Autoblog

Two rare Alpina BMWs given the Petrolicious treatment

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Classics, Coupe, Performance, Videos, BMW, Luxury

Alpina is getting more and more ink because of because of that rolling cannonade known as the B7 and its closer ties with BMW. The company's tuning business dates to 1962 when Burkard Bovensiepen began fiddling with Weber carburetors, then his company began racing in 1968 and was eventually certified as an automaker in 1983.

Two of its rarer specimens from those early years have gotten a glance from the folks at Petrolicious: the E24 B10 and E24 B7S. Based on the BMW 6 Series, the Alpina versions made one of the most special coupes from the Eighties even more so. According to the video, there were only 44 B10s made, and the turbocharged, 333-horsepower B7S - this was in a luxury coupe in 1982, mind you - saw only 33 examples produced.

You won't be sorry to find out more about them - and see how they run - in the Petrolicious video below.

Continue reading Two rare Alpina BMWs given the Petrolicious treatment

Two rare Alpina BMWs given the Petrolicious treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jan 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 BMW M6 Convertible makes its world debut

Zach Bowman — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 10:31:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Convertible, Performance, BMW, Luxury

BMW has finally pulled the sheets back on its 2012 M6 Convertible. The convertible counterpart to the hardtop that debuted at the Geneva Motor Show bows with the same vicious turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 under the hood. Good for 560 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque and mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, the convertible should be able to launch to 62 mph in around 4.1 seconds. BMW hasn't mentioned the weight difference between the hardtop and the convertible, though the automaker stressed the 2013 model has shed significant weight over its predecessor. The "base" 2013 BMW M6 Convertible will leave the showroom with 19-inch M-designed wheels, though larger 20-inch alloys are also available.

The vehicle will land on U.S. shores this summer ahead of its hardtop brethren. The big question is whether or not BMW will offer the convertible with an honest manual gearbox. So far, BMW hasn't said much in that direction beyond saying the possibility is "under consideration." Given the M6 Convertible target demographic, we'd say that we doubt it, but you never know - BMW has had a noteworthy habit of building America-only manual transmissions models as of late. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading 2012 BMW M6 Convertible makes its world debut

2012 BMW M6 Convertible makes its world debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW reveals new 6 Series diesel with xDrive

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, BMW, Luxury

BMW and its commitment to maximizing the potential of every model continues with the 2012 640d xDrive. It's the first time the 6 Series has used a diesel engine, and it sound like it won't disappoint if 'sporty' and 'oil-burning' are your prerogatives: the 3.0-liter inline six with TwinPower turbos throws off 313 horsepower and 465 pound-feet, with all that twist available from around 2,000 rpm. Working through the standard eight-speed automatic will get you from 0 to 60 in five seconds, and the coupe will return an estimated 40 U.S. mpg.

This is also the first 6er to be fitted with Intelligent xDrive, which routes 60 percent of the power to the rear and 40 percent to the front in normal conditions. However, it can shuttle power from front to back and side to side depending on traction and the sporting intensity of your cornering. It will be available in convertible form as well, though we don't expect either to show up in U.S. showrooms any time soon.

A press release after the jump breaks things down in typical Bavarian detail, or there's a huge gallery of high-res photos for you visual types.

Continue reading BMW reveals new 6 Series diesel with xDrive

BMW reveals new 6 Series diesel with xDrive originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Feb 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW debuts 560-hp twin-turbo M6, manual option under consideration

Damon Lavrinc — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, BMW

What's the new M6 made of? Just like the last generation, it takes all the best bits from the M5 and distills them into two door form. And this time, the convertible comes first.

At its heart, the M6 Coupe and Cabriolet are all about the engine, and as expected both models use the same twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 (ironically codenamed S63) to output 560 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque, the latter of which peaks between 1,500 and 5,750 rpm. Those figures should sound familiar, as they're almost exact duplicates of the M5's specs (the sedan makes an additional two lb-ft of torque), including the 7,200 rpm rev limiter and Valvetronic system.

