Starting from this fall, the Z4 roadster will no longer be available in the States with BMW‘s venerable 3.0-liter normally aspirated straight-six. Instead, the Bavarian company will replace the sDrive30i with the sDrive28i that features the new N20 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a twin-scroll turbocharger.
Just for the record, the Z4 sDrive35i and sDrive35is with 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engines will continue.
With 240 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque at just 1,250 rpm, the N20 four-pot is less powerful but has more torque than the normally aspirated inline-six it replaces and which is rated at 255HP at 6,600 rpm and 220 lb-ft at 2,600 rpm.
And while we don’t have any reasons to doubt BMW’s claims that the N20 is more responsive, lighter and fuel efficient than the classic straight-six, we’re sure going to miss the German firm’s trademark engine.
Take a look at the video of the new Z4 sDrive28i with the N20 unit below.
VIDEO