THE star of the Paris Motor Show next week will undoubtedly be the new BMW Z4 when it makes its world debut.

The all-new roadster replaces the extremely successful Z3 model which sold more than 21,800 units since it went on sale in the UK in January 1997 and more than 300,000 world-wide.

The new Z4 will be on sale in the UK in the summer of 2003.

Characterised by sculpt-ed lines and edges, soft rounded corners and deep body recesses, the Z4 retains all the attributes typical of a classic roadster a long, sleek and elon-gated bonnet, snug cockpit and short muscular rear end.

The cleanly-styled cabin gives a clear sense of pur-pose and includes optional features such as satellite navigation which is housed in the top of the dashboard and pops up when required.

In this way it does not interrupt the clean lines of the interior.

The new Z4 will initially be launched with two six-cylinder models the 2.5i and the top of the range 3.0i.

The 2.5i develops a maxi-mum output of 192 bhp at 6,000 rpm and the 3.0i 231 bhp at 5,900 rpm.

Acceleration from 0-62 mph is reached in 7.0 seconds in the 2.5i and 5.9 seconds in the 3.0i. Top speeds are 146mph and 155 mph respectively.

Z4s are fitted with a Sports Sequential Gearbox or with fully automatic transmission.

The car is fitted with a number of innovations that position it as the technological leader in its class.

Electronic power steering, runflat tyres, H7 high beam headlights and a fully electric roof with a scratch-proof rear window are all standard, plus the option of three trans-missions (auto, manual or sequential manual) to ensure that the new Z4 is tailored to meet the needs of even the most demand-ing drivers.