CAR News

BMW of North America today announced pricing for the all-new 2013 BMW 640i Gran Coupe. The $76,895 (including $895 Destination and Handling Charge) TwinPower Turbo 6-cylinder powered 640i Gran Coupe is the initial model of the range, and arrives early this summer. Later in the summer, the TwinPower Turbo V-8 powered 2013 BMW 650i Gran Coupe and the all-wheel drive 2013 BMW 650i xDrive Gran Coupe will join the line. Pricing for the V-8 powered models will be announced closer to the time of launch.

The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe is a new 4-door, 4+1 seat addition to the 6 Series line that successfully combines the stunning proportions, design and driving dynamics of the 6 Series Coupe with interior room and amenities for up to five passengers. Harmonious proportions, precise lines and sleekly contoured surfaces give the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe the unique ability to satisfy the driver who wants a luxurious and sporty coupe yet needs a car capable of carrying four adults in comfort and luxury.

The all-new BMW 6 Series Gran coupe will make its world debut at the Geneva International Auto Show in March and its North American premiere at the New York International Auto Show in early April. The 640i Gran Coupe will also be previewed at the Amelia Island 2012 Concours d’Elegance in Amelia Island, Florida from March 9-11.

• New edition of the BMW M6 in Coupe and Convertible body variants; generous dose of M feeling combined with alluring design aesthetics, a luxurious aura, seating for four and innovative equipment features; high-performance sports car with superior performance attributes and extremely exclusive character; BMW M6 Coupe and BMW M6 Convertible both occupy a unique position in the premium segment of the executive class thanks to their blend of outstanding dynamics, hallmark M conceptual harmony and everyday usability; further development of both concepts breaks new ground with significantly improved efficiency, optimised controls for individualising the car set-up and a wider variety of driver assistance systems and infotainment functions available from BMW ConnectedDrive.
• Visually imposing body design with dynamically elegant lines and hallmark M athleticism provides an accurate visual showcase for the car’s high-performance properties; BMW M6 Coupe with strikingly contoured roof made from carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP); BMW M6 Convertible with high-quality soft-top boasting distinctive “fin” architecture.
• High-revving 4.4-litre V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology, consisting of Twin Scroll Twin Turbo technology, cross-bank exhaust manifold, High Precision Direct Petrol Injection and VALVETRONIC fully variable valve control; hallmark M power delivery headlined by instantaneous responsiveness and a sustained wave of thrust; highest output in the segment; 412 kW/560 hp at 6,000 – 7,000 rpm, maximum torque: 680 Newton metres (502 lb-ft) from 1,500 rpm; maximum engine speed: 7,200 rpm; engine output 10 per cent higher than predecessor models, maximum torque 30 per cent higher.
• Acceleration: 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.2 seconds (BMW M6 Coupe) or 4.3 seconds (BMW M6 Convertible); 0-200 km/h (124 mph) in 12.6 (13.1) seconds; electronically governed top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph) or 305 km/h (189 mph) with M Driver’s Package.
• Extraordinarily fine balance between performance and fuel consumption represents major improvement on previous models; average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle: 9.9 litres per 100 km / 28.5 mpg imp (BMW M6 Coupe) and 10.3 litres per 100 km / 27.4 mpg imp (BMW M6 Convertible); Auto Start-Stop function and further Efficient Dynamics technology as standard; fuel consumption of the respective predecessor models cut by more than 30 per cent.
• Seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic; automatic gear selection tuned to deliver optimum traction, Launch Control and Low Speed Assistance; bespoke M gear selector; newly developed M leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles.
• Power sent to the rear wheels; Active M Differential ensures fully variable distribution of drive between the rear wheels. Result is optimised traction and directional stability during dynamic lane changes and when accelerating out of corners.
• High-performance characteristics with outstanding dynamics and precisely controllable handling, thanks to hallmark M harmony in the interplay of powertrain and chassis technology, aerodynamics and weight balance; weight-to-power ratio – BMW M6 Coupe: 3.3 kg/hp (7.3 lb/hp),
BMW M6 Convertible: 3.5 kg/hp (7.7 lb/hp).
• M-specific chassis with bespoke front and rear axle kinematics;
M-specific Dynamic Damper Control as standard; DSC stability control incl. M Dynamic Mode; M Servotronic steering; body strengthening using special panels; lightweight compound high-performance braking system; available as an option are newly developed, globally unique M carbon-ceramic brakes with optimum resistance to fade and wear, and lower weight.
• Engine responses, M Servotronic mapping, Drivelogic shift program,
DSC mode, damper characteristics and information shown on the Head-Up Display can be programmed individually; two M Drive buttons on the steering wheel can be used to store and call up individually configured car set-up options.
• Body design with classical BMW Coupe/Convertible proportions, customary sporty yet elegant BMW 6 Series looks and typical M sporting edge; special M design features provide an accurate visual representation of the car’s technical profile and performance; three-section, strikingly modelled lower air intake with aerodynamically optimised flaps; new M kidney grille with black double slats; flared wheel arches; hallmark M gills with integrated direction indicator bars; aerodynamically optimised exterior mirrors and side skirts; BMW Individual High-gloss Shadow Line; exposed reflectors below the rear lights; aerodynamically optimised rear apron with diffuser between the right and left-hand pair of twin exhaust tailpipes; 19-inch (standard) or 20-inch (optional) forged M light-alloy wheels, each with a distinctive interpretation of the familiar M double-spoke design.
• Luxurious, elegantly sweeping interior design with special M controls and styling features; newly developed M double-spoke leather steering wheel; M gear selector and car set-up controls on the model-specific centre console; exclusive M sports seats with integrated belt system (optional: M multifunction seats); Merino leather upholstery with extended features; exclusive carbon-fibre interior trim strips; illuminated door sill finishers with model lettering; M-specific instrument cluster with black-panel technology; 2-zone automatic climate control with extended features, ambient lighting.
• Adaptive LED Headlights fitted as standard, extensive range of BMW ConnectedDrive features, some unmatched by any rival: BMW Head-Up Display with M-specific information, High Beam Assistant, BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition, Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning, rear-view camera, Surround View, Speed Limit Info, internet access, extended integration of smartphones and music players, Real-Time Traffic Information and apps for receiving web radio and using Facebook and Twitter.
• Almost all BMW 6 Series equipment options available, including Comfort Access, active seats, heated steering wheel, doors with Soft Close Automatic function, Navigation system Professional, Bang & Olufsen High- End Surround Sound System.

