BMW has announced details of a limited edition version of its 2006 world touring car, the new 320i saloon.

Designed to comply with FIA homologation regulations, only 500 BMW 320si’s will be built for the UK out of 2,600 cars worldwide.

All of them feature a hand-built four-cylinder engine made at BMW’s engine plant at Hams Hall, near Coventry. The 173bhp 2.0-litre unit reaches 0-62mph in 8.1 seconds and has a top speed of 140mph.

BMW said the car delivers 31.7mpg on the combined cycle and meets to Euro IV emissions regulations, despite its racing pedigree.

The limited production run of the BMW 320si starts in March and ends in September, with first customer deliveries expected in April.

Retail pricing for the car is still to be confirmed, but expected to be about £24,975.

The BMW WTCC car and the 320si saloon