Autoblog

BMW the latest automaker to showcase Bang & Olufsen sound system

Noah Joseph — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 08:27:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

Bang & Olufsen speakers on board the BMW 6 Series Coupe Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Any of a number of automakers would kill to claim the moniker of "rising star" in the automotive industry, but the latest doesn't even make cars. They make sound systems. Some of the best in the business, as some audiophiles suggest. But their fitment in a growing array of new cars has put them on the fast track to dominating the interiors of an expanding range of luxury automobiles.

We're talking, of course, about Bang & Olufsen. In addition to their sumptuous home and personal sound systems, B&O has been fitting its wares to the likes of Aston Martin, Audi and Mercedes-Benz. And now they've teamed up with BMW.

The system, as some particularly astute car fanatics may have noticed, is fitted to the Munich's latest show car, the BMW 6 Series Coupe Concept, slated to debut next week at the Paris Motor Show. The concept packs no fewer than sixteen BeoLab 5 speakers, including a pair of sub-woofers (one under each seat), seven mid-range speakers and seven tweeters, as well as Bang's proprietary Acoustic Lens Technology. And though they're being rolled out on a show car first, we don't expect it'll be too long before they'll find their way onto road-going automobiles available from your local Bimmer dealer.

Gallery: BMW 6 Series Concept

[Source: egmCarTech]

BMW the latest automaker to showcase Bang & Olufsen sound system originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #196 - with Jonny Lieberman from Motor Trend

Dan Roth — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 16:45:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Podcasts, Etc., BMW, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Lotus

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

For Episode #196 of the Autoblog Podcast, recently departed Autoblogger Jonny Lieberman joins us from his perch atop the ivory Motor Trend tower. In between recounting stories from the land of the Buff Books, Chris, Dan and Jonny talk over some of this week's news, including the Lotus Elite, the final Ford Ranger in North America, the BMW 6 Series concept and a truckload of new Chrysler information about the 200C, the Challenger, transmissions, and more. We finish up with some of your feedback near the epic two-hour mark. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #196 - With Jonny Lieberman from Motor Trend

In the Autoblog Garage:

Chrysler 300C SRT-8
BMW 335D
Ferrari 458 Italia

News:

Hosts:
Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Jonny Lieberman

Runtime: 1:49:30

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Autoblog Podcast #196 - with Jonny Lieberman from Motor Trend originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Preview: BMW unwraps 6 Series Coupe Concept

Damon Lavrinc — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 20:07:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Paris Motor Show, BMW

BMW 6 Series Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Like so many "concepts" from BMW, the 6 Series Coupe bound for the Paris Motor Show is a concept in name alone. What you're looking at is BMW's next GT, and even a cursory glance proves that the Bangleization of BMW is officially over.

Set to be based on the 5 Series' underpinnings and taking several cues from the Grand Coupe concept shown in Beijing, the next BMW 6 Series takes the brand's new upright grille, frames it with a set of full-LED headlamps and than caps things off with a more contoured rump. We're not going to pass judgement on the design until we see it in person, but like the last 6er, this new GT appears to be a love it or loathe it affair.

On the contrary, the interior is an airy, organic environment, complete with an asymmetrical center console tilted towards the driver, a new navigation display and a host of aluminum and leather accents that are several steps beyond what's currently on offer from BMW. We're particularly digging the redesigned steering wheel and the waterfall of material that connects the dash to the transmission tunnel.

BMW isn't giving up specifics on dimensions or engines - this is a "concept" after all - but expect the 2012 BMW 6 Series to be slightly lower and marginally wider than the current model. Power will be supplied by BMW's current array of naturally aspirated and turbocharged inline sixes, with the next M6 outputting over 550 horsepower from its twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8. The standard 6 should be in showroom early next year, with the M6 to arriving in late 2012 and the soft-top due out in late 2011.

Gallery: BMW 6 Series Concept

Source: BMW

Paris Preview: BMW unwraps 6 Series Coupe Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 18 Sep 2010 20:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW reportedly green-lights 6 Series Gran Coupé concept for production

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, BMW, Luxury

BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé concept - Click above to watch video walkaround after the jump

As a testament to its success in starting the four-door coupe movement, the Mercedes-Benz CLS is nigh on its second version, yet competitors have only recently begun to crowd the room. With the Audi A7 about to gain membership in the club, BMW couldn't hang back, so it has reportedly slapped a sales date on the 6 Series Gran Coupe concept: it'll be here in 2012.

