Early this morning, BMW released details of the much anticipated new Z4. With the slogan 'An Expression Of Joy' you could be forgiven for being sceptical, but after a look over the images released by BMW all becomes clear.

The new design merges the old Z4 Roadster and Z4 Coupe with it's retractable hardtop. The sharp creases of the old Z4 have been replaced with more subtle lines, but the impact is still there. At launch, BMW will offer three models, a 2.3L, a 3.0L and a 3.5L. All engines in the range will be a straight six configuration with the 3.5L version kicking out 306 HP. Most of the released images show the Z4 in Orion Silver, however, the wallpapers on the BMW website show the Z4 in the much nicer Deep Sea Blue.

With the entry level model starting at around £28,600 OTR, the new Z4 offers a lot of poke for your pound. The 3.0L and 3.5L versions should give the Porsche Boxsters and Caymans a run for their money in both cost and performance and the aggressive styling should leave them cowering in their Pirelli's.

We will have to wait until next year to find out how it drives, but if it is half as good as it looks, we are in for a treat. If you want a preview of the Z4 before it hits your showrooms, BMW will be unveiling it at the Detroit Motorshow next month.

(Images To Follow)