When top-flight auto executives say something, a lot of us generally stop and pay attention.
So when Jim O’Donnell, BMW North America’s CEO, said that the next generation 6-Series, which will be launched in 2011, will be “the best-looking BMW in year”, then we have to stand up and take notice.
O’Donnell’s comment came from an interview with Automobile Magazine where he boldly proclaimed that the next-in-line 6 series will veer away from past designs and will look nothing like any of its predecessors. Although he expects to see a radically different 6 series, O’Donnell mentioned that the car will pretty much carry the same dimensions as that of the current model. Apart from that, the design of the car is anyone’s guess.
O’Donnell did not divulge any more out of fear of giving away too much too soon. But before doing so, he did say that the next-gen 6 series will be “super sleek.”
If we take what he said for what it’s worth, it would be hard to bet against BMW coming up with something we’ve never seen before, especially after they pretty much floored a lot of us with what they showed at Frankfurt last month, including the jaw-dropping BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept car.
With a design inspired by both the new 7-Series and Z4 Roadster, the 2011 BMW 6-Series’s new architecture undertaking some serious testing at Germany’s famed Nurburgring. The 6 Series mule was spotted at the Green Hell revealing a new front bumper with a massive air dam, reshaped headlights, a more prominent double kidney grille and a redesigned rear-end.
Under the hood BMW is rumored to keep the same engine as the current model, the only change being the 4.8 Liter V8 being replaced by a smaller 400 HP 4.4 Liter turbocharged V8 from the BMW 750i. Whereas the top of the line M version will get the same 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine from the new BMX X6M.
BMW is lobbing a speciality shot at its German rivals with another GT car. Where the 5-Series GT seems to be in response to Mercedes’ peculiar R-Class, the 6-Series GT is going after the coupe/sedan class created by the CLS.
A four-door 6-Series has been an on/off rumor for a few years, but last month credible sources started the some chatter again. Now the GT seems to be a go for the next-generation 6-Series.
The exact design for the 6-Series GT still has not been confirmed. It may have four full doors, or two small rear hinged doors (similar to the Mazda RX-8). What we can expect is for the car to look like a mix of the rest of the 6-Series line, with the wider grille and headlights from the CS Concept. While the size seems to make the Mercedes CLS and upcoming Audi A7 the GT’s likely targets, the four-door, four passenger hatchback layout sound a lot like the A5 sportback.
BMW may even throw all of it’s new engine technology at this coup/sedan. It’s rumored to offer a wide array powerplants including a twin-turbo V8, diesel V6 and even a hybrid engine. Expect the GT to come about a year after the new 2010 6-Series makes its debut.
Last week we got heard a rumor of three new vehicles joing the BMW lineup. One of the more interesting ideas was the 6-Series GT, and now our friends at the BMW Blog have gotten their hands on a few more details from a reliable source.
The purpose for adding space to the 6-Series coupe will be to give direct competition to future cars like the Audi A7 and the redesigned Mercedes CLS. The layout of the GT 6 is likely to feature full four passenger seating and use two small rear hinged doors (similar to the Mazda RX-8). Inspiration for the design is supposed to blend elements of the upcoming 2010 6-Series coupe and CS concept. Just like the 5-Series GT, the 6-Series GT should feature a full hatchback in the design.
BMW may even throw all of it’s new engine technology at this coup/sedan. It’s rumored to offer a wide array powerplants including a twin-turbo V8, diesel V6 and even a hybrid engine.
The AlpinaAlpina B6 GT3 made its world debut today at the Geneva Motor Show. Based on the BMW 6 Series Alpina will enter two B6 GT3 race cars in the FIA GT3 European Championship.
The B6 GT3 is powered by a 4.4-litre V8 with what Alpina is calling a radial compressor (centrifugal supercharger), taken from the BMW ALPINA B6 S. The power plant produces 530 HP and 725Nm of torque.
"Due to the low centre of gravity, it feels more like a Formula race car than a Touring Car," says test driver Andreas Bovensiepen. The driver also said that the car handled its first 300 Km/h run beautifully and that he is very impressed with the lack of problems during the shake down runs. The car is still undergoing testing before the beginning of the 2009 racing season.
Press release after the jump.
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Last week we found out that the Alpina B7 will make its world debut in Geneva. It seems the BMW tuner will use the show to also reveal the B6 GT3 - its newest motorsports challenger.
Alpina has been away from motor racing for about twenty years, but now has decided its time to get back on the track. It looks like Alpina starts with its B6 S Coupe as the base for the B6 GT3. Alpina is supercharging 4.4-liter to deliver 530hp (390kW) and a peak torque of 535 lb-ft. The car then get a body kit and large rear wing to help with aerodynamics. We expect to know more about this track car when we see it in March at Geneva.
BMW is preparing the next generation 6-Series coupe and convertible. The official debut will be made in 2010 at the Geneva Motor Show with sales to begin later in the summer.
BMW did a good job of disguising this car for testing but it does reveal two new facts. First BMW will not be switching to a folding metal roof like it did with the 3-Series convertible, most likely for the weight savings. Also the design of the fabric top has changed. Gone are rear the flying buttresses with the flat glass back window that could be lowered independently of the roof, and now a more conventional setup is in place.
The 2011 6-Series should share the engine line-up with the 5-Series. Internationally BMW will use a revised versions of today’s six-cylinder gas and diesels, as well as V8 gas engines. We also expect a M6 version will follow in 2011 with a twin-turbo V8 engine.
BMW is working on undoing the Chris Bangle’s handiwork (yes, he’s still designing the cars, but his leash is clearly shorter). The next generation 6-series is set to be revealed in 2010, and it the proportions are supposed to be much better. Compared to the current generation, the 2010 6-Series will come with new enlarged headlights, redesigned rear lights, new exhaust pipes and redesigned bumpers.
It’s rumored next to the current coupe and convertible versions, BMW will also offer a a more luxurious GT and a sports model. The top-of-line M6 will possibly be powered by a twin-turbo V10 engine from the next M5 and will feature a dual clutch transmission.
BMW will unveil at the Paris Auto Show updates for the entire 2009 line-up, including a Sports Package available on both the 6 Series coupe and convertible. As with all sport packages from BMW, this is used to not only enhance looks, but it will also enhance the driving dynamics of the car.
The Sports Package comprises an M Sports Suspension, 9-inch light-alloy wheels, an exhaust system with tailpipes in dark chrome, and a newly contoured engine compartment.
More details in the press release after the jump.
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Lumma Design, a well-known German tuner unveiled another masterpiece: the Lumma CLR600. Based on the diesel-powered Bmw 635d, the new kit features a front spoiler bumper with PDC and headlight cleaning, flared wings in front and in the back, new side skirts with brake tiser, a tail apron with rear air diffuser, stone guards foil and of course the Lumma CLR600 signature.
In order to improve the stability of the vehicle the tuner added new sport springs which lower the car with up to 30 mm but also 20 inch alloy wheels. For a better sound of the engine a new set of mufflers were added providing also a power increase. Stopping the car will not be a problem thanks to the newly added Brembo brake package, ideal for this type of vehicles.
At the interior everything is custom built and depends on the choice of the customers. According to the manufacturer all the parts come with TUV approval!
No words about the price yet!
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