BMW 6 Series Coupe to Debut in Los Angeles
Woodcliff Lake, NJ, December 17, 2003... The all-new BMW 6 Series Coupe
makes its North American debut at the Los Angeles International Auto Show
before going on sale this spring. With its introduction, BMW is not just continuing
the heritage of the legendary original 6 Series (1977-1989); it is launching the
modern expression of an icon, while paying homage to the company's long
tradition of luxury coupes.
Much like the original, the new 6 Series Coupe will be noticed first for its looks.
The styling is bold, purposeful, dynamic and elegant all at once. Its unique design
with sleek and flowing lines, all supplemented by the harmony of elegant surfaces,
gives the new 6 Series its unique character. With its smooth and powerful engine,
its outstanding agility and abundant interior space, the new BMW 645Ci will set
new standards in the luxury sports coupe market on many fronts.
A New Sports Car With Exciting Proportions
The 6 Series Coupe excels in its classic proportions - the car is long, low and
wide. It projects an aura of strength and self-confidence. The passenger cabin has
a very low roofline and is set back on the chassis.
The modern design language of the exterior continues smoothly and consistently
throughout the interior. Similar to the new 5 Series, all the driving controls are
located directly on or around the steering wheel. All comfort functions, in turn, are
within easy reach from both front seats for convenience. The new 6 Series, again
like the original, will not only be admired for its style but will also be recognized as
a driver's car of the first order.
BMW's Heralded 4.4-liter V8 Offers Performance That Matches Its Style
The 4.4-liter V8 engine already well known from the BMW 745i ensures optimal
power and torque over the entire engine speed range. Featuring fully variable
VALVETRONIC valve control, the engine develops 325-horsepower and 330 lb-ft
of powerful torque at 3,600 rpm. This enables the new 6 Series Coupe to
effortlessly reach its top speed of 149 mph (electronically limited). Acceleration is
equally good, with the BMW 645Ci covering the sprint from 0-60 mph in well
under six seconds.
To convey this refined power to the rear wheels, BMW offers the driving
enthusiast the widest range of possibilities-three different six-speed
transmissions:
* Six-speed manual
* Six-speed STEPTRONIC automatic
* Six-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) featuring both a gearshift lever and shift
paddles on the steering wheel, like in Formula One race cars.
The new 6 Series Coupe comes standard with BMW Driving Dynamic Control
(DDC). First seen on the Z4 roadster, this feature gives the engine an even more
spontaneous reaction to the gas pedal, influences steering in relation to road
speed, allows the automatic or SMG transmission to hold gears longer, and
provides faster SMG shifts - all at the touch of a button.
Remarkable Agility Ensured By Intelligent Lightweight Engineering
Consistent use of intelligent lightweight technologies makes a significant contribution to
the outstanding driving comfort and high level of agility for which the new 6 Series Coupe
will become well known. This class-leading agility is the result of the innovative
combination of aluminum, steel and synthetic materials throughout the body. The front
section of the car is significantly lighter than steel thanks to lightweight construction. The
targeted weight reduction continues throughout - the trunk lid is composite, the hood and
doors are aluminum and the front fenders are thermoplastic. All this contributes to a curb
weight of 3781 lb (manual transmission) with a weight distribution close to the perfect
ratio of 50:50. This consistent reduction of weight ensures not only performance befitting
a sports car and exceptional agility, but it also contributes to an outstanding level of fuel
economy.
Handling and Responsiveness: The Synergy of Aluminum Suspension and
Cutting Edge Technology
The lightweight all-aluminum suspension of the new 6 Series Coupe keeps unsprung
weight to a minimum. Also working to the driver's advantage are myriad control systems
such as Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) including Dynamic Traction Control (DTC). All 6
Series Coupes feature BMW's Active Roll Stabilization, which almost completely
eliminates body roll. Part of the Sport Package in the U.S. will be BMW's unique Active
Steering, which electronically varies the degree to which the front wheels turn in relation
to steering input from the driver. Under normal driving conditions at low and medium
speeds, the steering ratio becomes more direct, which causes the front wheels to turn
more in relation to the steer wheel. This enhances the car's performance in city traffic,
when parking or in curves. At higher speeds, the steering ratio becomes more indirect,
which causes the front wheels to turn relatively less in relation to the steering wheel,
offering greater directional stability. Active Steering works hand in hand with Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC) by monitoring the yaw rate and changing the steering angle
accordingly. This reduces the number of DSC interventions and thus offers optimum
control comfort for the driver and passengers.
In addition to all the safety features characteristic of a BMW, the new 6 Series Coupe
utilizes run-flat tires, allowing the driver to continue for a certain distance even when a tire
is completely flat. Adaptive Headlights, which enhance visibility, illumination, and improve
the driver's field of nighttime vision, are also available as an option.
Additional Features: Head-Up Display, Glass Panorama Roof and More
The standard glass panorama roof gives the interior an even more spacious and brighter
feel, especially since the panorama roof is much larger than a conventional moonroof. It
offers a vent feature and an electric sliding roofliner.
The Head-Up Display technology, available as an option for the new BMW 6 Series at a
later date, is truly unique in the large coupe market. This feature ensures optimum clarity
and allows the driver to concentrate on the road ahead at all times by presenting relevant
information directly in the driver's line of vision, on the windshield. Also available is Active
Cruise Control (ACC). Last but certainly not least, the optional Logic7 audio system gives
the car's occupants a level of audio quality previously only offered by high-end home
entertainment systems.
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 North, Central and South
America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.
