BMW 435i ZHP Coupe Revealed: Limited To 100 Units For The U.S. Market

What you see before you is the new BMW 435i ZHP Coupe Edition that was recently introduced in highly limited numbers for the U.S. market. How limited? Try 100 examples only.

You may or may not be curious what the ZHP in the name stands for. Most commonly, BMWs would adopt the M badging instead. Well, the name refers to the ZHP Performance Package which was created by the BMW Individual division for the E46 3 Series produced from 2003 to 2006.

The 435i ZHP Coupe Edition serves a tribute to this said package and rightfully comes with its own performance upgrades that sees changes made to the car’s chassis, aerodynamic, cabin and powertrain components.

Firstly, the powertrain benefits from a BMW M Performance Engine Kit along with a Performance Exhaust. The former sees the engine undergo a retuning of its software and introduces a new engine air intake system. We suspect the M Performance engine cover and rocker panel decals might add towards the power gain as well but BMW say are purely there for visual distinction.

A lighter exhaust system made of stainless-steel sheds 4kg of weight while reducing backpressure. BMW have also enhanced the exhaust “burble” sound during engine overruns to ensure an “optimized engine and exhaust system sound”. Lovely.

All this adds up to a 35hp gain bringing the final total up to 335hp. Depending on your transmission choice, you can either have 450Nm of torque if an automatic suits your fancy or 430Nm should you decide to change your own gears. The gains result in an on-road performance that is significantly better than the standard 435i with 0-100km/h time which is two seconds quicker than the normal car.

The 435i ZHP receives a Track Handling Package which comes with 18-inch Orbit Grey V-spoke wheels and M Sport Brakes – four piston fixed front and two piston fixed rear callipers. The handling pack also tags on Adaptive M Suspension with variable damper technology and Variable Sport Steering.

BMW also saw fit to install its M Performance Limited Slip Differential which utilises 3 clutch plates for a total of 30% lockup on acceleration and 9% lockup on deceleration providing power to the wheel that has the greatest amount of grip to gain better traction out of tight corners.

On the outside, aerodynamic enhancements from the M Performance Aerodynamics Package tags on a front splitter and spoiler made from carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP). A rear diffuser and black kidney grilles complete the look. Add to this the M Sport Package comprising of the Aluminium Hexagon Trim with a black high-gloss accent and an M Sport steering wheel rounds off the looks.