BMW's next-generation 6-Series Coupe and its Cabrio variant
aren't due to arrive until late 2010 at the earliest as the
current model was only given its mid-cycle facelift a little
over a year ago. However, prototypes of the new car are already
testing in Germany but heavy camouflage material have kept most
of the details hidden.
What we could gather from initial spy shots is that the new
model will feature a longer and sleeker design than the current
car. These latest computer generated renderings show the car
will likely be heavily influenced by 2007's CS Concept. The
wheelbase will be slightly longer than the current car, but
overhangs, both front and back, will be shorter. The new
6-Series will also sit much lower than the current model, with a
sleeker roofline adding to the sportier look.
Full Preview 2011
Recently, at the International Motor Show in Geneva, the BMW
Chairman of the Board, Dr. Helmut Panke officially announced
that BMW has currently in development two completely new model
series.
"We are using the strength of the BMW Group and pushing
emphatically ahead with the extension of the vehicle range. We
will be further expanding with two completely new, independent
model series, and thus continuing the profitable growth of the
BMW Group.", has stated Panke.
No specific mention was made regarding the nature of the two
forthcoming model series, but the first vehicle line is expected
to be the highly anticipated BMW crossover, competitor for the
Mercedes-Benz R-Class, an automobile to combine comfort and room
with BMW dynamics.
About the second model series, the best guess would be that it
is a competitor for the Mercedes-Benz CLS. BMW could not stand
and look how they were beaten at their favorite game: building
high-class sports-sedans. Their reactions will be based on the
next generation 6 Series that will offer besides the usual coupe
and cabriolet a four-door variant.
BMW has considered three possible manners of responding to the
Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class. The first of them was that of
developing a coupe using the large 7 Series platform. That car
would be unquestionably the descendant of the 1990s 8 Series
high-end coupe. Another option was that of producing a
shooting-brake based on the present 6 Series. The third
generation 6-Series coupe and second convertible are rumored to
be launched in early 2011. It appears that the two- and
four-door models while have similar design and a minimum of
differences.
It seems that BMW has finished the design experiments, and
the models to come won't make a major departure from the genuine
BMW line.
Introduction and History
The first 6 Series coupe was launched as a successor to the E9
coupes, called the 2800CS, 3.0CS and 3.0CSi. The official launch
of the 6 Series was in August 1976, with the 633CSi and 630 CS
(not in US). That car had a 3210 cc engine with 197 PS (145 kW).
Starting with 1980 the 635CSi was also available, with a 3453 cc
SOHC, 218 PS (160 kW) engine and a top speed of 138 mph. The 630
CS model was equipped with a 2986 cc I6 M30 engine featuring a
Solex 4A1 carburetor, and producing 184 PS at 5800 rpm. The 633
CSi used the same 3.2 L engine, but equipped with a Bosch
Motronic fuel injection system, offering an increased output of
200 hp. In 1983, BMW started using the M88/3, a modified version
of the M88/1 engine from the BMW M1 supercar and placed it in
the E24 chassis, creating the famous M635CSi, or the first M6.
It had a DOHC 24-valve 3453 cc, 286 PS (210 kW) engine, allowing
for a top speed of 158 mph. The M6 also had improved suspension,
brakes, and a close-ratio manual transmission.
The current 6 Series goes well beyond that worthy ancestor,
incorporating a muscular V-8 engine, some of BMW's most advanced
chassis technology, luxury and safety features that were
unheard-of in the Eighties, and the availability of a
Convertible as well as a Coupe. For 2006, the 6 Series features
a new, more powerful engine; new standard equipment and options;
and significant technical and esthetic refinements.
For the new model year, the models are the newly powered and
named 650i Coupe, at 72495$ including destination charge; and
the 650i Convertible at 79495$. (Gas Guzzler taxes apply to some
versions.) Under the new 650i models' aluminum hood is a further
evolution of the technologically advanced and unique N62 V-8
engine that powered the former 645Ci models. As such, this power
unit continues with BMW's revolutionary Valvetronic system,
which controls engine power by varying valve lift instead of
relying on a conventional throttle. Compared to conventional
valvegear, Valvetronic enhances torque, power and efficiency -
and now increased displacement further boosts torque and power.
