Clearly based on the Zagato Coupé which debuted at the Villa d’Este Concorso d’Eleganza in May, the mysteriously dark teaser image depicts a roadster with muscular haunches that just about catch the light. The open-topped car’s purposeful stance is reminiscent of the coupé concept, which was designed by the in-house BMW team led by Adrian van Hooydonk, in partnership with the Zagato design chief Norihiko Harada in Italy, and showcased the trademark Zagato double-bubble roof and distinctive Kamm tail.

But no sooner had the coupé been revealed at Villa d’Este than pundits were commenting on what a stunning roadster it would make. And, just a few short months later, that’s exactly what we seem to have.

Photos: BMW