BMW Z4 sDrive35is Review by L.A. Times

L.A. Times reviews the BMW Z4 sDrive35is, which is equipped with a more powerful N54 engine also known as the six-cylinder 3.0 liter twin-turbo engine capable of 335 hp at 5,900 rpm and 332 lb-ft torque on average. If you want more torque, you can utilize the BMW Z4 sDrive35is’ electronically-controlled overboost function which can add 37 lb-ft of torque to the vehicle. Overall, the torque peaks at 369 lb-ft.

The BMW Z4 sDrive35is’ engine is matted to a 7-speed Double-Clutch Transmission (DCT) with SPORT and SPORT+ driving mode options. Maximum performance when accelerating from a standstill is possible with the DCT Launch Control function.

The BMW sDrive35is weighs 1,525 kg and does not carry the M badge. However, M Sport upgrades are available.
Here is an excerpt from the review:

God bless the Democrats.

Such was my thinking as I threw the horrifically named 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is hardtop convertible through turn after turn, high in the mountains in Malibu.

The top was down, the radio was off and the car’s brain, which BMW calls Dynamic Driving Control (DDC), was in “sport plus” mode. The steering and throttle response, the transmission’s shift points, and the suspension were all set to “Whoa!”

It was all the soundtrack I needed.

Acceleration with DDC in any mode unleashes an auditory amalgamation of everything that is right with a turbocharged engine. It only gets sweeter — and louder — as you dial up the system from normal to sport to sport plus. Stomp your foot on the gas and let the 35is race toward its 7,000-rpm redline and you’re treated to a whoosh from the turbos and a sharp exhaust note with an intense, barely refined edge. Think of a velvet dagger.

Which brings us to the Democrats.

When BMW engineers sat down to create this latest Z4 roadster, they were faced with a choice nearly every automaker must make when producing a performance variant of a sports car: Republican or Democrat?

With the Republican route, less is more. Lighten the car up as best you can, be it with engineering sleight of hand or by excising porcine creature comforts. Power is increased slightly, if at all. If done right, the lighter version is faster and handles better. Heck, Lotus has based its entire existence around this philosophy.

Conversely, with the Democrat route, more is more. More horsepower and more torque are the usual suspects, whether it’s by turbocharging, supercharging or just cramming in the biggest motor that will fit in the engine bay. Sure, weight is a consideration. No one is suggesting cast-iron bumpers here. But it’s much lower on the list of priorities.

See the full review at LA Times‘ website.