2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is
Combining classic proportions with modern features, the BMW Z4 Roadster enjoys the top spot in its market segment. Now, the new BMW Z4 sDrive35is distills the Roadster’s performance potential to produce one of BMW’s fastest and best-handling Roadsters ever. The BMW Z4 sDrive35is is making its world debut as a 2011 model at the 2010 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. It arrives at authorized BMW Centers in Spring 2010.
More air, boost, and torque: More BMW performance.
The latest Z4 model is characterized by instantaneous response to the accelerator pedal, fantastic sounds, and a free-revving spirit. The engine features increased air intake flow and increased boost pressure to release more power with the same standard of efficiency. The combination of twin low-mass turbochargers and High Precision direct injection offers an output a naturally-aspirated engine would only be able to provide through more cylinders and larger displacement.
The turbocharger system developed for the engine of the new BMW Z4 sDrive35is maintains a high output throughout the entire engine speed range. Nominal peak torque is increased to 332 lb-ft from 1,500 rpm to 4,500 rpm. Maximum output of 335 hp is delivered at 5,900 rpm.
Overboost function for athletic acceleration.
The enhanced engine management system of the BMW Z4 sDrive35is includes an electronically-controlled overboost function to briefly increase torque under full load by another 37 lb-ft. This temporary torque peak of 369 lb-ft gives the car a significant increase in acceleration. The BMW Z4 sDrive35is will complete the sprint from a standstill to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds (preliminary). Top speed of the BMW Z4 sDrive35is is limited electronically to 250 km/h or 155 mph.
High Precision direct injection and BMW EfficientDynamics.
The BMW Z4 sDrive35is offers outstanding power and performance without an increase in fuel consumption or emissions. Its figures are expected to match those of the BMW Z4 sDrive35i with Double-Clutch Transmission on the EPA test cycle. This balance of performance and fuel efficiency results from the fundamental design and layout of the BMW inline-6, which combines twin turbochargers with High Precision direct injection. The fuel injectors operate at a pressure of up to 200 bar (2900 psi), distributing fuel in a conical spray pattern throughout the combustion chamber. Another advantage of direct fuel injection is its cooling effect which allows higher compression while reducing the possibility of detonation.
Further technologies offered under the BMW EfficientDynamics philosophy include Brake Energy Regeneration, Electric Power Steering, and on-demand operation of engine accessory units.
Signature engine sound to accompany the surge of power.
The exhaust system of the BMW Z4 sDrive35is has been tuned specifically for this model. Acoustic engineering gives the car a very unique sound pattern across the speed range. This tuned sound is the result of special baffles and a unique set of mufflers. The sound is characterized by a deep rumble with a focus on the low frequency sound range.
Enhanced Electric Power Steering.
Electric Power Steering (EPS) on the BMW Z4 sDrive35is features very sporty programming, focused to provide intense and clear steering feedback to the driver. This enables the driver to turn-in with remarkable precision and confidence at all vehicle speeds.
7-speed Double-Clutch Transmission with special programming.
The standard 7-speed Double-Clutch Transmission (DCT) in the BMW Z4 sDrive35is combines the best in driving dynamics and efficiency. A highlight is the dual-mass flywheel, configured for the higher levels of power and performance. The DCT can shift gears without the slightest interruption of power to the rear tires, and offers a choice of automatic or manual gear selection. The programming of the DCT has been tailored to complement the sporty nature of the BMW Z4 sDrive35is at every level.
When shifting gears manually or within the SPORT and SPORT+ modes of the Z4’s standard Driving Dynamics Control, the transmission offers an exciting experience through faster gearshifts and a greater increase in torque before shifting. The DCT also features a Launch Control function for maximum performance when accelerating from a standstill. The DCT is controlled by an electronic gear selector on the center console and comes with gearshift paddles on the steering wheel.
M Sport upgrades to match the new engine’s performance.
The BMW Z4 sDrive35is includes new M Sport upgrades such as M Aerodynamics and adaptive M Suspension. The adaptive M Suspension combines a ride-height reduction of 10 millimeters (almost 0.4”) with electronically controlled shock absorbers (Dynamic Damping Control) to improve the vehicle’s agility without compromising ride comfort. The M Sport upgrades emphasize the Z4’s athletic character through aerodynamically optimized exterior features and customized interior components.
