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2004 BMW 6 Series Previews


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  • SEE ALSO: 2004 BMW Specs, Pics and Prices - BMW Buyers Guide

    • In September, the BMW 6-series will bow at the IAA, the auto show in Frankfurt. Awaiting this event, BMW released the first official pictures and some details.

    By Henny Hemmes

    BMW’s new sport coupe will first be introduced on the German market as the 645i with a 4.4-liter V-8 engine with 333 hp and 332 lb.ft of torque. The top speed of the 645i is electronically limited top speed at 156 mph. Acceleration frm 0-60 mph should be possible in 5.4 seconds.

    For the 645i, BMW offers three six speed transmissions: a hand shifted gearbox, an automatic transmission and it’s SMG transmission with a gear lever and paddles on the steering wheel. The 6-series is equipped with dynamic driving control, stability control and traction control. It’s suspension can be combined with the intelligent Dynamic Drive system (option) that compensates body roll during cornering. Also available is active steering, that is dependent of the vehicle speed: the input of the driver is less at lower speed and higher at high speed.

    The body of the new coupe is composed of a mix of steel, aluminum and composite material. The front end, hood and doors are made of aluminum, the bonnet and the fenders are made of Thermoplastic. The use of these lightweight materials resulted in a vehicle weight of 3527 lb.ft. and in the ideal weight distribution of 50:50 front/rear.

    Other versions, such as the top version M6, and a convertible will be announced in Frankfurt. The M6 is expected to be equipped with a new V-10 with 500 hp. The convertible is expected to go into production in the spring of 2004. This 2+2 version has advanced wind breaking, especially benefitting the rear passengers.

    The interior originates mainly from the new 5-series and includes the latest (simplified) generation of the iDrive system that debuted in the 7-series.

    De new 6 coupe will be equipped with Run flat tires, while options will include adaptive cornering lights, adaptive cruise control and a new panoramic glass roof. Later, BMW will also offer a head-up display.

    The new car will be introduced on the German market by the end of 2003. When the 6-series will arrive at North American BMW dealers is not known yet.

    July 10, 2003 ©HHR