BMW news - Race-ready BMWs revealed - 2006

BMW is going all Bertie Wooster on us with a pair of cars for the 'gentleman racer'.

The 120d and Z4 M Coupe racers are specially prepared by BMW Motorsport and are on sale to anyone who fancies a crack at racing.

The 120d has had its 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine uprated to 245bhp and 342lb ft of torque, which was enough for it to win its class and come ninth overall in January's Dubai 24 Hours race.

Other changes to the 120d include lowered and stiffened suspension, larger brakes, lightweight alloys and an improved aerodynamic package.

The 120d is not BMW's first diesel racer. A 320d driven by Brit Steve Soper won the 1998 Nürburgring 24 Hours.

The Z4 M Coupe racer also follows a tradition set by the Z3 M Coupe of tackling endurance events.

Using experience gained from the M3 GTR racing cars, the Z4 M Coupe has full race suspension, brakes and aerodynamics.

The 3.2-litre straight-six engine is pushed to 400bhp, driving through a six-speed manual gearbox.

If you're a gentleman racer with £66,500 plus the cost of the base car, you can go racing in a factory prepped 120d.

Alternatively, you can go the whole hog and blow £175,000 plus the cost of the car on a Z4 M Coupe racer.