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      08-19-2011, 01:37 PM   #1
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Arrow 2012 Z4 sDrive28i with N20 Review by Autoblog

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2012 Z4 sDrive28i with N20 Review by Autoblog
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Autoblog comes in with their first drive reaction to the 2012 Z4 sDrive28i, the first late model BMW to bring the 4-cylinder motor back to the US market. The N20 motor makes 240 hp / 260 lb-ft tq in the Z4, with a 7,000 rpm redline. Compared to the N52 inline 6 that it replaces, the Z4's N20 has 15 less horsepowers but 40lb-ft more torque.

The N20 will also be making its debut in the 5-series line in the Fall with the 2012 528i, and in the 3-series with the all new F30 3-series sedan which will be unveiled this Fall.

So what does Autoblog think of the Z4 sDrive28i and the N20?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Autoblog

The mounting points used to fit the outgoing six-cylinder and the current turbocharged 3.0-liter are the same that hold this TwinPower turbo four in place. The byproduct is an impressive weight balance of 47.3/52.7 front-to-rear, an improvement – depending on your perspective – from the 47.9/52.1 of the six-cylinder model.

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Quote:
Originally Posted by Autoblog

There's a hint of turbo lag below 2,000 rpm when you're lining up for a pass, but as soon as the single, twin-scroll turbo starts huffing and puffing, the Z4 accelerates more authoritatively than the six. Driving the old and new models back-to-back, we also noticed slightly less dive and squat from the mildly reworked suspension (BMW isn't saying what's been done, aside from tweaking the springs and shocks for the new weight balance), but that's probably more a product of the box-fresh four-cylinder compared to the slightly abused previous generation tester.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Autoblog

BMW isn't giving up fuel economy estimates just yet. With the (surprisingly abrupt) start-stop system fitted to the Z4 sDrive28i, BMW claims that fuel efficiency is up by 20 percent over the six-cylinder in the EU test cycle, but that could go either up or down when the EPA estimates arrive later this year. Figuring the outgoing model managed 18/28 mpg city/highway, it's safe to assume the four-cylinder should ring in around 22 mpg in the city and 33 on the highway.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Autoblog

More importantly, the character of the Z4 is completely unaffected by the new engine. The six's sonorous tones have been replaced with a hint of turbo whistle and a thrum from the exhaust, but the overall experience remains surprisingly unchanged. Grunt is up, fuel consumption is down and top-down cruising is just as good as it ever was. The replacement for displacement is here, and if it's executed this well, we'll gladly give up a liter or two for the privilege.


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VITALS:

Engine: 2.0L I4
Power: 240 HP / 260 LB-FT
Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
0-60 Time: 5.5 Seconds
Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel Drive
Curb Weight: 3,252 LBS
Seating: 2
MPG: NA
MSRP: $48,650

Full review and photo set at Autoblog.


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