Hotted-up BMW X6 prototype spotted in Brooklyn - Next M?

Dan Roth — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 14:27:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, BMW, Specialty

You can see all sorts of things in Manhattan's boroughs, but camouflaged automaker mules aren't common. At least BMW's crazy whirl-filled disguise stands a chance of escaping notice in the hustle and bustle. GMInsideNews forum member GeneralMischief didn't walk by this extra-sinister X6 without realizing that something wicked is going on. Cameraphone shots of the exterior are all we have to go on at this point, but the conspicuous location of camo - on the front and rear fascias and on the front quarter panels - hints that an X6-M is in store.

The X6 XDrive 50i already has an M-division feel about it, with a 400 horsepower turbo V8 wallop and accompanying raucous exhaust note. Our imaginations reel with the thought of the M5's spectacular V10 finding its way into the X6's engine bay, but that's probably not going to happen. Most likely is a boost tweak for more power, revised suspension tuning, and more aggressive - yet still understated - bodywork. When it's a BMW wearing M badges, it's safe to assume power delivery akin to a solid rocket booster, backed up by handling that will make the X6's avoirdupois dance more gracefully than it already does. Maybe they will find a way to fix the V8's flinty ride while they're at it.

Gallery: X6 M-version

[Source: GMInsideNews Photos: GeneralMischief]

Hotted-up BMW X6 prototype spotted in Brooklyn - Next M? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Feb 2009 14:27:00 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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