The introduction of a six-speed manual transmission to the Toyota GR Supra set the stage for its BMW counterpart, the Z4 M40i, to follow suit. In a move celebrated by enthusiasts, BMW has unveiled the 2024 Z4 M40i with a manual transmission option for the United States, signaling a return to a more engaging and hands-on driving experience.
Beyond the inclusion of the manual gearbox, the Z4 M40i undergoes several noteworthy enhancements. The car features a staggered wheel setup, with 19-inch wheels up front and larger 20-inch wheels at the rear. The rear wheels are connected to the torque-vectoring active differential used in the BMW M240i coupe, which will enhance performance and handling. Stiffer front anti-roll bars hope to contribute to improved turn-in characteristics, while the steering has been recalibrated to provide more feedback to the driver. The adaptive dampers have also been tweaked for better differentiation between Comfort and Sport settings.
Under the hood, the six-speed manual is paired exclusively with the M40i’s 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six engine, producing 328 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. While the official acceleration time from 0 to 60 mph is yet to be disclosed, it is expected to be slightly slower than the M40i with the standard eight-speed automatic transmission, which accomplishes the sprint in 3.9 seconds.
The driving experience of the manual Z4 M40i is described as familiar and welcoming, especially for those accustomed to manual BMWs. Of course, there will be some minor differences as we expect in the overall feel of the manual driving experience when compared to the new Toyota Supra manual.
Comparisons with the GR Supra’s manual are inevitable, as both cars share a common source for their manual transmissions but are individually tuned by their respective manufacturers. We will hopefully get our hands on the new BMW Z4 with a manual transmission one day soon. Until then, we’re happy to see the manual transmission’s life be extended for vehicles like the new Z4.