Rumored for the summer of 2012 by German publication Automobilwoche, that puts its introduction a year behind the next-generation 6 Series. Engines are said to be a mix of gas and diesel, and BMW evidently spoke of a potential hybrid application. Perhaps most importantly, design cues such as the frameless doors and LED lighting will be carried into production. Those trick exhaust tips, however, not likely. Follow the jump for a video walkaround of the exterior and check out our high-res gallery below for a refresher.

Gallery: Beijing 2010: BMW Concept Gran Coupe

[Sources: Automobilwoche (translated), BMW Blog]

Continue reading BMW reportedly green-lights 6 Series Gran Coupé concept for production

BMW reportedly green-lights 6 Series Gran Coupé concept for production originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: BMW 6 Series Cabriolet takes its top off

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, BMW, Luxury

The BMW 6 Series Cabriolet is in the latter stages of pre-reveal testing, but has only now been caught in spy shots with its top down. The car's cloth-top lines are the same as on the current generation, slightly arched on top and running down into buttresses on either side of the vertical rear window that also serves as a wind deflector.

Even on the slightly rounder 2010 6 Series Cab, putting the top down makes the car seem a little longer. But with the streamlined body of the next iteration giving the appearance of more length in general, to our eyes this new car is fills our field of vision like the S.S. Tirpitz with its top stowed. Even so, 7 Series engines should give it plenty of motivation.

We look forward to checking it out at the Paris Motor Show in 90 days, if it fits...

[Source: GMotors Ireland]

Spy Shots: BMW 6 Series Cabriolet takes its top off originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Jul 2010 11:31:00 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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Aurora Racing preps GT1-spec Alpina B6

Noah Joseph — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 11:25:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, BMW, Racing

What you see above is a BMW 6 Series - but just barely. Since leaving Munich, it's been transformed into the B6 by Alpina, then into the race-spec B6 GT3, and is now in the process of being converted to top-tier GT1 spec by yet another company, Aurora Racing Designs.

The motorsport concern is a joint effort by former McLaren engineer Nicholas Galbraith and former Alpina racing designer Andreas Puschel. Together they're taking the development of the B6 GT1 off Alpina's hands so that the BMW tuner can focus its energies on its current customer GT3 racing program. Sounds promising. We'd guess the chassis is targeted to join various Le Mans Series grids and the new FIA GT1 World Championship in time for next season. BMW racing fans should stay tuned for more.

[Source: Planet Le Mans via Motorpasion]

Aurora Racing preps GT1-spec Alpina B6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Jun 2010 11:25:00 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: Next-gen BMW 6 Series caught topless without shame

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 25 May 2010 18:28:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, BMW

Next generation BMW 6 Series convertible - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW has had a remarkably steady flow of new product hitting the market in the last couple of years, and now that the latest 5 Series is starting to hit the streets and the X3 is coming this fall, one of the next models in line for a rework is the 6 Series.

The new coupe and convertible will be the last of the "Bangle Butt" models to go under the knife, and none too soon. The redesigned convertibles have been running everywhere from Arvidsjaur, Sweden to the Nurburgring since last winter, but always with the top up. The latest batch of images from our intrepid spy shooters show a test driver enjoying a bit Munich sunshine in the spring.

When the new 6 debuts publicly either later this year or early next we're expecting it to feature much of the same design language we've seen on the latest 5, 7 and Z4, with tight side sculpting, stretched headlamps and an overall look that is both cleaner and more muscular than before.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 BMW 6 Series convertible

Spy Shots: Next-gen BMW 6 Series caught topless without shame originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 May 2010 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Visual Documentation: BMW's design progression of Gran Coupe Concept

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 11 May 2010 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, BMW, Luxury

The genesis of the BMW Gran Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

We didn't get a production version of the Concept CS, but it looks like things are going to go a little less disappointingly with the recently unveiled BMW Gran Coupé. Elements from the rakish four-door are will first appear on the 6 Series coupe and convertible, and the Gran Coupé's cues are expected to "turn up all over the BMW range in the next few years."

BMW Blog has a couple of looks behind the creation of the Gran Coupé, which looks to have been designed by Nader Faghihzadeh, the man behind the new 7 Series interior. You can have a look at some of the Making Of in the gallery of photos below, or follow the link for more while we wait for it to appear at the Paris Motor Show this fall. But BMW, even if you don't make it, can we at least talk about Transporter 4 or a new round of BMW Films with this?

