Great Cars airs on over 200 PBS TV Stations... Check your local listings for the next episode.
Home > News & Features > 2008 BMW 6 SERIES: 155 MPH COUPE AND COVERTIBLE
2008 BMW 6 SERIES: 155 MPH COUPE AND COVERTIBLE
Grand Touring Auto Receives Styling, Interior and Luxury Update
Print E-mail
Michael Rose,   Wednesday, June 27 2007

ImageWoodcliff Lake, NJ, June 26th, 2007 – Starting with highly attractive modifications to the characteristic exterior design, then moving to the interiors for further refinement, adding a dash of new color highlights, as well as new drive technology and driver assistance and safety systems, spells more thrills and more style than ever before for the new BMW 6 Series Coupe and the BMW 6 Series Convertible.

Their distinctive looks and style combine with cutting-edge technology, to create models that are modern representatives of the classic Grand Touring automobile with classic qualities.

ImageDrivers have come to expect exceptional performance from all BMWs and they’ll find that it is delivered by the eight-cylinder powerplant in the BMW 650i Coupe and the BMW 650i Convertible.

Developing 360 hp from an engine capacity of 4.8 liters, this power plant delivers dynamic performance combined with smoothness and refinement.

The new six-speed Sport Automatic transmission is tailored to the character of the BMW 6 Series, that allows for comfortable cruising with the option ratchet up the fun with all the full power and muscle you need for all-out acceleration and dynamic driving.

ImageStyle and sport are uppermost in the design brief for the vehicles. Both models combine their strengths with the practical everyday driving qualities of a comfortable and spacious 2+2-seater.

The 6 Series today also plays a significant role within BMW’s model portfolio. It is the benchmark for innovation, and a powerful expression of the company’s technological progress.  It’s the role model for design, control and operating concepts, comfort features, chassis and suspension technology, and driver assistance systems.

Having sold over 75,500 cars within the past three years is proof there’s a demand for these sophisticated, top-quality Grand Touring autos. This highly competitive segment pits a number of high-ranking vehicles from Lexus, Mercedes, Porsche and others against the 6 Series.  Being surrounded by the eternally popular 3 Series and the luxurious 7 Series gives this line some boost that others might lack.

ImageThere is always room for improvement and the designers have given the cars a little more sharpness including a light edge on the side-sills that’s even more pronounced and distinctive than before.  A few tweaks to the head and taillights and to the deck lid.  There are new metallic paint colors, Deep Sea Blue and Space Gray, as well as new light-alloy rims that round out the cars’ sporty elegance.

The interior wasn’t ignored.  There’s now an option for interior trim strips made of grained maple wood or dark birch wood that give the a technical and progressive feel or a sophisticated, stylish and elegant look.

ImageOptional finish in Pearl leather, with additional leather on the armrests, the door grab handles and the center console, is also available in Chateau Red and in a new upholstery color, Saddle Brown.

Under the hood is the eight-cylinder, 4.8-liter engine that develops maximum output of 360 hp at an engine speed of 6,300 rpm, with peak torque of 360 lb-ft at 3,400 rpm.

This aluminum powerhouse features throttle-free “VALVETRONIC” valve control, variable double-VANOS camshaft management on the intake and exhaust side, as well as an intake manifold switching to two different settings. This gives the engines a smoothness without robbing from its immediacy and direct response.

The new BMW 650i Coupe accelerates to 60 miles per hour in 5.3 seconds (with manual transmission) and the BMW 650i Convertible completes the same exercise in 5.6 seconds. Engine management, in turn, limits the top speed of both models to 250 km/h or 155 mph.  I’m sure there’s someone who can remove that chip for you.  You never know when you’ll have to head up the coast in a hurry and 155 mph just won’t do.

Recognizing the increasing interest in fuel economy and emissions there are a wide range of fuel-saving features in and around the engine to make the new BMW 6 Series even more efficient.  But if you really want to lower your carbon footprint you might want to buy a Prius or wait for a diesel version to show up some day.  These cars are not about fuel sipping.

ImageAs Tony Soprano would say, “forget about it.”  Just get in and start it up.  Let your fingers handle the shift paddles on the steering wheel.  Listen to the sweet sound of that engine and head out on the highway.  If it rains, you’ve got Dynamic Traction Control helping your hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering.  And in dry weather, all this technology lets you maneuver the car with less effort and with smoother steering. At high speeds (in case you’re so inclined), Active Steering makes it easier for you to remain on course.

This is truly about being in harmony with the road.  This is the difference between driving and commuting.


For More Information on the 6 Series and other BMW Group products:

www.bmwgroupna.com
www.bmwusa.com
www.bmwmotorradusa.com
www.miniusa.com
www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com




Did you enjoy this article? Please bookmark it onto:
Digg!Reddit!Del.icio.us!Google!Live!Facebook!Slashdot!Netscape!Technorati!StumbleUpon!Newsvine!Furl!Fark!Yahoo!


Related Items:

Comments
Write comment

security image



Write the displayed characters


busy
 


 

Copyright Michael Rose Productions, Inc.
Privacy Policy | Site Map | Shipping & Return Policy


site by Christopher Green Design