The standard transmission is the heavier-duty version of two new
6-speeds recently introduced. Click here to read more on the BMW
6 Series of the moment.
Primed to Take on the Competition
The Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is the model to have invented the "coudans"
It is the trend-setter now and it will kick off model year 2007
with three newly developed engines, even better safety and a
more extensive range of standard equipment. The four-door Coupe
is powered by the world's first petrol engine featuring
piezoelectric direct injection and spray-guided combustion. The
215 kW/ 292 hp six-cylinder engine of the CLS 350 CGI consumes
about ten percent less fuel than a comparable V6 petrol engine
with port injection. The CLS 500 will be equipped with the new
V8 engine from the S-Class, whose output of 285 kW/388 hp is
about 26 percent higher than that of the previous eight-cylinder
engine. Another new development is the CLS 63 AMG, whose V8
naturally aspirated engine generates 378 kW/ 514 hp.
Mercedes-Benz is enhancing the vehicle's standard range of
safety features by adding the PRE-SAFE anticipatory occupant
protection system and flashing brake lights. The new CLS-Class
models will celebrate their market launches in June 2006.
In October 2004, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the four-door CLS-Class
as a new kind of vehicle concept that for the first time
combined the dynamism and features of a coupe with the comfort
and functionality of a saloon. In mid-2006, Mercedes-Benz will
be further enhancing this series' exclusive range of equipment
and cutting-edge technology. The range of engines for the
CLS-Class now includes two eight-cylinder engines with high
output and torque. The CLS 500 will be equipped with the 285
kW/388 hp V8 engine from the S-Class, whose output surpasses
that of the previous eight-cylinder unit by about 26 percent. At
530 Nm the engine's maximum torque also exceeds that of its
predecessor by around 15 percent. The new CLS 500 accelerates
from 0 to 60 mph in just 5,4 seconds, 0.7 seconds faster than
the previous model.
Mercedes-AMG has developed the new CLS 63 AMG, which is powered
by a 378 kW/ 514 hp V8 naturally aspirated engine. The new
vehicle's output has been increased by 28 kW/38 hp compared to
the predecessor model, the CLS 55 AMG.
Mercedes-Benz is fitting the CLS-Class with flashing brake
lights as standard to prevent rear-end collisions. These lights
are more effective than conventional brake lights at warning
drivers approaching from behind.
Early Conclusions
Its performance could be further enhanced by an expected weight
reduction as BMW looks to reduce CO2 output in order to satisfy
tougher mileage and emissions requirements. And let's face it;
it can't really get any bigger or heavier than it is now.
Although this prototype looks fairly well along in the
development process, we don't expect to see a finished product
until sometime next year.
BMW's next-generation 6-Series Coupe and its Cabrio variant
aren't due to arrive until late 2010 at the earliest as the
current model was only given its mid-cycle facelift a little
over a year ago. However, prototypes of the new car are already
testing in Germany but heavy camouflage material have kept most
of the details hidden.
The current 6 Series goes well beyond that worthy ancestor,
incorporating a muscular V-8 engine, some of BMW's most advanced
chassis technology, luxury and safety features that were
unheard-of in the Eighties, and the availability of a
Convertible as well as a Coupe. For 2006, the 6 Series features
a new, more powerful engine; new standard equipment and options;
and significant technical and esthetic refinements.
In October 2004, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the four-door CLS-Class
as a new kind of vehicle concept that for the first time
combined the dynamism and features of a coupe with the comfort
and functionality of a saloon. In mid-2006, Mercedes-Benz will
be further enhancing this series' exclusive range of equipment
and cutting-edge technology. The range of engines for the
CLS-Class now includes two eight-cylinder engines with high
output and torque. The CLS 500 will be equipped with the 285
kW/388 hp V8 engine from the S-Class, whose output surpasses
that of the previous eight-cylinder unit by about 26 percent. At
530 Nm the engine's maximum torque also exceeds that of its
predecessor by around 15 percent. The new CLS 500 accelerates
from 0 to 60 mph in just 5,4 seconds, 0.7 seconds faster than
the previous model.