BMW 6 SERIES CONVERTIBLE TO MAKE WORLD DEBUT IN DETROIT
Woodcliff Lake, NJ, December 8, 2003... Ever since the original 6 Series graced our
roads, enthusiasts were tantalized by the notion of a convertible version of that
automotive icon. For enthusiasts everywhere the wait is over. The all-new 6 Series
Convertible makes its world debut on January 5th at the 2004 NAIAS in Detroit,
Michigan. Drop-dead gorgeous looks, state-of-the-art technology, outstanding
performance and unlimited driving pleasure with only the blue sky above - these are the
ingredients that await four passengers.
Top-up or top-down, the 6 Series Convertible is stunning. With the top up it captures
the same purposeful, athletic nature of the 6 Series Coupe. With the top down another
dimension of its personality is revealed.
Performance Befitting an Icon
The 645Ci Convertible is first and foremost a BMW, so dynamic performance comes
standard. It shares its 4.4-liter V8 with the 645Ci Coupe - horsepower is 325,
maximum torque is 330 lb-ft. Infinite adjustment of virtually all relevant parameters such
as valve timing (double-VANOS), valve lift (VALVETRONIC) and intake manifold runner
length enables the engine to adjust instantly to any demand and requirement.
Combined with one of three 6-speed transmissions available on the new model -
manual, STEPTRONIC automatic or BMW's Formula 1-inspired Sequential Manual
Gearbox (SMG). The new Convertible will reached 60 MPH in about six seconds on its
way to an electronically limited top-speed of 155 MPH.
Of course, you expect the new 6 Series Convertible to offer handling to match its
straight-line performance. Active Roll Stabilization (ARS) is standard to keep things on-
the-level even when one's driving gets enthusiastic by reducing body lean in corners.
For those who care for an even finer edge, a Sport Package is available. In addition to
sport seats and a sport steering wheel the package includes firmer shocks and springs
and mixed-width 19-inch wheels with performance tires.
The Sport Package also includes BMW's innovative Active Steering. Active Steering
enhances the driving experience at lower speeds increasing the amount the front
wheels turn in relation to the amount the driver turns the steering wheel. At higher
speeds stability is also improved by reducing the amount the front wheels turn in relation
to input from the driver. Active Steering also features yaw rate control and is networked
directly with the DSC system. It is thus able to intervene at an early point in time via the
steering angle on the front wheels, stabilizing the car and allowing small corrections,
which in turn reduces DSC intervention in the lower response range.
Four can ride in comfort and style… and bring their stuff.
The 645Ci Convertible offers all passengers comfort, luxurious features, and an
ambience full of style and elegance. Power driver's and front passenger's seats are
standard, including a triple memory function on the driver's seat, which adds the final
touch of convenience to the ergonomic Dakota leather seats.
The rear-seat passengers also enjoy the very best in style and luxury. Although the
roof is contoured and aerodynamic, like on the Coupe, even adults will enjoy ample
headroom in back. Both rear seats are convenient to reach thanks to Easy Access on
the driver's and front passenger's seat. Making it easier still, the seat belts are
integrated into the front seats themselves, meaning that the passengers need not step
around a seat belt when getting in to the rear seats or when getting out again.
Not only is there room for four passengers but also plenty of room for their luggage.
The luggage compartment has a capacity of 10.6 cu. ft. with the roof open and 12.4 cu.
ft. with the roof closed thanks to the variable roof compartment that folds up
conveniently with just one turn of your hand. This is sufficient space for one large and
one small hard-shell suitcase or, respectively, two 46-inch golf bags plus a medium-
sized hard-shell suitcase. And thanks to the ski-bag, which is part of the Cold Weather
Package, the driver and passengers are able to take along two pairs of skis or a
snowboard without limiting space available inside the passenger compartment.
Technology blends with the elegant interior.
Within the luxurious interior the driving experience is enhanced by the standard DVD-
based On-board Navigation System. This system is controlled, along with the sound
system and other features, by BMW's innovative iDrive. The choice of sound systems
includes the standard 8-speaker system or the optional Logic 7 system, which includes
a 6-disc CD changer.
BMW's highly innovative optional Head-Up Display is available as an option. It projects
important driving information directly into the driver's line of vision. This includes the
current road speed, navigation instructions, speed limits and feedback from the
Check/Control. The virtual image provided by the Head-Up Display is presented in front
of the driver seemingly on the road ahead, and allows the driver to view the information
without taking their eyes off the road.
Unique convertible top provides coupe-like noise and heat insulation
Every convertible experience begins with the top. The newly developed roof on the 6
Series Convertible captures the look of the Coupe. It dampens exterior noise just as
effectively as it braves the wind and weather, with a noise- and heat-insulating layer
made of PUR plastic between the rubberized outer layer and the inner lining. The result
is a very low noise level within the Convertible, allowing relaxed conversation even at
high speeds.
The vertical rear window is made of glass and is electrically heated. The rear window
can be electrically retracted completely into the luggage compartment bulkhead with the
roof both open and closed. This creates a draft-free ventilation effect similar to that
offered by a sliding roof in a Sedan. All side windows can also be fully retracted into the
body of the car. With the top down, the rear window can be raised allowing it to act as
a wind deflector for all four passengers.
Opening with full power operation, the soft top disappears completely within a matter of
seconds beneath the firm cover on the roof compartment.
The driver is able to open or close the fully-automated top from the cockpit simply by
pressing a button or turning the key in the door lock. You can even do this when setting
off or in stop-and-go traffic up to a speed of 20 mph. All windows close in the process
and the soft top locks and unlocks.
BMW Group In America
BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975.
ROLLS-ROYCE Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW
Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service
organizations for the BMW brand, the MINI brand, and the ROLLS-ROYCE brand of
Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, an industrial design firm in California; a technology office
in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW
Manufacturing Corp. in South Carolina is part of BMW Group's global manufacturing
network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all Z4 roadster and X5 Sports
Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through
networks of 340 BMW passenger car centers, 327 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers,
148 BMW motorcycle retailers, 73 MINI passenger car dealers, and 25 ROLLS-ROYCE
Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group's sales headquarters for
