First Look: 2010 BMW Z4 sDrive35is

Waiting for a new take on the M roadster? You’ll have to make do with the 2010 BMW Z4 sDrive35is. It may not wear that fabled “M” badge, but the new range-topping Z4 model is faster than the last Z4 M models produced.

As indicated by the awkward name, the Z4 SDrive35is makes use of the same twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter I-6 as the Z4 sDrive35i, but BMW’s increased the output to 340 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. An “overboost” button allows the driver to command even more torque -- 369 lb-ft -- at the driver’s whim.

Mated to a modified form of BMW’s seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox or a six-speed manual transmission, the boosted 3.0-liter can slingshot the Z4 sDrive35is from 0-62 mph in 4.8 seconds, making it three-tenths of a second faster than an sDrive35i. In comparison, the last Z4 M coupe and roadster models blasted from 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds.