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Third Generation BMW 6 Series Coupe is On The Way - VIDEO ENHANCED


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2012 BMW 6 Series Coupe

By Henny Hemmes
Senior European Editor

[RELATED: First Drive: 2012 BMW 6 Series Convertible 650i]


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2012 BMW 6 Series Coupe

AMSTERDAM - March 13, 2011: The new BMW 6 Series Coupe is ready to hit European markets this summer. The new Coupe will be unveiled at the Shanghai Motor Show on April 20, the same day as the start of the New York International Auto Show. In Geneva, the show organizers have agreed to find dates that do not interfere with other importants shows worldwide.

It speaks for itself that the 6 Series Coupe shares the looks with the Convertible that was unveiled in Detroit and will arrive in North America in May. We may expect the Coupe to reach American dealerships in the fall.

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2012 BMW 6 Series Coupe

With a wider stance, the somewhat lower height and shorter overhangs, the 2+2 sports car looks more dynamic. The Hoffmester knick marks the rear side windows and is in line with the other BMW models.

Thanks to the 3 inches wider track compared to the outgoing model, the body of the new 6 Coupe is 1.5 inches wider, providing provide more room for the rear passengers.


Click PLAY to watch the 6 Series Coupe promo video

From its market launch, the ‘6’ will be available with a choice of two engines: as the 650i with the 300 kW/407 hp V-8 engine and as the BMW 640i with the I-6 with 235 kW/320 hp.

The engines have 660 Nm/443 lb.ft. and 450 Nm/332 lb.ft. of torque respectively.

Both power plants will be teamed to the 8-speed sport automatic transmission with Auto start-stop and Eco pro mode.

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2012 BMW 6 Series Coupe

In the meantime, the upcoming BMW is already testing with the M6. This model will get the 555 hp strong 4.4-liter V-8 Biturbo, the same engine as the X5M and X6M and the upcoming M5.

With a new suspension, electromechanical power steering and integral- active steering, BMW offers also Dynamic Drive control, Dynamic Damper control and Adaptive Drive as options.

The technology under its sleek skin is shared with the Convertible (LINK for first DRIVE)

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2012 BMW 6 Series Coupe

Also the HUD head-up-display will be one of the features that makes driving in the Coupe comfortable and safe.

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2012 BMW 6 Series Coupe

Early next year we can expect the four door model of the 6 Series, that will compete with Auto’s A7 and Mercedes-Benz’ CLS. The M6 is expected in the summer of 2012.


BMW 650i Coupe - The second new 6 Series Model Breaks Cover.

The hearts of sports car aficionados will beat a little faster with the arrival of the new BMW 650i Coupe. The third generation of the top-class Coupe sees BMW adding another chapter to its decades-long tradition in the production of exclusive dream cars. The new BMW 650i Coupe impresses with its stunning design and inspires with even sharper driving dynamics than its predecessor, noticeably optimized comfort levels and extra space. This is the only car in the segment to offer the combination of top-class sporting ability, exclusive touring comfort and a 16.24 cu. ft (460-liter) DIN luggage compartment. Also on board to deliver the BMW 6 Series Coupe’s signature driving experience are a range of innovative driver assistance systems and BMW ConnectedDrive infotainment features. The new car therefore meets the highest expectations of driving pleasure and style in a large, premium 2+2-seater. The 650i Coupe arrives in US showrooms this fall.

Its unmistakable design language gives the new BMW 6 Series Coupe an aura of athletic elegance. The long sweeping hood, short front overhang and set-back passenger compartment team up with a 2.9 inch (74 mm) increase in body length over its predecessor and a 2.95 inch (75 mm) longer wheelbase to create the hallmark proportions of a BMW Coupe. Meanwhile, the extra width of the new car – it is now 1.5 inches (39 mm) wider thanks to its increased track width – makes for an exceptionally powerful stance that emphasizes its impressive roadholding. All of which ensures that observers are struck by the car’s dynamic forward-surging presence and promise of dynamic driving ability the moment they set eyes on it. The faithful reflection of the car’s character in its exterior styling is given particular appeal by the lines running along the full length of the body and its harmoniously sculpted surfaces. The inspiration for these design features was the natural movement of waves. In the same way as water is parted by an object in flowing water, the car body’s shaping lines fan out from the BMW badge on the hood to both sides of the body.

The innovations in the new BMW 6 Series Coupe also extend to lighting technology, in the shape of Adaptive LED Headlights. Their bright white light provides an extremely intense and evenly spread illumination of the road. This technology is unparalleled in the segment and also allows the beam of the headlights to curves of the road.

Other features that set the new car apart from its rivals are the BMW ConnectedDrive driver assistance systems and mobility services. The rear-view camera, Surround View, Parking Assistant, BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition, Lane Departure Warning System and Lane Change Warning System are joined on the list of available equipment items by the new generation of the BMW Head-Up-Display. The latest incarnation of the system uses a full spectrum of colors to display the information projected onto the windshield. The standard BMW iDrive control system, is the operating portal for the navigation, communications and infotainment functions. The high definition, trans-reflective technology Control Display is centrally mount high on the sweeping dash and emulates a freestanding flatscreen. Finally, the optional Bang & Olufsen High-End Surround Sound System provides a feast of aural pleasure seldom experienced inside a car.

The all-new third generation 650i Coupe will join the 650i Convertible in the US market this fall as a 2012 model.  Retail and option pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

Twin-Turbo V-8 engine with High Precision direct injection.
The 4.4-liter V-8 engine develops a maximum 400 hp between 5,500 and 6,400 rpm, and makes peak torque of 450 lb-ft between 1,750 and 4,500 rpm. This unique “reverse-flow” engine, whose two turbochargers are positioned in the V-area between the cylinder banks, produces an instantaneous and sustained wave of power, making it a delight for the enthusiast driver. The engine can be paired with either BMW’s new 8-speed Sport Automatic gearbox or BMW’s traditional 6-speed manual transmission, quite popular with North American enthusiasts.

The new BMW 650i Coupe completes the sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds) with either the 6-speed manual or the 8-speed automatic transmission . Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. This engine also boasts extraordinary efficiency for a model in its output class. EPA figures will be available closer to the on-sale date in mid 2011.

8-speed Sport Automatic Transmission
The 8-speed Sport Automatic transmission in the new BMW 650i Coupe boasts a perfect combination of speed, flexibility, sportiness, and efficiency. What sets it apart are its minimal torque converter slip and rapid gear changes. An innovative gear set configuration allows this transmission to offer eight gears, maximizing acceleration at any road speed yet allowing the driver to conserve fuel by cruising at low revs. Befitting the Coupe’s sporting character, the driver can choose to select gears manually via shift paddles on the standard Sport leather steering wheel.

In addition to the efficiency of the engine and 8-speed Sport Automatic transmission, an extensive range of BMW EfficientDynamics measures contribute to reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Brake Energy Regeneration, on-demand operation of ancillary components, intelligent lightweight construction and extensive aerodynamic refinement collaborate to ensure maximum efficiency.

Chassis Management and optional Integral Active Steering.
Cutting-edge chassis technology gives the new BMW 650i Coupe the tools to provide both sporty handling and exceptional comfort. The double wishbone front axle and the multi-link rear axle are made predominantly from aluminum. The chassis is geared to the requirements of drivers with sporting intentions, although the dampers also respond sensitively to bumps in the road surface under high lateral acceleration. The optional Active Roll Stabilization combines with the standard Dynamic Damper Control to offer the driver even more precise responses and perfectly flat cornering ability. The electronically controlled shock absorbers adapt to the road surface and the driver’s style to perfectly control the car’s body motions.

The electronically controlled damper system in the new BMW 6 Series Coupe adjusts compression and rebound settings continuously and independently. For example, a stiff chassis setting can be combined with comfortable responses to unevenness in the road surface. The control unit of the damping system processes the data supplied by sensors on the vertical motion of the wheels as well as the ride height of the car. The driving speed and the damper setting chosen by the driver are also taken into account in calculating the damping force required for each individual wheel to even out body movements. This data is fed back to the shock-absorber units at intervals of just 2.5 milliseconds.

The optional Active Roll Stabilization feature reduces body roll in corners and in sudden changes of direction, or transitions. Sensors calculate the amount of body roll based on the driving situation at hand, and this is then counteracted quickly and precisely by hydraulic rotary actuators in the front and rear anti-roll bars. The result is flatter cornering inspiring greater confidence for the driver as well as greater comfort for the passengers during spirited drives. The power steering features standard Servotronic vehicle-speed sensitive assistance, and serves up the familiar BMW recipe of precision, comfort and linear response.

The new BMW 650i Coupe is the first car in its class available with Integral Active Steering. This system combines the Active Steering system for the front axle (available on the previous generation 6 Series Coupe) with a new, steerable rear axle. Precisely harmonized steering angle movements at both axles create a virtual lengthening or shortening of the vehicle’s wheelbase, which fosters greater high-speed stability and enhanced maneuverability for parking and city use.

Brakes, Wheels, and Tires
The lightweight floating-caliper brakes with vented discs are easy to use with precision, and their effectiveness is reinforced by Dynamic Stability Control. DSC brings together technology such as the Anti-lock Braking System, Dynamic Traction Control, Cornering Brake Control, Dynamic Brake Control, the Start-off Assistant, the automatic Brake Drying function and Brake Fade Compensation. Standard equipment also includes 8.5 x19-inch light-alloy wheels, with all-season runflat tires (size 245/40 R19) and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Driving Dynamics Control.

