Spyshots usually provide a very rough idea of what an automaker is up to. The psychedelic camo test cars normally wear make it terribly hard for onlookers to figure out the details of prototypes before they are launched. Every once in a while though, our luck turns around and we catch a break, as it happened this week with a BMW Z4 test car.
A few spy shots are currently circling online showing a prototype with a piece of paper glued to the passenger side dash, telling us almost everything about it. According to the test sheet, we’re looking at what will probably be the entry-level model in the Z4 range – the sDrive20i.
The badge suggests that the power is going solely to the rear wheels using a 2-liter four-cylinder engine under the hood – codename “B48B20O1”. What that tells us is that this is actually a downtuned version of the B48 mill otherwise used on 30i models with 252 PS.
Speaking of power, that’s also no longer a secret, as the figure for the sDrive20i seems to be listed as 145 kW which translates into 197 PS or 195 HP. The torque figure is rather high as well at 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) and that’s just good news overall. However, what’s not listed but can also be seen in the photos, and is definitely the biggest news here is the manual gearshift knob, confirming once and for all that some Z4s will be available with a manual gearbox. Enthusiasts rejoice!
One final detail that caught our eye is the expected start of production listed as November 2018, which means we’ll get to see the Z4 next year before arriving in dealerships towards the end of 2018. As to whether the specs of the production car will be the same as the ones of this prototype remains to be seen, but we certainly hope so.
[Source: Motor1]
Almost 200hp with that amount of torque and a manual box can be a lot of fun if this is around 1300kg, really liking the sound of it.
And that’s before people start tuning them, so even the base models have some real good potential.
What’s even more encouraging is that apparently a de-tuned B48 engine will be used instead of an upgraded B46 unit. That means tuners will have a field day with these new cars, probably being able to put together great tuning options for us.
How did you get at November 18, 2017 for production date? Could 11/18 mean November 2018?
You’re right. As it shows in the spyshots, the SOP is 11/18 (November 2018) and I have no idea how November 18, 2017 got in the story. Honest mistake/typo. Fixed now, thank you!
Thanks … frankly, would have preferred November 2017 and was hoping that maybe you had another source!!! Anyway, hope the other models will be available in Spring 2017 (and not Spring 2018) …
November 2018? So long to wait
Hopefully they will have it available for all models, especially for the 6 cylinder :O
The Supra will have a manual. CONFIRMED.