2012 BMW Z4

BMW is using its Z4 roadster to showcase its new 4-cylinder engine. A model so equipped made its debut at the 2011 New York Auto Show.

The 2012 BMW Z4 sDrive28i marks the return of a 4-cylinder engine to the U.S. market in more than a decade. It’s a far cry from the one that powered BMW’s 318ti hatchback in the 1990s. Z4 uses a 240-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged unit. It’s the same output as BMW’s normally aspirated 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine. Gasoline direct injection contributes to additional power while decreasing fuel consumption. The engine pairs with BMW’s 8-speed automatic transmission. BMW estimates a fuel-economy gain of about 20 percent versus the 6-cylinder/6-speed automatic Z4.

BMW was mum on other details of the 2012 Z4 lineup, but aside from the new engine, we expect it to be fairly standard fare. Safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and side airbags that provide head and torso protection. A power-retractable hardtop should remain standard and a navigation system optional. Other optional features for the sDrive28i likely will include leather upholstery, heated seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a trunk pass-through.

No pricing or availability was announced, but we would expect the 2012 BMW Z4 sDrive28i to start at around the $46,000 mark, the same base price as the 2011 Z4 sDrive30i, which has a 6-cylinder engine.

CG Says:

BMW knew they couldn’t keep offering only 6-cylinder engines in the U.S. market forever. Turbocharging and adding direct injection to 4-cylinder engines is a sensible way to maintain power while decreasing fuel consumption. Many other manufacturers get it, and it’s good to see BMW following suit.

For more inside information on hundreds of new cars of today and tomorrow, check out:

• 2011 New York Auto Show Home Page
• 2011 Auto Shows: We've got all the news and pictures from the year's biggest auto shows. 
• 2011 Consumer Guide Best Buy and Recommended Award Winners: Check out which cars and trucks made the cut this year. 
• Future Cars: Step into the automotive showroom of tomorrow with analysis, pictures, and prices of vehicles that will be on sale next year and beyond.