With the introduction of the all-new 6
Series Coupe, an icon is reborn. 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 synthet¬ic 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 base weight in European trim of 3528 lb with, of
course, 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.
Other Features Include
Head-Up Display and Glass Panorama Roof.
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.
In terms of spaciousness, the new BMW 6 Series measures 189.8" in
length, 73.0" in width and just 54.1" in height to offer ample interior
space that is quite remarkable for a sports car. As a 2+2-seater, the
BMW 6 Series gives the two rear seat pas¬sengers ample freedom of
movement, and the large luggage com¬part¬ment offers space comparable to
many sedans.
Crafted in Dingolfing, Germany, this spectacular new 6 Series will be
available for sale in the U.S. market in Spring 2004, after making its
debut at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show in September of 2003.
