BMW is whetting the appetite for its new Z4 roadster by showing off a First Edition model some six months before the car goes on sale.

The Z4 M40i First Edition has a 340hp, straight six-cylinder engine and a sports suspension with electronically controlled dampers, M Sport braking system and an electronically controlled M Sport differential in the rear axle transmission and has a 0 to 60 acceleration time of 4,6 seconds.

Based on the BMW Concept Z4 presented at Concours d'Elegance 2017 in Pebble Beach, Calfiornia, the new edition of the roadster was shown at this year's event in Monterey.

The new model features a mesh design for the front grille, a fresh design for the headlamps and large air vents ahead of the front wheels as well as a boot mounted rear spoiler.

The show model was finished off in a Frozen Orange metallic paint job and the car has an electrically operated fabric hood. It sits on 19-inch alloys.

Inside, the car has black leather upholstery, a Harman Kardon surround sound hi-fi and also features a head-up display - the first time such technology has appeared on a BMW roadster - as well as a new-look instrument panel and display screen.

BMW says further details of the new Z4 range will be announced in September with the car having its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show in October ahead of its launch in spring next year.