Yummy! BMW Z4 M40i Pure Impulse Edition has manual transmission!
New premium version BMW Z4
The current, third generation of the BMW Z4 has been the leader in the premium roadster segment since its introduction, and its market share has steadily increased. The main markets are Germany, followed by the United States, China, Great Britain and Japan. The new Pure Impulse Edition should further increase the roadster’s popularity. Until now, almost half of German buyers chose the top version of the BMW Z4, that is, the M40i. The BMW M model recently accounted for more than 30% of the BMW Z4’s global sales volume.
6 cylinder in-line and a 6-speed manual transmission
With a 6-cylinder in-line gasoline engine and a 6-speed manual transmission, the new BMW Z4 M40i is unique in its segment – this configuration is also special in BMW’s range. The only other models with such a powertrain are high performance sports cars from BMW M GmbH. Now we are adding the BMW Z4 M40i Pure Impulse – a model from BMW M Performance. The 3.0-liter engine in the BMW Z4 M40i has a maximum torque of 500 Nm between 1,600 and 4,500 rpm. Maximum power of 250 kW (340 hp) is available between 5,000 and 6,500 rpm.
The manual transmission for the BMW Z4 M40i Pure Impulse Edition
In this particular version, a 6-speed manual transmission developed specifically for the BMW Z4 M40i directs power to the rear wheels. It is a modular transmission built from BMW M-specific components; the gear set and axles are adapted to the power output of the 6-cylinder in-line engine. The external shift mechanism, consisting of the shift lever, guide and clutch to the transmission, was also developed specifically for the Pure Impulse Edition of the BMW Z4 M40i and offers the unparalleled shift feel for which BMW models are known. The direct power transfer from the engine to the transmission combined with the emotive unity of driver and transmission strengthens the emotional bond between driver and car. Precisely defined shift paths allow the driver to shift gears quickly and intuitively.
Performance figures
With the 6-speed manual transmission, the BMW Z4 M40i accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds; with the 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, it is 4.5 seconds. Although the Steptronic Sport selects the gears automatically by default, the driver can also shift manually with shift paddles behind the steering wheel.
Standard equipment
The standard equipment of the BMW Z4 M40i includes Variable Sport Steering, M Sport brake system and an M Sport differential, along with an adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers, whose software has been extra refined for the Pure Impulse Edition. The exclusive suspension technology in the Pure Impulse includes customized front and rear auxiliary springs. A specially reinforced stabilizer bar clamp was also fitted up front, while the mapping for the electronic control of the rear dampers and the software for the Variable Sport Steering were modified. For even sharper handling – which purists will appreciate – the development team has also equipped the traction control and M Sport differential with specific control logic.
This is also new for model year 2024
Another new feature of the chassis relates to the wheels, as BMW will mount front and rear wheels of different sizes on the BMW Z4 starting with the 2024 model year. The new M alloy wheels in Double-spoke styling, finished in high-gloss black, are 19 inches in diameter at the front and 20 inches at the rear. This combination – previously reserved for BMW M GmbH’s high-performance models – especially when combined with rear-wheel drive, not only allows optimal transfer of drive power to the road, but is also very effective for lateral control in fast cornering.
Pure Impulse Edition: the external features
In addition to the 6-speed manual transmission, modified suspension tuning and the combination of 19- and 20-inch M alloy wheels, the Pure Impulse Edition also adds specific design details to the exterior of the BMW Z4 M40i. These give the roadster a sharper appearance that underscores the car’s more sports-oriented character, while also complementing the familiar M exterior features for optimal airflow and aerodynamic balance. These include the extensive M high-gloss Shadowline trim – which also includes the exclusive emblems on the front side panels and on the rear of the car – as well as the exterior mirror caps in high-gloss black, the specially developed guidance of airflow around the rear wheel wells and the red brake calipers of the M Sport brake system.
There are also new body colors for the Pure Impulse Edition. Frozen Deep Green metallic is a new color for Europe, while specimens for the North American market are available in San Remo Grün metallic. The Frozen Deep Green metallic color is reserved for the Pure Impulse Edition, which is, after all, the top version of the roadster. The San Remo Grün metallic color is also available for the BMW Z4 sDrive20i and the BMW Z4 sDrive30i.
Interior
The interior of the BMW Z4 is designed for unlimited driving pleasure with a modern and refined sports car feel. The driver-oriented cockpit and model-specific sport seats with integrated headrest support this goal. The interior combines clean lines facing forward.
The Pure Impulse Edition also includes M-specific design details in the interior, complemented by other exclusive elements. For example, the driver operates the 6-speed manual transmission via the M gear lever with model-specific socket. The Vernasca leather upholstery in Cognac with black M piping – also exclusive to the BMW Z4 M40i Pure Impulse – exudes a mix of high-quality elegance and sporty flair. The upholstery is finished with interior moldings in high-gloss black.
Production starts in March 2024
The BMW Z4 M40i Pure lmpulse will go into production in March 2024 and will be produced by Magna Steyr Fahrzeugtechnik, production partner of BMW Group and based in the Austrian city of Graz.
