Until now, the reviews of BMW's Twinpower Turbo 2.0L inline 4-cylinder Motor (N20) were limited to drives of the X1 xDrive28i. But this Fall, BMW will launch the first US models to feature the N20 turbo 4-cyl motor -- the
2012 Z4 sDrive28i and the
2012 528i.
In the Z4 28i, the N20 motor makes 240 hp at 6500 rpm and 260 lb-ft tq at just 1,250 rpm, with a redline of 7,000 rpm. Compared to the N52 inline 6 that it replaces, the Z4's N20 has 15 less horsepowers but 40lb-ft more torque.
So how does the Z4 28i drive? The first review is in, via
Car and Driver. Some of C/D's more salient words regarding the Z4 28i follow.
Quote:
The transplant has changed the Z4’s character. It’s a little more ill-tempered, a little louder, a bit more likely to spit in public. The engine isn’t rough, but there is a slight coarseness from the engine and the exhaust under stress. The bark is appropriate for a sports car; it makes the Z4 a bit more exciting and alive. There are other thrilling noises, too. Whereas BMW’s other boosted engines keep their turbo whine to a minimum, as if they’re embarrassed by it, step into the boost in the Z4 and the turbocharger whistles proudly.
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Quote:
There’s barely a delay between hitting the throttle and feeling the thrust. Switching into “Sport” mode livens up the throttle response. Those used to the naturally aspirated six-cylinder will not be disappointed. A very brief wait for the boost proves worth it once the 260 pound-feet of shove arrive.
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BMW claims that the new engine brings 0-to-60 acceleration with the manual down by 0.1 second to 5.5, and that the optional eight-speed automatic will better the time of the old six-speed auto by 0.4 second, dropping it to 5.6. We figure both guesses might be a bit optimistic. Expect the sprint to take a couple more tenths with either transmission.
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See Car and Driver's
full rundown
2012 Z4 sDrive28i Specs:
VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2-passenger, 2-door convertible
BASE PRICE: $49,525
ENGINE TYPE: turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 122 cu in, 1997 cc
Power (SAE net): 240 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 260 lb-ft @ 1250 rpm
TRANSMISSIONS: 6-speed manual, 8-speed automatic with manual shifting mode
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 98.3 in
Length: 166.9 in
Width: 70.5 in
Height: 50.8 in
Curb weight: 3250–3300 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST):
Zero to 60 mph: 5.7–5.8 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 14.5–14.6 sec
Top speed: 155 mph
* Z4 photo courtesy of Car and Driver