Gripenfelter
07-11-2003, 08:18 AM
BMW’s big coupe is back. Almost four years after BMW dumped the 8 Series from its line, BMW will replace it with a lighter and more powerful second-generation 6 Series. Set for a Frankfurt motor show debut in September, it goes on sale in the United States next April.
http://www.autoweek.com/images_content/2003_07/0714n-bmw6c.jpg
http://www.autoweek.com/weekart/2003/0714/6series4001.jpg
The convertible 6 Series, fitted with a traditional cloth roof and glass rear window, debuts at Detroit’s January show. It should also reach U.S. dealers in April 2004 with a $5,000 premium over the coupe.
The new 6 Series uses advanced materials to reduce weight. The front chassis, hood and doors are aluminum; the front fenders and trunk lid are thermoplastic. Added up, the 645Ci weighs in at about 3500 pounds, roughly 300 pounds lighter than the old 840Ci. Besides shedding weight, the hybrid construction materials help it to an ideal 50-50 weight distribution, BMW officials say.
http://www.autoweek.com/weekart/2003/0714/6series4002.jpg
The rear-drive 6 Series starts with one engine: the 4.4-liter V8 from the 745i. Equipped with Valvetronic technology it delivers 333 hp at 6100 rpm along with 325 lb-ft of torque at 3700 rpm—good enough to push manual versions from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds.
http://www.autoweek.com/specials/galleries/6series/0714n-bmw6f.jpg
In the second quarter of ‘04, BMW will include a mid-range 635Ci powered by a 272-hp 3.5-liter V8 as well as a budget-minded 630Ci running the familiar 231-hp 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine. An M6 is due in early 2005 and comes with a 500- to 550-hp V10.
BMW will offer three transmissions: a standard six-speed manual, an optional six-speed automatic and a sequential six-speed manual. The top-of-the-line 645Ci gets Dynamic Drive Control which alters the car’s electronic mapping to provide shorter travel in the throttle pedal, more direct steering, reduced body roll in hard cornering maneuvers, and higher shift points for the automatic transmission.
http://www.autoweek.com/specials/galleries/6series/P0011630.jpg
A MacPherson strut (front) and multilink (rear) suspension is similar to that used in the 5 Series. Made almost entirely from forged aluminum, this suspension setup gives the coupe a more sporting feel than its four-door sibling. Firmer springs and dampers as well as unique camber angles and reduced ride height are also standard.
All models come with run-flat tires, dynamic stability control and traction control.
http://www.autoweek.com/specials/galleries/6series/P0011631.jpg
Also included is BMW’s new Active Steering system that uses an electric motor connected to a conventional rack-and-pinion arrangement to provide more direct steering ratios at low speeds and more indirect ratios at higher speeds.
http://www.autoweek.com/images_content/2003_07/0714n-bmw6c.jpg
http://www.autoweek.com/weekart/2003/0714/6series4001.jpg
The convertible 6 Series, fitted with a traditional cloth roof and glass rear window, debuts at Detroit’s January show. It should also reach U.S. dealers in April 2004 with a $5,000 premium over the coupe.
The new 6 Series uses advanced materials to reduce weight. The front chassis, hood and doors are aluminum; the front fenders and trunk lid are thermoplastic. Added up, the 645Ci weighs in at about 3500 pounds, roughly 300 pounds lighter than the old 840Ci. Besides shedding weight, the hybrid construction materials help it to an ideal 50-50 weight distribution, BMW officials say.
http://www.autoweek.com/weekart/2003/0714/6series4002.jpg
The rear-drive 6 Series starts with one engine: the 4.4-liter V8 from the 745i. Equipped with Valvetronic technology it delivers 333 hp at 6100 rpm along with 325 lb-ft of torque at 3700 rpm—good enough to push manual versions from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds.
http://www.autoweek.com/specials/galleries/6series/0714n-bmw6f.jpg
In the second quarter of ‘04, BMW will include a mid-range 635Ci powered by a 272-hp 3.5-liter V8 as well as a budget-minded 630Ci running the familiar 231-hp 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine. An M6 is due in early 2005 and comes with a 500- to 550-hp V10.
BMW will offer three transmissions: a standard six-speed manual, an optional six-speed automatic and a sequential six-speed manual. The top-of-the-line 645Ci gets Dynamic Drive Control which alters the car’s electronic mapping to provide shorter travel in the throttle pedal, more direct steering, reduced body roll in hard cornering maneuvers, and higher shift points for the automatic transmission.
http://www.autoweek.com/specials/galleries/6series/P0011630.jpg
A MacPherson strut (front) and multilink (rear) suspension is similar to that used in the 5 Series. Made almost entirely from forged aluminum, this suspension setup gives the coupe a more sporting feel than its four-door sibling. Firmer springs and dampers as well as unique camber angles and reduced ride height are also standard.
All models come with run-flat tires, dynamic stability control and traction control.
http://www.autoweek.com/specials/galleries/6series/P0011631.jpg
Also included is BMW’s new Active Steering system that uses an electric motor connected to a conventional rack-and-pinion arrangement to provide more direct steering ratios at low speeds and more indirect ratios at higher speeds.