The as yet unnamed machine runs at 180ppm, which is almost twice as fast as Xerox's previous highest speed of 92ppm.

New 128ppm and 155ppm models are also available in the new series, which will be rolled out towards the end of 2004 and start of 2005. Only basic specifications are available at this stage but the machine incorporates technology from Xerox's flagship DocuTech line for mono imaging and its top-of-the-range colour machine, iGen3, for highlight colour printing.

The machine prints two images in sequence, mono first then colour, in a single pass, which gives full rated speed that Xerox claims to be three times faster than competitors' machines that use two passes.

Red and blue toners will be available first followed later by a green. The colour toners are said to be only fractionally more expensive than mono toners enabling a price per copy at 180ppm of "less than a penny".

"It's the fastest highlight colour on the market with similar running costs to black and white," said vice president product marketing for production systems, Jerry Murray.

Resolution for mono is 2,400x600dpi while colour is 600x600dpi and list price will range from 180,000-265,000 ($320,000-$472,000).

Xerox formally recognised its iGen3 power users at an awards ceremony at the Chicago show. More than 30 customers were acknowledged for achieving a volume of 1m-plus impressions per month. A handful of customers, including the UK's DSI Talisman, received awards for achieving more than 2m impressions per month.

Story by Lauretta Roberts in Chicago