After years of speculation, BMW has finally confirmed it is to produce an M-version of its Z4 roadster.
Powered by a 3,246cc six-cylinder engine - the current engine in the M3 - it offers 343bhp and a 0-100km/h time of five seconds. Top speed is limited to 250km/h (155mph). The Z4 M roadster is due to make its debut at the Detroit Motor Show in January.
Its arrival comes as flagging sales, particularly in the US, has forced a rethink at the German marque.
It has now come up with a fully fledged rival to the likes of the Porsche Boxster S. It is also timely due to the launch of Porsche's new Cayman range.
BMW is currently working on a coupe version of the Z4, a concept of which was revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show last month.
It was the star attraction for its eye-catching looks but it will not just be the looks that will win favour with more power-hungry motorists.
It looks increasingly likely that BMW will also build an M-performance version of the coupe.
Sources suggest that the Bavarians are currently testing the coupe prototype with an upgraded version of the 3.2-litre engine from the M3, this time offering 360bhp.
It's unlikely to make it to the initial launch, but with BMW keen to halt flagging sales of its sports car range and wishing to put a dent in Porsche's soaring sales, expect it sooner rather than later.
For now the arrival of the M Roadster coincides with tweaks to the rest of the Z4 range.
The old 2.5i and 3.0i have been replaced with the more powerful 216bhp 2.5-litre and 265bhp 3-litre engines.
The 3-litre unit hits 100km/h in 5.7sec - 0.4sec faster than the current 3-litre unit.