The BMW Z4 has been in the news for as long as we can remember. Last week, the car was finally launched, and it took the automotive world by storm. The flagship product from the German automaker was the talk of the town for its looks, the Toyota-BMW collaboration, the launch event, and literally everything surrounding it. However, what caught our attention was the discrepancy in the American and European engine specifications. But before we get to that, let’s get to know the new Z4.
It’s Finally Here
In this video, Shmee150 shows us the Z4 M40i in Frozen Grey color. The video is recorded in a BMW-owned studio in Munich. It essentially retains its classy looks, albeit looking more modern when compared to the previous Z4. The car gets a soft convertible rooftop this time, thus saving 50 kilos. The interior gets dual tone colors and a new dual-display speedometer. At the end of the video, we can hear the Z4 roar in all its glory as well! That’s soothing.
Heart Of The Matter
Now, here’s the catch - The European press release claimed a 4.6 second 0-100 kph time, whereas the Americans quoted 4.4 seconds to 60 mph. Was it an innocent mistake? We don’t expect a major automaker committing such blunders. Also, the U.S. press release did not reveal the actual horsepower number.
So, clearing the air on this, Shmee says that the U.S.-spec Z4 could get 382 ponies under the hood – which is a cool 42 horses more than the Euro-spec Z4; or statistically speaking, almost 12% more! In the video, we find out that the WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure) could be the reason for European Z4’s lesser power figure. The deletion of a filter used to pass WLTP rules means that Euro car gets 42 fewer horses.
A YouTube video cannot be trusted completely; but given that this video was shot in a BMW-owned studio, you never know. All we can do is wait till the actual specs are revealed (or, leaked!). Share your thoughts on this in the comments section below.
Further Reading
Read our review on the 2019 BMW Z4.
Read our full review of the 2017 BMW Concept Z4.
Read our driven review on the current BMW Z4.
Read more Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance news.
Read more BMW news.