The BMW Z4 roadster is now available with a manual gearbox in the UK, with the addition of the new Handschalter Package.
Available only on the range-topping Z4 M40i, the optional package adds a six-speed manual gearbox, a bespoke chassis set-up and unique colour combinations for a total price of £60,675.
BMW said certain components of the manual "incorporate M-specific components", including the shift lever's guide and connection to the transmission itself.
These are likely shared with the BMW M2 coupé, previously the only M car to be offered with a clutch pedal in the UK.
Meanwhile, reconfigured springs and dampers at the front and rear and adjusted steering mapping are said to give sharper handling "that will be appreciated by driving purists".
The car also gets 19in alloys at the front and 20in rims at the rear, while its differential and traction control system have been tweaked in a bid to improve roadholding under high power loads.
That performance comes from BMW's B58 turbocharged 3.0-litre straight six, which produces 335bhp and 369lb ft of torque.
The manual Z4 promises a 0-62mph time of 4.6sec – 0.1sec slower than the automatic car.
The package also adds its own colour scheme, including matt green paint, black trim pieces on the door mirrors and front bumpers and a brown leather interior with black trim pieces.
This is the first time BMW has put a clutch pedal in the UK-spec Z4 since it was launched here in 2019. It's indended to give the roadster a unique selling point over rivals such as the Audi TT and Jaguar F-Type, which are available with only an automatic gearbox.
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One of BMW's better styling efforts and quite desirable with the manual box, which should've been an option from the beginning. Just a shame that two seater convertibles hardly sell any more....unless we're talking really high end sports/supercars.