Special 18-inch light-alloy wheels in five-spoke design round off the sporty character of the Z4 sDrive35is. 19-inch light-alloy wheels are available as an option. In addition to its unique wheels, the new model is further distinguished by a striking front bumper with a matte aluminum trim bar in each outer air intake, a rear bumper with accentuated surrounds on the tailpipes, and a rear diffuser finished at top in body color and black textured surface underneath.
M Sport interior enhancements and new Kansas Walnut leather.
Inside the BMW Z4 sDrive35is, the driving experience is enhanced by features such as a new thick-rimmed M leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles, an M driver’s footrest, and sport seats. Grey-faced instrument dials feature the “sDrive35is” model designation. Further features inside the Z4 sDrive35is are the Anthracite-colored BMW Individual roof lining, M door sill strips, floor mats with colored piping and the “sDrive35is” model designation, as well as M interior trim in Aluminum Carbon. The new Aluminum Carbon trim features the recognizable “weave” of natural carbon fiber interpreted on a matte aluminum base.
The range of leather upholstery is being further enhanced by an additional color variant marking the launch of the BMW Z4 sDrive35is: All versions of the Z4 Roadster are now also available in Kansas Walnut leather as an option. The BMW Z4 sDrive35is is available with a choice of six paintwork colors. In addition to Alpine White and the metallic colors Titanium Silver, Black Sapphire, Space Grey, and Deep Sea Blue, the Z4 Roadster is now available for the first time in Melbourne Red metallic. Regardless of the color chosen, the exterior mirror caps on the BMW Z4 sDrive35is are always Oxide Silver.
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Top 10 Little Things That Count
By Joe Bruzek, Cars.com
In the time our editors spend reviewing hundreds of cars a year, we run across features we simply can't live without. The features that make us whine when we don't have them aren't high-end, expensive gadgets but little conveniences that make a high impact on everyday usability and comfort. Here are our 10 favorites:
One-Touch Power Windows
Sure, one-touch up/down windows only save three seconds, but that's three seconds you can use to get out your checking deposit slip at the bank teller's window. And if there's a person you don't want to delay, it's the one who handles your money. The 2010 Toyota Camry has the one-touch up/down feature on all four windows.
USB Input
With a USB input, you can tuck the MP3 player out of the way, let it charge and control your 10,000 songs through the stereo, which is much better than the more common MP3 jack. Bonus points go to stereos that recognize older iPods — some won't — as well as searchable song lists. Interfaces that aren't alphabetically searchable make it agonizing to turn the dial a hundred times to get to your Weird Al Yankovic collection.
Telescoping Steering Wheel
Telescoping steering wheels not only give you more adjustability for finding a comfortable seating position, but they also help keep drivers in a safe position if the airbag deploys. The feature is available in every class of vehicle, so a model that doesn't have a telescoping steering wheel is at a competitive disadvantage.
Backup Camera
Backup cameras make navigating parking lots infinitely easier and can pay for themselves by preventing even one parking lot fender bender. Our favorites have lines on the screen that preview the vehicle's backup path. However, we'd still like to see more backup cameras as a stand-alone option rather than tied to an expensive navigation package.
Steering-Wheel Controls
There's probably nothing you have more interaction with in a car than the steering wheel and stereo, so having controls for both in the same place cuts down on the time your hands are off the wheel. Even better are steering wheels with cruise control buttons -- a separate cruise control stalk almost always gets mistaken for the turn signal at some point.
Trip Computer
A trip computer with mileage readouts can be an easy, no-cost way to improve fuel economy. By looking at the instant mileage, you can tailor your driving habits for the best results. Also included in some trip computers is an outside temperature gauge. Although we can't change the weather by looking at the gauge, it's quantitative proof that the weather forecaster is making stuff up.