Mated to the same seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox as the M5, BMW claims the M6 Coupe will run from a rest to 62 mph in 4.2 seconds, with the cabrio taking an additional tenth of a second to hit the same mark. According to our sources, a six-speed manual option is under consideration, but it won't be available at launch. And again, just like the M5, fuel consumption has been reduced by 30 percent while power has increased by around 10 percent.

Also included is BMW's Active M Differential, an electronically controlled multi-plate limited slip diff that works in conjunction with the DSC and the new Dynamic Damper Controls that electro-hydraulically tweak damping force on-the-fly depending on the settings and the situation.

Inside the subtly blistered wheel arches are massive 16.1-inch carbon ceramic rotors in front, gripped by six piston blue calipers, with equally impressive 15.6-inch rotors out back held by a single-piston caliper. The standard wheels are M-specific 19-inch alloys with 265/40 R19 ultra-high performance summer tires in front and 295/35 R19 rubber in the rear, with 20-inch lightweight hoops available as an option.

BMW isn't citing exact curb weights for either the coupe or cabrio yet, but assures us that they're notably less than the previous E63/E64, and the double-bubble carbon fiber roof on the coupe is a visual testament to that.

Sales of the convertible will start this June, with the coupe arriving later this summer as a 2013 model. And we hear we'll get to see the drop top in person at the New York Auto Show, with the coupe debuting in Geneva. Hit the jump for all the tech-laden details.

Continue reading BMW debuts 560-hp twin-turbo M6, manual option under consideration

BMW debuts 560-hp twin-turbo M6, manual option under consideration originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 BMW 6 Series Coupe

Matt Davis — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, BMW, First Drives, Luxury

Least Expensive Model Now The Best

2012 BMW 6 Series Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

We tried the open version back in January and, despite a couple of BMW's "I'm a niche car" choices for the model that are open to debate, largely enjoyed the 6 Series Convertible. Despite a serious keys-in-hand base price of $91,375 for the skybox 650i, the 6 Series is perhaps the best overall package in this small segment of near-millionaire large convertibles and coupes (i.e. sub Bentley/Aston Martin).

Just considering sheer finish and accommodation for four real-sized adults, this new 2+2 BMW fairly well beats the Jaguar XK, Audi S5, and Mercedes E-Class Coupe - with or without a metal roof. The Cadillac CTS Coupe lineup suffers by comparison in the total package, though its discount pricing will convince some, and none of the premium Japanese brands currently offer anything even close in ambition to this latest 6 Series.

Continue reading 2012 BMW 6 Series Coupe

2012 BMW 6 Series Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Jul 2011 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Leaked? 2012 BMW 6 Series M-Sport package rears its sporty head

Noah Joseph — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 09:20:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, BMW, Luxury

When BMW unveils a new sports coupe, it's an exciting development. If not in its own right, then because you know it's going to lead to a new M model. And so the new 6 Series will lead to a new M6, but not just yet.

That's where the M-Sport package comes in. Though the trim pack for the new 6 Series has yet to be released, this solitary (grainy) image has apparently leaked out via an ad in a Dutch newspaper.

As with other models, this new M-Sport pack serves a dual purpose. Ostensibly it gives buyers of the standard model a little extra in the cosmetic department for a sportier look. But it may also give us a little heads-up on how the full-on M6 will look whenever it's finally released. So take a good long look at the bigger wheels and the new front bumper with integrated LED running lights, and bide your time until the new M6 comes along.