With standard Driving Dynamics Control, the dominant virtues of athletic driving sportiness and ride comfort can be chosen by the driver as situations demand. The driver can choose settings of COMFORT, NORMAL, SPORT and SPORT+ modes using the large rocker switch on the center console. Affected parameters include the tuning of the throttle response, power steering boost assistance, shock absorbers, automatic transmission shift characteristics and – if equipped - roll stabilization and Integral Active Steering. In SPORT+ mode, the Dynamic Traction Control mode of the standard Dynamic Stability Control system is activated, raising the thresholds for stability intervention in the most sport-oriented driving circumstances.

Unmatched chassis technology works with the cutting-edge engine to provide the driver with greater dynamic capability and improved ride comfort compared to the previous-generation 6 Series Coupe.

Design: Athletic elegance, natural sportiness
The new BMW 6 Series Coupe again heralds the arrival of an exceptionally sporty and exclusive 2+2-seater in the premium Coupe segment. The new model’s extra length and width over its predecessor model combine with its 0.2 inch (5 mm) lower height to produce a strikingly low-set and powerful design. The new interpretation of the traditional BMW Coupe proportions is embellished by lines and surfaces inspired by the movement of waves. Flowing lines and harmonious curves create a feeling of athletic grace, complemented by extremely classic and eye-catching design features which underline the opulent character and elegant appearance of the two-door BMW.

The expressive front end is dominated by the large and slightly forward-slanting BMW kidney grille. The grille emphasizes the car’s sporting pedigree with a broad, flat design, and creates a visual connection with the engine nestling behind. The kidney grille slats, angled slightly towards the top, lend additional emphasis to the front end’s “shark nose” character. The contour lines of the hood converge towards the kidney grille, forming a V-shape which is continued by the contours of the headlights, kidney and wide air intake to give a road-focused look. High-quality chrome elements and the LED units of the foglamps positioned in front of them guide the eye to the muscular wheel arches.

High-visibility innovation: Adaptive LED Headlights.
The new BMW 6 Series Coupe is equipped with Adaptive Xenon headlights as standard. An accentuating trim element cuts across the top of the hallmark BMW twin round headlights to produce the purposeful look familiar from other BMW models. The optional Adaptive LED Headlights provide a fresh take on this established feature. The Adaptive LED Headlights for low beam and high beam contain LED light rings for the parking lights and daytime running lights, which are flattened on the lower edge and overlapped at their top edge by an accent light – also featuring LEDs. The result is a stunning, distinctively BMW showcase for the innovative light technology. In addition, they also generate the low beam and high beam light from the two light rings. The light sources are horizontal LED ribs positioned in the center of the light rings. The brand’s hallmark twin round headlight look is therefore expressed even more strikingly - not only with the daytime running lights switched on, but also when the headlights are activated in the dark.

However, the Adaptive LED Headlights are about more than just looking good; they also ensure the driver can see well. Their bright white light provides a bright and even illumination of the road ahead. From a color perspective, the light comes much closer to natural daylight than that created by conventional halogen or xenon headlights, lending even reflective objects far greater contrast. The cornering element of the Adaptive LED Headlights is also tailored to the car’s speed, steering angle and yaw rate, allowing the pivot of the headlights to adapt automatically to the line of the corner. Meanwhile, a light source positioned specially in the headlight housing generates the cornering light which, at low speeds, ensures illumination of the road surface in the direction the car is turning. LED technology is also deployed for the direction indicators, each of which consists of eight LED units arranged in a row underneath the light rings. As well as enhancing visibility in the dark, the Adaptive LED Headlights also significantly improve the signaling effect of the car’s lights.

Side view: elegant roofline, powerfully curved surfaces
Tightly curved surfaces and character lines stretching the full length of the body define the side view of the BMW 6 Series Coupe. The forward-slanting BMW kidney grille is particularly clear from this angle. Despite its smooth curves and innovative pedestrian protection measures, the long bonnet still has a flat appearance. Its contour lines fan out wide and extend towards the rear. In combination with the car’s typical Coupe proportions, this creates a particularly elegant, elongated silhouette.

The exterior design has been inspired by waves with clearly defined lines and volume formed around an object in flowing water. This gives the new BMW 6 Series Coupe a naturally powerful and sporty edge. The typical BMW character line starts behind the front wheel arch, takes in the sporty gill feature and extends dynamically along the flank of the car to the rear. In so doing, it stretches the new BMW 6 Series Coupe visually and lends it a dynamic yet elegant allure. The door handles are integrated into the character line. A further character line emerges from the swell of the front wheel arch, drops down between the gill and the door and then levels out towards the rear. Its path replicates a forward-surging wave. The door sill line underneath it and an additional crease give the lower edge of the body a light and sporty appearance.

The roofline of the new BMW 6 Series Coupe also swoops in an elegant, flat progression into the tail. It comes across as especially svelte when viewed from the side, creating a contrast typical of BMW Coupes between the powerful body and light passenger compartment. Doors with frameless windows underline this impression. The chromed side window border emphasizes the signature Hofmeister kink at the foot of the C-pillar.