, or for the first time the Z4 can be had with the same 300-hp, twin-turbo six-cylinder offered in the 1, 3 and 5 Series. 

The exterior design is what everyone will be talking about, with its numerous creases, a long hood that slopes abruptly downward, and aggressive-looking headlights. What might be overlooked is the entirely new interior design, which is much more upscale than the previous generation’s sparse look. The second-generation iDrive system will also be available.

BMW says visibility out the side and rear windows is also improved, as is trunk room. When stored, the hardtop is separated from the trunk via a partition that can be moved if the hardtop remains up for more storage. This is similar to most other retractable hardtops on the market.

Like the new 3 Series convertible, the Z4’s leather features light-reflective technology to keep it from becoming scorching hot in bright sunlight. 

BMW tells Cars.com that the Z4 will start in the mid-$40s with the twin-turbo starting in the low $50s. The outgoing 2008 model with the same engine as the new base model starts at $42,700.

The Z4 also promises near-50/50 weight distribution, along with BMW’s adjustable Dynamic Drive Control as standard equipment. All of that adds up to what could be one exciting roadster to drive. More photos below.