[Source: 6post.com via TopSpeed]

Leaked? 2012 BMW 6 Series M-Sport package rears its sporty head originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Apr 2011 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 BMW 6 Series Convertible

Chris Paukert — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, BMW, First Drives, Luxury

Frolicking Topless Under The African Sun In BMW's Latest Big GT

2012 BMW 6 Series Convertible - Click above for high-res image gallery

To say that the second-generation BMW 6 Series caused a bit of a scene when it hit the world stage in 2003 would be to underplay its shock value. The Dingolfing, Germany-built coupe and convertible's styling seemed to win admirers and ruffle traditionalists' feathers in equal measure, but regardless of how you feel about its aesthetics, the 6's long model run has been a success, resulting in nearly 118,000 units sold.

Despite this victory (and despite what BMW officials tell us), there has been a clear bit of design capitulation in the halls of Bavaria, as Chris Bangle's controversial surfacing treatments and high trunk lines have been smoothed out in newer models in favor of less polarizing designs throughout the BMW empire.

So it is with the 2012 6 Series range, which launches with the 650i convertible model shown here, a model that's due to hit showrooms this April (just in time for top-down season). With North America enduring a hyperborean winter, it was only appropriate that we head to more temperate climates for some quality top-down running. BMW evidently had the same thought, so they sent us to Cape Town, South Africa. Famous for its finned and pointy-teethed population coursing offshore, we couldn't think of a more appropriate spot to sample the 6 Series' reborn shark nose look.

Continue reading...

Gallery: 2012 BMW 6 Series Convertible: First Drive

Continue reading 2012 BMW 6 Series Convertible

2012 BMW 6 Series Convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: BMW 6 Series Convertible continues its striptease

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 18:59:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, BMW, Luxury

Next-gen BMW 6 Series Convertible spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

As BMW moves forward with the development of the next-generation 6 Series, more of the swirly camouflage is stripped away, revealing that the next Sixer will be significantly more rakish than the model currently on sale. In this latest batch of spy photos, we can clearly see the revised front fascia with the larger interpretation of BMW's twin kidney grilles and the stretched headlamp cluster encompassing a set of LED turn signals. Around back, it appears that the convertible top won't change too much from the current car, featuring the same upright rear window with flying buttress sides.

Under the hood, expect to see the turbocharged six- and eight-cylinder engines from the 7 Series. A more potent M6 isn't necessarily out of the cards, but with BMW reportedly working on a high-output version of the EfficientDynamics concept car, we're not sure if an M-badged 6 Series will have much place within BMW's lineup (not that that's ever stopped the automaker before). What's more, rumors continue to swirl about the possibility of a four-door 6 Series to compete with the Mercedes-Benz CLS and upcoming Audi A7 Sportback.

For now, though, we'll just watch as BMW peels more camo off of the coupe and convertible models, and we certainly won't rule out the possibility of a Paris Motor Show debut later this year. See the latest set of spy shots for yourself in the gallery below.

Gallery: Spy Shots: BMW 6 Series Convertible

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: BMW 6 Series Convertible continues its striptease originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jun 2010 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: 2008 Fisker Latigo CS

Noah Joseph — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Auctions, BMW, Fisker, Design/Style, Luxury

2008 Fisker Latigo CS on eBay - Click above for image gallery

Are you not a fan of the current BMW 6 Series? Can you not wait for the next-generation model? Are you looking for something a little more exclusive? Has Fisker caught your attention with the Karma, but not so much for its hybrid drivetrain? If your answer to any of these questions was an emphatic "yes," then you may want to have a look at this eBay Motors listing.

Before kicking off his ambitious luxury hybrid project and after having penned such gorgeous sportscars as the Aston Martin V8 Vantage and BMW Z8 roadster, the noted Danish designer Henrik Fisker started his own coachbuilding operation. The California-based operation had two products: the Mercedes SL-based Tramonto and this, the BMW M6-based Latigo CS. Only 150 examples of each were made, and one of the latter - a post-revision 2008 model - has now popped up for grabs on eBay.

