BMW Zagato Roadster (2012) first official pictures

Hot on the heels of the BMW Zagato Coupe concept seen in May 2012, Zagato has done the honourable thing as it's summer time, and stripped the car of its double-bubble roof. Welcome, the BMW Zagato Roadster.

It's essentially identical to its controversial coupe sister, but with added Vitamin D potential.

The Roadster gets all the same trinkets and details seen on the Z4 Zagato Coupe, like the Z-framed grille, 'Z' logos stitched onto the seats, and Ferrari F12 Berlinetta-alike five-spoke alloy wheels. The Kamm tail has been adjusted now there's no longer a swooping roofline to accommodate, instead finishing with an upturned lip on the rear deck.

Meanwhile, the roll bars are said to have been inspired by an aircraft wing structure. The rear deck section that covers the folded soft-top roof also hints at the classic Zagato double-bubble shape.

Even if you're a fan of the challenging styling, it's for your eyes only. Like the Zagato Coupe, this is merely intended to be a one-off styling exercise to show off the talents of Zagato and how the Milanese styling house can reinterpret modern sports cars.

If you want to see it for yourself, you'll have to get yourself over to the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance sharpish, as the high-profile event will mark the car's only scheduled public appearance.

By Ollie Kew