New high-performance Roadster extends the BMW Z4 family.

Whitby , ON – As a dramatic follow-up to the launch of the highly-acclaimed new BMW Z4 Roadsters in spring of 2009, a new BMW Z4 sDrive35is model will make its world debut at the 2010 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, introducing one of BMW’s fastest and best-handling Roadsters ever.

 The latest Z4 model is powered by a high-output version of the BMW Twin Power Turbo inline 6-cylinder engine featuring increased air intake flow and boost pressure, generating more power while maintaining the same standard of efficiency. These engine enhancements combine with twin low-mass turbochargers and High Precision direct injection for an increase in output to 335 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and peak torque of 332 lb-ft delivered from 1,500 –4,500 rpm.The BMW Z4 sDrive35is will sprint from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds (preliminary figure).

 The revised engine management system of the BMW Z4 sDrive35is includes an electronically-controlled overboost function that briefly increases torque under full load by another 37 lb-ft, for a temporary torque peak of 369 lb-ft, giving the Z4 sDrive35is a significant increase in acceleration at highway passing speeds.

 The exhaust system of the BMW Z4 sDrive35is has also been tuned specifically for this model. With special baffles and a unique set of mufflers, the acoustic engineering results in a very unique sound pattern across the speed range, characterized by a deep rumble with a focus on the low frequency sound range.

 The BMW Z4 sDrive35is offers outstanding power and performance without an increase in fuel consumption or emissions. Its figures are expected to match those of the BMW Z4 sDrive35i with Double-Clutch Transmission on the EPA test cycle. Additional BMW EfficientDynamics technologies employed on the Z4 sDrive 35is include Brake Energy Regeneration, Electric Power Steering, and on-demand operation of engine accessory units.

 Standard 7-speed Double-Clutch Transmission and Electric Power Steering

The standard 7-speed Double-Clutch Transmission (DCT) in the BMW Z4 sDrive35is combines the best in driving dynamics and efficiency. Configured for the higher levels of power and performance, the DCT provides a seamless delivery of power to the rear wheels, and offers a choice of automatic or manual gear selection via the electronic console mounted gearshift or steering wheel-mounted shift paddles. The DCT also features a Launch Control function for maximum performance when accelerating from a standstill.

Standard Electric Power Steering (EPS) on the BMW Z4 sDrive35is features enhanced-performance programming, providing more intense and precise steering feedback.

 Standard M Sport Package

Standard equipment on the new BMW Z4 sDrive35is includes an M Sport package featuring M Aerodynamics and adaptive M Suspension. The adaptive M Suspension combines a ride-height reduction of 10 millimeters (almost 0.4”) with electronically controlled shock absorbers (Dynamic Damping Control) to improve the vehicle’s agility without compromising ride comfort.

Special 18-inch light-alloy wheels in five-spoke design further characterize the sporting nature of the Z4 sDrive35is, with19-inch light-alloy wheels available as an option. In addition to its unique wheels, the new model is further distinguished by a striking front bumper with a matte aluminum trim bar in each outer air intake, a rear bumper with accentuated surrounds on the tailpipes, and a rear diffuser finished at top in body color and black textured surface underneath.

M Sport interior enhancements and new Kansas Walnut leather.

Inside the BMW Z4 sDrive35is, the driving experience is enhanced by features such as a new thick-rimmed M leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles, an M driver’s footrest, and sport seats. Grey-faced instrument dials feature the “sDrive35is” model designation. Further features inside the Z4 sDrive35is are the Anthracite-colored BMW Individual roof lining, M door sill strips, floor mats with colored piping and the “sDrive35is” model designation, as well as M interior trim in Aluminum Carbon. The new Aluminum Carbon trim features the recognizable “weave” of natural carbon fiber interpreted on a matte aluminum base.

An additional upholstery color will also mark the launch of the BMW Z4 sDrive35is: All versions of the Z4 Roadster will be available with Kansas Walnut leather as an option.  The BMW Z4 sDrive35is is available with a choice of six paintwork colors. In addition to Alpine White and the metallic colors Titanium Silver, Black Sapphire, Space Grey, and Deep Sea Blue, the Z4 Roadster will be available for the first time in Melbourne Red metallic. Regardless of the color chosen, the exterior mirror caps on the BMW Z4 sDrive35is are always Oxide Silver.

 Additional technical information and pricing for the 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is will be announced closer to the Canadian market launch in spring of 2010.

The BMW Group

The BMW Group is one of the most successful manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles in the world with its BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brands. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 24 production facilities in 13 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

The BMW Group achieved a global sales volume of more than 1.43 million automobiles and over 101,000 motorcycles for the 2008 financial year. Revenues for 2008 totalled EUR 53.2 billion, with earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) of EUR 921 million. The company employed a global workforce of approximately 98,000 associates on 30 September 2009.

The success of the BMW Group has always been built on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy. As a result of its efforts, the BMW Group has been ranked industry leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes for the last five years.

BMW Group Canada, based in Whitby, Ontario, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BMW AG and is responsible for the distribution of BMW luxury performance automobiles, Sports Activity Vehicles, Motorcycles, and MINI.  BMW Group Financial Services Canada is a division of BMW Group Canada and offers retail financing and leasing programs and protection products on new and pre-owned BMW and MINI automobiles, as well as retail financing for new and pre-owned BMW Motorcycles. A total network of 40 BMW automobile retail centres, 19 BMW motorcycle retailers, and 25 MINI retailers represents the BMW Group across the country.

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For more information, please contact:

 Jochen Frey

Director, Corporate Communications

BMW Group Canada

905.428.5005 / jochen.frey@bmwgroup.ca

Rob Dexter, Product and Technology Specialist

BMW Group Canada

Corporate Communications 

905.428.5447 /  robert.dexter@bmwgroup.ca