BMW has released pictures (below) of its shark-like Z4, which goes on sale in the UK in summer 2003. The Z4, which will replace the much less aggressive-looking Z3, has two six cylinder engines on offer: a 3.0-litre 231bhp and a 2.5-litre, 192bhp unit.

The car will come with a new six-speed manual gearbox, although the SSG sequential transmission available on the M3 will also be an option. The roof will be fully automatic and it will be equipped with DSC III and Dynamic Drive Control, which beefs up acceleration, throttle response and steering when needed, and is not to be confused with Dynamic Drive on the 7-series, which deals with body roll.

Inside, the cockpit appears to borrow from the futurism of the 7-series, with retro cues like the steering wheel taken from the Z8. Prices have not been announced, but expect a price leap over the Z3, which means £30,000-plus for 3.0-litre version.

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