Here's the bad news performance car fans - there will be no M version of the new BMW Z4.

However, we can reveal the firm is planning a M Sport package just like that on the 135i which will include a body kit, large alloy wheels, tuned suspension and an M-branded steering wheel.

There is also talk that on the Z4 the upgrade could include an ECU remap to increase the out put of the range-topping car's 3.0-litre twin-turbo by an extra 20hp taking the total to 326hp.

A BMW spokesman told us: "Given the current economic crisis there is no business case for a full-on M version of the Z4." He added that cars like M versions of the X5 and X6 were signed off before the bottom fell out of the car market.