Gallery: BMW Gran Coupe design sketches

[Source: BMW Blog]

Visual Documentation: BMW's design progression of Gran Coupe Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 May 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Video: Next BMW 6 Series caught on the run

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:17:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Videos, BMW, Luxury

2011 BMW 6 Series - Click above to watch video after the jump

The BMW 6 Series could probably be considered long overdue for a serious makeover, and this one looks to be it. We got spy shots before, but an intrepid user at the Bimmerpost forum has tracked the thing with a video camera, and the rolling stock looks like it will add to the 6 line. Notice the front is much sleeker, and we're especially interested in how the rear seems angled slightly upward.

Power from the new 7 Series engines will keep the action brisk, as you'll see in the vid, but we still aren't sure how (or if) BMW plans to get an R8 fighter out of this. Follow the jump for two minutes of spy action.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 BMW 6 Series

[Source: Bimmerpost]

Continue reading Spy Video: Next BMW 6 Series caught on the run

Spy Video: Next BMW 6 Series caught on the run originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Clearest look yet at BMW's next 6 Series

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 15:31:00 EST

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

The next BMW 6 Series-click above for high-res image gallery

We've been seeing spy shots of the upcoming 6-Series Convertible for some time now (also, here), but this is the first time we've seen the hard topped version out in the streets. Well, halfway out in the street, as BMW has it all wrapped up for up for a psytrance after-party. We will tip our hats to BMW for this black and white disguise, however, as there's a slight resemblance to the Maserati 4200 GT in front, while they taped off the C-pillar ape the Z32 300ZX. That said, they're not fooling anyone.

First of all, the stuff they didn't/can't cover with camo-wheels, brakes and mirrors-all scream BMW. Especially the "Efficient Dynamics" brake kit that will charge the battery while you're slowing down. Also, the trunk is still fairly Bangled, though less so than the current car.

The engines will be coming out of the 7 Series, though probably not the vaunted 760Li's twin-turbo V12. Expect the double-scroll single turbo 3.0-liter straight six and the twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8, as well as few diesel mill we won't be seeing in the States. As far as the next M6 goes, that's up in the air. Early reports indicate that BMW will be selling some manner of R8-fighter based on the Efficient Dynamics Concept, though it will probably be stuffed with a 600+ horsepower version of the BMW 262 cubic inch twin-turbo V8.

Before you get salty tears in your coffee, our spies also inform us that a four door version of the new 6 Series is expected. Something along the lines of a 650i Gran Turismo, including a hatch/trunk lid similar to the one found in the 550i GT. A model needed (apparently) to combat the upcoming Audi A7 four-door coupe. Those wacky Germans...

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 BMW 6 Series

Spy Shots: Clearest look yet at BMW's next 6 Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Apr 2010 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: New BMW 6 Series cabrio caught, reveals no more flying buttresses

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 10:56:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, BMW, Luxury

It looks like the lakes around Arvidsjaur Sweden have frozen early this year and the engineers from Munich have hit the ice already. The current generation BMW 6 Series has been one of the company's more controversial designs of the past decade, along with the previous-generation 7 Series and Z4. Like most of the rest of the lineup, it will be getting a re-work in the not-too-distant future, and judging from some new photos, it will be following a similar design direction to other recent introductions.

It looks like the bustle back trunk lid (a.k.a. "The Bangle Butt") is being given the heave-ho, although the convertible that was spotted looks like it might be sporting a two-piece rear lid similar to the 5 Series Gran Turismo. It also appears as though there are two cut-lines, the lower one being the one that goes along the side to open for the top to go up and down. The second smaller one higher up might be just for cargo access.

Another element that some will be to see go are the flying buttresses on the top. Thankfully, it appears that BMW has decided to avoid the unnaturally long rear deck that would come with a hard top and retained the fabric variety. At the front, the 6 gets a more vertical grille and headlights that look much like the Z4.

Underhood, the current 4.8-liter V8 will probably be replaced by the newer 4.4-liter twin-turbo and the six-cylinder will probably be the new 300-horsepower single turbo unit just announced for the 5 Series.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Spy Shots: New BMW 6 Series cabrio caught, reveals no more flying buttresses originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Nov 2009 10:56:00 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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