Alpina turns heat up on Z4

With no ‘M’-powered Z4 on the horizon, Alpina has created its own Boxster S-baiting version of BMW’s soft-top, called the Roadster S. Fitted with the hand-built 3.4-litre straight-six from the B3 S and an uprated six-speed gearbox, the Alpina pumps out 300bhp and 266lb ft – enough to propel it to 60mph in 5.1sec and on to 169mph.

Front and rear spoilers, uprated springs and dampers, and 18in wheels are included in the £38,900 on-the-road price, but Alpina expects most buyers to opt for the Lux pack. This adds £5500-worth of kit – including leather, sat-nav, xenon lights and 19-inch rims – for £3950.