Smart Cupholders
Fast-food drinks and jumbo-size coffees are more satisfying when they're not all over your car's carpet. The best cupholders are deep enough to keep cups from tipping over and accommodate different-sized drinks — from small coffees to Super Big Gulp Slurpees — using adjustable feelers and grips.
Heated Seats
This quintessential winter feature makes dealing with subfreezing temperatures as easy as hitting the heated seat button to "on." Heated seats start warming before the car's heat is able to blast at 90 degrees, and they can be fitted on cloth or leather seats.
Height-Adjustable Seats
Seats that adjust vertically are so critical to sitting comfortably that when a car doesn't have more than four-way adjustability, it seems grossly outdated. Six-way adjustable seats should be the bare minimum; anything less should have been left in 1996.
Three Sets of Latch Connectors
Just because a big SUV has three rows of seating doesn't guarantee there will be more than two sets of Latch connectors for child-safety seats. SUVs that have three sets of Latch anchors or more, like the 2010 Honda Pilot, offer more flexibility for larger families.
100% Russian bling: Gold plated Porsche 911 turbo
If you wake up day after day only to find your bank balance replenished by a few million dollars, chances are at some point, you won’t know what to do with it. Take this Porsche 911 owner for example. He couldn’t find ways to get rid of the fast-accumulating green paper and did this to himself.- A 40- pound pure gold covered Porsche 911.
We find the idea annoying but appreciate the work that has gone into it. The carvings and designs on the surface are brilliant and would have taken weeks to complete by an extremely set of talented and skilled individuals. The polished surface looks nice and should have masked the rear-view mirrors entirely, eliminating the need for a reflective glass and related electronics for adjustments, but maybe next time?!
Driving a Porsche 911 on the streets would grab enough attention leave alone a gold-covered one. Is the Sultan of Brunei reading this?
The Chesapeake and Ohio canal went from where to where?
Washington D.C. to Cumberland, Md
Chesapeake Bay to Cincinnati, Ohio
Chesapeake Bay to Cleveland, Ohio
Washington D.C. to Frostburg, Maryland
See answer under Car Doctor.
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Air Pressure - Correct, Underinflated and Overinflated
Advantages of Correct Tire Inflation
Maintaining correct tire inflation pressure helps optimize tire performance and fuel economy. Correct tire inflation pressure allows drivers to experience tire comfort, durability and performance designed to match the needs of their vehicles. Tire deflection (the tread and sidewall flexing where the tread comes into contact with the road) will remain as originally designed and excessive sidewall flexing and tread squirm will be avoided. Heat buildup will be managed and rolling resistance will be appropriate. Proper tire inflation pressure also stabilizes the tire's structure, blending the tire's responsiveness, traction and handling.
Tire pressure must be checked with a quality air gauge as the inflation pressure cannot be accurately estimated through visual inspection.
Disadvantages of Under inflation
An underinflated tire can't maintain its shape and becomes flatter than intended while in contact with the road. If a vehicle's tires are underinflated by only 6 psi it could weaken the tire's internal structure and eventually lead to tire failure. Lower inflation pressures will allow more deflection as the tire rolls. This will build up more internal heat, increase rolling resistance (causing a reduction in fuel economy of up to 5%) and reduce the tire's tread life by as much as 25% while increasing the probability of irregular treadwear. Drivers would also find a noteworthy loss of steering precision and cornering stability. While 6 psi doesn't seem excessively low, it typically represents about 20% of a passenger car tire's recommended pressure.
Disadvantages of Over inflation
An overinflated tire is stiff and unyielding and the size of its footprint in contact with the road is reduced. If a vehicle's tires are overinflated by 6 psi, they could be damaged more easily when encountering potholes or debris in the road, as well as experience irregular tread wear. Higher inflated tires cannot isolate road irregularities as well causing the vehicle to ride harsher and transmit more noise into its interior. However, higher inflation pressures reduce rolling resistance slightly and typically provide a slight improvement in steering response and cornering stability. This is why participants who use street tires in autocrosses, track events and road races run higher than normal inflation pressures.
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Washington D.C. to Cumberland, Md.
The original Chesapeake and Ohio canal was about 175 miles long. It was originally intended to go all the way to Ohio, but never made it.
