Sunday, April 17, 2011

BMW 6-Series Convertible launched – 640i, RM868,800



BMW Malaysia gave the new 6-Series Convertible its public unveiling this morning, which is probably of no surprise to you, since it was caught on camera earlier this month. The rag top F12 (no metal roof) comes to Malaysia in a sole variant – the 640i powered by Munich’s venerable 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six engine. It’s priced at RM868,800, OTR without insurance but with BMW Service Inclusive + Repair.




The direct injected with Valvetronic engine produces 320 hp and 450 Nm of torque made from 1,300-4,500 rpm. That’s enough to pull this 1,840 kg machine from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds. Top speed is limited to 250 km/h. The gearbox is an 8-speed sports automatic transmission with steering wheel paddle shift.




This 640i comes with BMW’s EfficientDynamics measures which includes Auto Start/Stop. This means that the engine will be shut off when the car stops, starting again when the driver lifts his foot off the brakes. Not very common in Malaysia out of the hybrid segment, but this feature is common for most new cars sold in Europe today. Claimed combined fuel consumption is 7.9 litres per 100 km.

Other standard features include Driving Dynamics Control and Integral Active Steering. The former allows the driver to pick Normal, Sport and Sport + modes that adjust engine and steering response, gearshift dynamics, DSC, electronic dampers and roll control. The electromechanical IAS is a form of four-wheel steering that gives this big car added agility.




The F12 is officially called a 2+2, not a four seater, but the rear seats look livable for average sized adults. The leather upholstery has SunReflective tech, which allows for less heat absorption when driving with the top down. The dual-zone air con has a special convertible mode, too.

Speaking of that, the boot volume is rated at 350 litres with the roof stowed, which BMW says is sufficient for two large golf bags. The roof folds away in 19 seconds, rises in 24, and can be operated at speeds of up to 40 km/h.




The highlight of the dashboard, which has a centre stack that’s tilted to the driver, is the large metal framed 10.2-inch display for iDrive, Navigation System Professional and BMW ConnectedDrive. By the way, when the car is stationary, one can surf the net using this screen via the built in browser. This car also comes with Head-Up Display and Night Vision, so there are lots of toys to play with.




Live gallery of the launch event is after the jump.

[source: paultan.org]


Saturday, April 16, 2011

New BMW 6 Series Convertible arrives in Syria in style

In the company of a select line up of guests and a host of Syria's fashion elite, Bahi Motors celebrated the Syrian premiere of the new third generation BMW 6 Series Convertible against the backdrop of an exclusive fashion show by top international designer Robert Abi Nader. 

 

BMW 6 Series Coupe arrives in Syria. 
BMW 6 Series Coupe arrives in Syria.
Held on Wednesday night at the Four Seasons hotel in Damascus, fashion and motoring fused to showcase masterpieces in both design and engineering. Considered by some the Haute Couture of the automotive industry, BMW highlighted its ongoing commitment to style, innovation and design with the launch of the new BMW 6 Series Convertible, over thirty years after the world's most successful premium automotive manufacturer launched its original 6 Series model.

"Luxury and style are experiences you aspire to, both of which can be achieved through the car you drive and the clothes you wear. Robert Abi Nader's fashion show was therefore the perfect collaboration for Bahi Motors and an ideal platform to launch the new and very stylish BMW 6 Series Convertible," commented Bassel Chehabi, Managing Director at Bahi Motors.

Arriving at Bahi Motors showroom this month, the new BMW 6 Series Convertible has a new interior and exterior design and comes with a wealth of new technology highlights that distinguish the new car from its predecessor. Offering stylish design, outstanding performance, luxury and sheer driving pleasure, the latest generation model is expected to set trends in the premium car segment.

Design

Although the new BMW 6 Series Convertible retains its strong characteristic lines, it has been restyled with a refined modern design. Some new characteristics include a "shark nose" in its front end design giving the car a sense of surging forward, while a broad air intake, strikingly contoured bonnet and muscular wheel arches hint at its powerful engine technology and impressive road holding promise. Meanwhile the luxurious atmosphere of the interior is highlighted by the driver-oriented set up and offers individually tailored seats for the driver, front and rear passengers.

The roof of the new BMW 6 Series Convertible takes just 19 seconds to open and closes within 24 seconds. Both operations can be activated while on the move at speeds of up to 40 km/h.

High-class functionality is underlined prominently in the updated and redesigned Control Display with the iDrive control system. High-quality materials, carefully coordinated colours and, once again, meticulously formed surfaces combine to produce an ambience defined by luxury in the new BMW 6 Series Convertible.

BMW ConnectedDrive

The progressive character of the new BMW 6 Series Convertible is emphasised with numerous BMW ConnectedDrive optional driver assistance technology features for enhanced comfort and safety, some of these include: rear-view camera; Surround View; BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition; and BMW Park Assistant. In addition, the new BMW 6 Series Convertible is the only car in its segment available with a full colour Head-Up Display which projects driving-related information onto the windscreen within the driver's direct field of view.

