Spy Shots: 2011 BMW 6-Series Cabrio getting swirly-whirly
In its 93 year history, BMW has only produced two generations of the 6-Series: the original from 1976 to 1989, and the current model introduced in 2003. But these days a product cycle over five years is growing long in the proverbial tooth, so the Bavarian automaker is preparing to launch the third-generation 6 by 2011.
Although it is hard to tell much from the spy shots of this heavily disguised test mule, the 2011 6-Series is expected to follow the same form as the current model, although like the new 7-Series and Z4 roadster, it will feature toned-down styling to minimize the controversial "flame surfacing" technique and the so-called "Bangle Butt" that characterizes the current model.
While this convertible test mule appears to be wearing a soft-top, sources point out that the new 6 is expected to go with a folding hard hat in its next iteration (remember that mules for the original Z4 were initially spied wearing a faux canvas roof, only to have the production car carry a retractable hard-top,). It is too early to tell if that means that a hard-top convertible will be the only version offered, but given that the two-door 3 Series is offered in both coupe and cabrio bodystyles, our money is on the 6 Series continuing down both paths.
[Source: CarScoop]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
TurboPanzer 6:38PM (1/22/2009)
Too much LSD will do that to you.
*Note: Not talking about the differential.
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paul 6:42PM (1/22/2009)
man those pictures gave me a trip.
cant wait to see the new 6 series. will it debut at around the same time as the new 5 series maybe?
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Jonathan 6:44PM (1/22/2009)
Well, the current 650 is possibly the ugliest GT on sale today. I was also sorely disappointed by the new Z4, so I don't expect this update to change anything. God forbid BMW make a car thats desirable for its lap times AND styling.
I'd rather an S5 or '10 XK.
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paul 6:51PM (1/22/2009)
an S5 would blow this thing out of the water, both visually and performance. BMW needs to pull its weight now since it has more competition, especially from Audi and now Jaguar which seems to have gotten back in the groove with the XK-R
mkM3 9:41AM (1/23/2009)
An S5 will definitely trounce the N/A I6, and probably edge the turbo I6 too. But the turbo V8? I think that will have the S5 by a significant margin. Of course we'll probably only get that latter one in the US, alond with the M6 of course.
The S5 definitely wins with a lower price though. Of course BMW also has the 3 series coupe to go head-to-head with the S5 in price (and performance, if you opt for the turbo).
racewithferrari 12:02PM (1/23/2009)
S5 is not even faster than BMW 335i.
See the comprasion between the two on youtube.
Trey1 6:47PM (1/22/2009)
Anything would be an improvement over the current 6. Other than by a few old geezers, this car is seen as one of the worst BMW designs ever (and BMW has certainly had a few clunkers). Add to that the fact that it's such a lard-ass (both visually and literally--4300 SUV like pounds for the cab) and this a car BMW either needs to redesign significantly, or just drop from the line-up.
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Visnick 7:02PM (1/22/2009)
No more V10 in the future M6?
Shame.
It sounds so nice.
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TurboPanzer 10:00PM (1/22/2009)
Yes it's really too bad. Since the noise from that V10 is the only consolation to the way the 6-series looks.
I think BMW dropped the V10 because it's not as cost effective for the amount of power it produces.
Visnick 10:15PM (1/22/2009)
BMW has dropped a lot of things lately, it makes me sad
TurboPanzer 11:04PM (1/22/2009)
I know :(
But don't be sad man, at least the M3 is still around.
If BMW drops the M3, that'd be the end of the world as we know it.
JD 7:05PM (1/22/2009)
The S5 should be compared to the M6, not the regular 6-Series IMO.
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Mobius_1 7:27PM (1/22/2009)
Um no. The S5 should be compared to the M3. The Audi 5 is basically a 4 with only 2 doors, and the 4 competes with BMW 3, so S5 should line up against the M3, and on price, it is pretty damn close.
The RS5 will compete with the Bugatti Veyron, or so I've heard. :P
Jakub 7:35PM (1/22/2009)
Dang, the Bangle butt's still there.
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samgross144 8:24PM (1/22/2009)
It looks like it's going to remain a soft top, because of the trunklid. It's got the landing points for the two flying buttresses of the current model, and the rear window is pure camo. Though you never know, it's be hard to pull off the flying-buttressed-with-independent-electric-window which is the only good looking, functionally appealing thing on the current car.
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P.V. 9:20PM (1/22/2009)
What is up with BMW using hallucination-inducing camouflage these days (especially on early prototypes, not so much on later prototypes/pre-production cars)? It really bugs the crap out of me.
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ken_aisin 10:53PM (1/22/2009)
Someone forgot to buff off the wax....
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