BMW is pleased to announce the arrival of the Z4 2.0i Roadster, a new entry-level model for the two-seater, open top sports car. Powered by a 150bhp engine, the new car is the first Z4 to be fitted with the lightweight four-cylinder powerplant built at Hams Hall, Warwickshire, UK. The 1,995cc unit propels the Z4 from zero to 62mph in 8.2 seconds before going on to a top speed of 136mph. Torque is 200Nm at 3,600rpm.

Due on sale in the UK in May, the car’s commendable performance is due in part to the use of VANOS and VALVETRONIC technology. VANOS decides when an engine’s valves are opened while VALVETRONIC determines by how much they open. The net result is improved engine performance in terms of power, economy and responsiveness.

Standard equipment on the Z4 2.0i will include 16-inch alloy wheels, Dynamic Stability Control and Automatic Air-conditioning. An SE version will add a fully automatic roof, front foglights, heated door mirrors and windscreen washer jets, and on-board computer.

The introduction of the Z4 2.0i Roadster brings the number of engine options in the model range to four and the number of BMW models powered by UK-built four-cylinder petrol engines to three (1 Series, 3 Series and Z4). Three six-cylinder engines with capacities of 2.2-litres, 2.5-litres and 3.0-litres complete the Z4 range with the new model making its first public appearance at the Geneva Motor Show on 1 March. Prices will be announced at a later date.

Text/Photos: BMW