Mechanically, the Latigo is essentially the same as the M6 up which it is based, but Fisker managed to cut out some excess weight and enlisted the services of tuning house RDSport to tune the high-revving 5.0-liter V10 engine up to 648 horsepower. Stiffer springs and custom rolling stock are also part of the package, to say nothing of the exquisitely-crafted interior. This particular example has a Buy It Now sticker of $90,000; check it out in the extensive image gallery below or follow the link to the auction page.

Gallery: 2008 Fisker Latigo CS on eBay

Gallery: 2008 Fisker Latigo CS

[Source: eBay Motors]

eBay Find of the Day: 2008 Fisker Latigo CS originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Jun 2010 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2011 BMW 6-Series Cabrio getting swirly-whirly

Noah Joseph — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Coupe, BMW

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]

Spy Shots: 2011 BMW 6-Series Cabrio getting swirly-whirly originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Jan 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendering Homage: Racer X Design BMW RZ-M6

Noah Joseph — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, Classics, Tuners, BMW

Click above to view the Racer X Design BMW RZ-M6 in high resolution

When BMW rolled out the new 6 Series coupe in 2003, it reconnected with a nameplate that had laid dormant for some 14 years. The original 6-Series, produced between 1976 and 1989, earned itself a cult following and iconic status, epitomized by the 635CSi. Some apparently feel that the current 6 doesn't pay enough homage to the original. The people at Racer X Design count themselves in that camp, and are evidently hoping there are more like-minded enthusiasts... with cash.

Racer X Design has caught our attention before with some arresting concepts, including the KC-427 and the RZ Formula. The RZ-M6, however, takes the existing 6 Series and retros it up a bit, in turn paying a bit of homage to BMW's own M1 Hommage concept. The modified body panels would also widen the coupe by an extra 50 mm, giving it a more aggressive stance to go along with the tribute styling. Of course, Racer X Design needs to attract some potential customers to bring the RZ-M6 to life, but it's already a few steps closer to reality than the studio's previous projects. Check it out in the gallery below and read the full press release after the jump.

Gallery: Racer X Design BMW RZ-M6

[Source: Racer X Design via SeriousWheels.com]

Continue reading Rendering Homage: Racer X Design BMW RZ-M6

Rendering Homage: Racer X Design BMW RZ-M6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Jan 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Six Appeal: AC Schnitzer's new 6-series mods includes diesel tuning

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Performance, BMW

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2008 BMW 6-Series by AC Schnitzer

AC Schnitzer revamped its offerings for the 2008 BMW 6-series and is including tweaks for the 635d model. The changes boost power from the stock oilburner's 286 hp and 428 lb.-ft. to 310 hp and 501 lb.-ft. of torque. Along with the engine mods, the AC crew has redesigned its 6-series body kit to include a new lower intake, side skirts, rear lip and rear spoiler with an integrated brake light, along with fitting Type VI 20x9-inch wheels in the front and 20x10s out back. The 650i model also gets some love under the hood with an increase in power from 367 hp to 411 hp, which helps the new Schnitzer 6 get a 22 mph boost in its top speed to 178 mph. All the details are in AC's press release, posted after the jump.

Gallery: AC Schnitzer 2008 BMW 6-series

Continue reading Six Appeal: AC Schnitzer's new 6-series mods includes diesel tuning

Six Appeal: AC Schnitzer's new 6-series mods includes diesel tuning originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Apr 2008 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW slaps a refreshed nose on the 6, plus new prices

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Convertible, Coupe, BMW

Click the image above for a gallery of high-res pics of the 2008 BMW 6-series.

BMW released the details on the 2008 6-series today, and after wading through the lengthy press release, the only exterior changes we could come up with is a mildly revised fascia and LED taillamps. On the engineering side, BMW added a lane-departure warning system and a new electronic shifter with an optional Sport Automatic that blips the throttle when you grab the "-" paddle on the steering wheel. The new cost of entry for the 650i coupe is $76,375, while the 650i convertible comes in at a cool $83,475.

BMW's exceeding long-winded press release is posted after the jump.

