2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is To Debut at 2010 Detroit Auto Show

2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is Picture

BMW will top off the Z4 lineup with a new performance model called the sDrive35is.

BMW will publicly unveil the new 2011 Z4 sDrive35is roadster in early January at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. The range-topping Z4 sDrive35is features a new M Sports package that also will be offered on other Z4 variants when the Z4 sDrive35is reaches U.S. dealers in spring 2010.

The Z4 sDrive35is gets an even hotter version of the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder that powers the current Z4 sDrive35i. BMW has hiked boost pressure and air intake flow, resulting in an increase in output from 300 to 335 horsepower and an increase in torque from 300 to 332 pound-feet. An overboost function enables the engine to deliver brief bursts of up to 369 lb-ft.

The engine is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. BMW says the Z4 sDrive35is can gallop from zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, with acceleration from rest facilitated by a Launch Control function. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.

As part of the Z4 sDrive35is upgrades, BMW has reprogrammed the electric power steering to provide more driver feedback and has fitted 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels (19-inch wheels and tires are optional).

The Z4 sDrive35is receives new M Sport upgrades as well, including adaptive suspension with electronic dynamic damping control and ride height reduced by 0.4 inch.

Other M Sport features include a thick-rimmed leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles, sport seats, gray-face instrument dials, piped floor mats, driver's footrest, doorsill strips and matte aluminum/carbon accents.

2011 BMW 740i and 740Li

We’re accustomed to seeing eight- and twelve-cylinder engines nestled beneath the hood of a BMW 7-series, but it’s been a long time -- nearly a decade, in fact -- since we’ve seen BMW’s flagship powered by a six-cylinder.

For 2011, however, such a model returns. Both the new 740i and long-wheelbase 740Li make use of BMW’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter I-6, found in the likes of the 335i. Power is boosted slightly to 315 hp at 5800 rpm, and 330 lb ft of torque from 1600 through 4500 rpm. As no X-drive model is in the cards, power is routed to the rear wheels via a ZF-sourced six-speed automatic transmission.

Apart from the powertrain, there’s hardly a difference between the 740i and its V-8 and V-12 siblings. All options available on the 750 and 760 (including the M Sport package and upgraded rear seats) are available on the 740i and 740Li.

BMW has yet to announce pricing for either the 740i or 740Li, but we’d expect a short-wheelbase car to sticker just underneath the 750i’s base price of $82,280. Look for both the 2011 740i and 740Li to arrive in U.S. dealers in the spring of 2010.

BMW 7 Series High Security

BMW 7 Series High Security, 2006

The E65/E66 automobile platform is the basis for the 2002 through present BMW 7-series.
It replaced the BMW E38 in 2002. E65 is the designation of the short wheel base version of the automobile, and E66 is the designation of the long wheel base version.

The arrival of this model heralded a new styling era for BMW, the work of chief designer Chris Bangle, with bold visual cues that did not premier on the scene without noted controversy from E38 community. The E65/E66 seems to be gaining favor after its colorful arrival, and it appears to be the gatekeeper for styling cues of future BMW models yet to come. The "Bangle-butt" rear styling has been especially controversial, and was toned down in a 2005 restyling.

The most important innovation contained in the 7 is also the most controversial one: the iDrive system. While able to manage a lot of functions on board telematics, including GPS navigation, Internet access and the new BMW Assist system (for emergencies), as well as climate and stereo functions -- iDrive has a steep learning curve. Basic adjustments can be made rather easily.