2019 BMW Z4 M40i Laps Nurburgring in 7:55 for Sport Auto Test

Sure, we've seen the second-generation Z4 flying on the Green Hell on multiple occasions, but that was before the official release of the machine. Then again, the adventure we have here isn't an official one, since the hot lap comes from Sport Auto.

The German magazine is an authority when it comes to Ring numbers, being responsible for multiple chronograph values that define the Ring lap time chart. Nevertheless, we have to keep in mind that the resulting lap times are usually inferior to those that come from carmakers, since the later involve racing drivers and dedicated track sessions.

Returning to the Z4 stunt we have here, the M40i range-topping incarnation of the machine managed to lap the Nordschleife in 7:55.4, with Christian Gebhardt behind the wheel.

This places the new Z4 in the same league as the F10 M5 (think: 7:55) or the BMW M4 (nevertheless, the 430 hp M4 played the game in 7:52), with the lap times for the M cars also coming from Sport Auto, albeit involving editor Horst von Saurma.

All this M Division talk means we need to remind you that the German automotive producer has mentioned that an all-out M version of the new Z4 isn't likely, which means the 340 hp model we have here is the quickest model.

Of course, this Ring action makes us wonder about the circuit abilities of the upcoming Mk V Toyota Supra. As most of you know, the Japanese machine is the coupe sibling of the 2019 Z4, with the fixed-roof model set to land by the end of the year. Meanwhile, you can check out the Z4 M40i doing its thing in the clip below.