Gallery: 2008 BMW 650i - Coupe and Convertible

Continue reading BMW slaps a refreshed nose on the 6, plus new prices

BMW slaps a refreshed nose on the 6, plus new prices originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Nov 2007 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sean Connery's BMW 635 CSI for sale on eBay

Siddharth Raja — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 14:35:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, BMW

It's not the car you'd expect to see James Bond rolling in, but this beautiful alpine white BMW 635 CSI was once the pride and joy of Sean Connery, arguably the best Bond ever.

The car is now up for sale on eBay in the UK and, according to the seller's description, the Scottish actor was the only owner. The car was sourced from Marbella in Spain and has only covered 27,000 miles while it was registered. In 1998 it was picked up by a Lancashire BMW dealer in the UK where it has been sitting, pampered in a showroom ever since.

To ensure the new owner doesn't run into the same problems George Costanza did when he though he bought Jon Voight's old LeBaron in that famous episode of Seinfeld, the 635 comes with the full Spanish Registration Document bearing Connery's full details as well as the car's. It's good to see such a fine actor has great taste in automobiles, too.

Thanks to Tony for the tip!

[Source: eBay]

Sean Connery's BMW 635 CSI for sale on eBay originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Aug 2007 14:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Week in Photos: Week of June 25, 2007

Chris Shunk — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 18:04:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Videos, Crossover, BMW, Ford, Subaru

The Autoblog crew is being pulled in a million different directions right now, with plenty of OEM-sponsored events and car show to attend. We also got ourselves into a couple of competing crossovers, the Ford Edge and the Subaru Tribeca, and a couple new BMWs were unveiled as well. We fit in some first drives from the folks over at Ford Motor Company, and we attended the world premiere of the Transformers movie.

The last week was packed with information, and four minutes will give you an update on anything you might have missed by clicking on the video above. We've also added links below to some of the more significant galleries from the last seven days. In honor of our vacationing editor in chief, this week we found the only royalty-free music in the world that specifically mentions Cleveland. The one and only George Thorogood and the Destroyers cranked out "Any Town USA" for your enjoyment.

Continue reading Autoblog Week in Photos: Week of June 25, 2007

Autoblog Week in Photos: Week of June 25, 2007 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Jul 2007 18:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW 6-series facelift in full view

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 12:35:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, BMW

UPDATE: Press release added after the jump.
UPDATE zwei: Photo gallery added

Click the image above for a full gallery.

BWM revealed the first pics of its warmed-over 6-series and the changes are what we expected: subtle. The new fascia features a wide air intake and new LED indicators, while out back, the center-mounted brake light has been integrated into the spoiler. Inside, you'll find a new iDrive button that is supposedly more ergonomic, along with Sun Reflective Technology that will be standard on the convertible model.

Under the sheetmetal, Stop-start technology has been implemented, that coupled with BMW's newest Efficient Dynamics fuel saving tech and regenerative braking system will increase electrical efficiency. The changes in the lineup include the addition of the new dual-turbo three-liter diesel (in Europe) and the direct-injected three-liter petrol model, producing 270 HP and 236 lb.-ft. of torque.

More shots of the refreshed 6 are available here.

Gallery: 2008 BMW 6-series

Continue reading BMW 6-series facelift in full view

BMW 6-series facelift in full view originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Jun 2007 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Fisker finds a home

Damon Lavrinc — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 16:09:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Etc., Supercars

It's been a while since we've heard from the Southern California coachbuilding firm headed by Henrik Fisker, and sharing the ex-Aston designer's last name. Thankfully, it's good news.

The first vehicle to come out of the design house was delivered to the Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance in Beverly Hills, California, and it's arguably the most desirable model Fisker "produces." The inaugural Latigo, based of the BMW 6-series, could've come with the 360 HP V8 found in the standard six, but the CS is built atop (around?) the M6, producing 648 HP from it's massaged V10 powerplant and able to reach 60 in a tic under four seconds.