Performance

The new BMW 6 Series Convertible is available in Syria with two engine variants: 650i and 640i, which offer more power and more fuel efficiency than their predecessors. The eight-cylinder power unit in the BMW 650i Convertible produces 407 hp and the BMW 640i Convertible generates 320 hp. Both engines come with BMW TwinPower Turbo power, direct fuel injection and VALVETRONIC technologies team up as standard with an eight-speed Sports automatic gearbox.

Drive Dynamic Control which allows the driver to choose from a range of pre-programmed suspension settings comes as standard, while the Adaptive Drive which helps stabilize the vehicle around corners ensures the premium comfort, safety and driving pleasure for the driver.

"Convertible models are important for us as they reiterate the athletic appeal and sportiness of the BMW brand. The new generation 6 Series will add a new chapter to a tradition of impressive BMW open-top cars that stretches back decades - and we have no doubt that it will be a popular addition to our portfolio," added Chehabi.

The new BMW 6 Series Convertible is now available at the Bahi Motors showroom and will be joined by the new BMW 6 Series Coupé in the second half of 2011. 

source: www.ameinfo.com

Sunday, March 20, 2011

2012 BMW 6-Series Cabrio

Intended as a surprise unveiling at the Los Angeles Auto Show, BMW has revealed the 2011 6-Series convertible. However, for reasons unknown the drop-top never made it to the show. It's unfortunate given the importance of the sunny Californian market.

Drawing inspiration from the Concept 6-Series Coupe, the convertible has a long bonnet, a forward-slanted grille, xenon headlights, distinctive LED fog lights and 18-inch alloy wheels (19-inchers on the 650i). To reduce weight, BMW has retained the 6-Series' double buttress soft top which can be lowered in 19 seconds and raised in 24 seconds at speeds up to 25 mph (40 km/h).

Inside, the cabin mimics the previous 6-Series but there is a greater emphasis on material quality and driver-focused controls. Notable highlights include Dakota leather upholstery (Nappa leather with SunReflective Technology is optional) and a freestanding 10.2-inch iDrive display which can display e-mails via Bluetooth connection with a BlackBerry smartphone.

At launch, two engines will be available. The 640i uses a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that produces 320 hp (239 kW / 324 PS) and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque. This allows the car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 5.7 seconds and hit an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h). In terms of efficiency, expect 35.8 mpg (imp) in the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 185 g/km.

In the 650i, power is provided by a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine with 407 hp (304 kW / 413 PS) and 600 Nm (442 lb-ft) of torque. It enables the drop top to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 5.0 seconds, before hitting an electronically limited 155 mph (250 km/h). Furthermore, it is expected to average a combined 26.4 mpg (imp) and emit 249 grams of CO2 per kilometer.

Regardless of what engine is selected, a six-speed manual is standard and eight-speed automatic is optional (some markets, such as the UK, will be automatic only).

To ensure the convertible handles like a proper BMW, engineers installed an advanced suspension which features an aluminum-intensive double wishbone front axle and a multi-link rear. Dynamic Damper Control is standard, but optional Active Roll Stabilization can further improve things to ensure flat and stable cornering. Additionally, an Integral Active Steering system is available. It combines the Active Steering system for the front axle with a new steerable rear axle which gives the 6-Series greater "high-speed stability and enhanced maneuverability for parking and city use."

Compared to its predecessor, the new 6-Series is 74mm longer, 39mm wider, and 9mm shorter. This results in a much needed increase in rear passenger room and a bigger boot which holds up to 350 liters of luggage (300 liters with the roof down).

Adaptive LED Headlights.

Design in a new light: the BMW 6 Series Coupé is the first BMW automobile to use Adaptive LED Headlights. They establish a new level of fatigue-free driving at night and hence ensure even more comfort and safety.
Dipped and high beam are implemented entirely using LED in both light rings. Yet the appearance of the Adaptive LED Headlights is interpreted in typical BMW style: enclosed by two 3-dimensional light rings on each side of the vehicle, the LED modules shine with their powerfully expressive styling and a night design without the appearance of discrete dots. All the lighting features available from BMW are integrated, including cornering lights, Adaptive Headlights and High Beam Assistant. Even functions such as accent lights, direction indicator lamps and cornering lights have been implemented with LED technology.

Because its temperature is very similar to that of daylight, LED light has a very bright beam, enabling traffic signs, for example, to be seen more clearly. Cornering lights turn on automatically when bends are taken slowly. All bends taken faster than approx. 60 km/h are the responsibility of Adaptive Headlights: they adapt smoothly to steering wheel movements and the speed, and light up the road ahead perfectly.

And it is not only this new previously unfamiliar level of visibility that distinguishes the LED headlights – they look good as well. Their new design with horizontally sectioned light rings and black accented trims underline the powerful style of the BMW 6 Series Coupé.