Aside from the exterior and engine enhancements, the Latigo CS gets a custom interior, which adds to the exclusivity. That, and the $304,000 price tag.

[Source: Autoweek]

First Fisker finds a home originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 23 Jun 2007 16:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: BMW 6-Series diesel

John Neff — Tue, 29 May 2007 18:49:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Green, BMW

Diesel engines continue to be all the rage in Europe while they're just beginning to gain ground again in the U.S. As proof that diesels aren't just considered high-mileage motors for city cars, we offer up these spy shots of the BMW 635d, a version of the 6-Series that will be rocking the automaker's twin-turbo 3.0L diesel engine. The motor in the 635d should produce about 286 hp and 428 ft-lbs. of torque. Motor Authority expects a 0-60 time of about six seconds combined with what will likely be the best fuel consumption of any 6-Series model.

These spy shots show a slightly updated 6-Series model with a revised front bumper, but we know there's a diesel underhood because the spy photographer managed to get a pic of the car's gauges, which show the word "diesel" above the fuel gauge.

Along with the TT 3.0L diesel, the 6-Series is also expected to replace the 630i's engine with the award-winning twin-turbo 3.0L inline six from the the 3-Series. While we may see the new 635i in the U.S. soon enough (currently only the V8 650i is offered), the way things are going we don't expect the 635d to make the trip over anytime soon.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Spy Shots: BMW 6-Series diesel originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 May 2007 18:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New details on the next generation BMW 7-Series

Randall Halcomb — Wed, 04 Oct 2006 13:32:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Green, BMW

Car Magazine has posted a few close-up spy shots of the next 7-Series and also provides more details on what to expect in Munich's new flagship with some interesting tidbits that appear sourced from right inside BMW. For BMW fans, the new 7-Series is also the start of a new set of chassis designations, with the short-wheelbase version known as the F01 and the stretched version internally referred to as F02. The outgoing model's Bangle-era styling will be shelved for the cleaner, more elegant styling that's been previewed in recent spy shots.

The new model will also be available as a gas-electric hybrid version, no-doubt to compete with the Lexus LS600h. The gasoline engines that we'll see in the U.S. will be designed with direct fuel injection and be tuned for performance, as opposed to the European versions that will be tweaked for fuel economy. The 7's new modular chassis will also provide parts for the next 5- and 6-series cars, and potentially that baby Rolls-Royce we've been promised. With both Mercedes-Benz and Lexus launching new flagship sedans packed to their sunroofs with techno-wizardry, we also expect BMW will be aiming to trump its competitors while still providing legendary driving pleasure for the driver.

[Source: Car Magazine]

Related Posts:

New details on the next generation BMW 7-Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Oct 2006 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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6 + 7 = smitten: BMW 7-Series goes under the knife

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 29 Sep 2006 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Europe, BMW

We just showed you spy shots of a heavily disguised 7-series a couple of weeks ago, but here is an artist's interpretation of the new 7 in the raw. With an oh-so-sexy 6-series nose grafted to the formidable sedan, it makes quite an impression. Losing some of the flame-surfacing that Chris Bangle has made into a household ~~joke~~ name, at least among car geeks, the more subtly styled 7 appears to be taking the more conservative road, leaving rival Mercedes alone on the cutting edge, or the cutting room floor depending on your perspective. Indeed, with the new S-class now more closely resembling its big brother Maybach, this 7-series update might actually appear old-fashioned to some.

On the market since 2002, with a nip tuck in '05, the current 7-series has been praised for everything except its looks, and BMW has decided 2008 is the time to change that. Everybody seems to refer to this redesign as a toned-down shape for BMW, but the truth is that it is at the same time sexier and more elegant, making the 7 look more like the new 3- and 6-series, which isn't a bad thing at all. Click the read link for more photos and info.

[Source: Auto Express]

6 + 7 = smitten: BMW 7-Series goes under the knife originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Sep 2006 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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