Performance, fuel consumption and emissions data:
BMW M6 Coupe:
Acceleration [0 - 100 km/h (62 mph)]: 4.2 seconds,
acceleration [0 - 200 km/h (124 mph)]: 12.6 seconds,
top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph), 305 km/h (189 mph) with M Driver’s Package,
average fuel consumption: 9.9 litres/100 kilometres (28.5 mpg imp),
CO2 emissions: 232 g/km, exhaust standard: EU5.
BMW M6 Convertible:
Acceleration [0 - 100 km/h (62 mph)]: 4.3 seconds,
acceleration [0 - 200 km/h (mph)]: 13.1 seconds,
top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph), 305 km/h (189 mph) with M Driver’s Package),
average fuel consumption: 10.3 litres/100 kilometres (27.4 mpg imp),
CO2 emissions: 239 g/km, exhaust standard: EU5.

The presentation of the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe sees BMW venturing into a new vehicle segment once again. The third model in the BMW 6 Series line-up follows in the tyre tracks of the Convertible and Coupe, and is the first four-door Coupe in the history of the brand. The athletic elegance of the car’s design makes it a particularly handsome addition to the range. Powerful engines and sophisticated chassis technology combine to produce an impressively dynamic driving experience. And the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe also makes its mark with exclusive equipment features and a level of practicality unmatched by its premium four-door Coupe rivals.

At a glance.
BMW demonstrates its ongoing commitment to broadening the diversity of its model range with the presentation, for the first time, of a four-door Coupe based on the BMW 6 Series; BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe sets new benchmark in the top-class premium segment in terms of aesthetics, emotionality and modernity.

Unique combination of sporty driving pleasure, elegant design, exclusive interior ambience, travel comfort and practicality; the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe displays an – in some areas – significant step forwards in terms of design harmony, performance, equipment, practicality and integration; high-quality interior with generous levels of space and impressive seating comfort; third rear seat (4+1-seater); length: 5,007 millimetres, wheelbase: 2,968 millimetres; split/folding rear seat backrests allow boot capacity to increase from 460 litres to 1,265 litres.

Building on the aesthetically pleasing styling of the BMW 6 Series, the design of the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe showcases its distinctive character; strikingly low-slung appearance.

Front-end design points to BMW 6 Series identity, individual character embodied by model-specific electroplated bars between the air intake and foglamps; twin round headlights with three-dimensional light rings, optional adaptive LED headlights; distinctive silhouette with flowing Coupe-style roof line and elegant take on the Hofmeister kink, complete with “Gran Coupe” lettering on the C-pillar; eye-catching rear emphasises the width of the car; LED rear lights in an L-shape – like the BMW 6 Series Coupe and BMW 6 Series Convertible; full-length third brake light above the rear window.

Exclusively appointed interior with driver-focused cockpit; door panels flow into one another seamlessly, providing a harmonious connection all the way from the instrument panel to the rear compartment; flatscreen Control Display; comfort-oriented rear seat backrest angle; seating position slightly higher than in the BMW 6 Series Coupe and BMW 6 Series Convertible.

Engines with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology; BMW 640i Gran Coupe with six-cylinder in-line petrol engine (235 kW/320 hp), twin-scroll turbocharging, direct injection and VALVETRONIC, and BMW 640d Gran Coupe (230 kW/313 hp) with variable sequential turbocharging and common-rail direct injection available from launch; flagship BMW 650i Gran Coupe with new eight-cylinder engine (330 kW/450 hp), two turbochargers, direct injection and VALVETRONIC to be added to the line-up; all model variants fitted as standard with an eight-speed sports automatic transmission and Driving Experience Control switch; BMW EfficientDynamics measures unmatched in the segment – including Auto Start-Stop function and ECO PRO mode – come as standard with all engine variants.

State-of-the-art chassis technology including Electric Power Steering and Dynamic Damper Control as standard; Integral Active Steering and Adaptive Drive available as an option; BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive available from launch of the BMW 650i Gran Coupe.

Intelligent lightweight design mirroring that of the BMW 6 Series Coupe and BMW 6 Series Convertible: aluminium doors with frameless side windows, aluminium bonnet, chassis technology including spring supports made largely from aluminium, thermoplastic front side panels, glass fibre composite boot lid.

High-quality and extensive standard equipment includes eight-speed sports automatic transmission, Auto Start-Stop function, Dynamic Damper Control, Servotronic, 18-inch light-alloy wheels, xenon headlights with LED daytime running light rings, cruise control with braking function, electrically operated, automatically folding and heated exterior mirrors, Dakota leather upholstery and heated front seats, electric seat adjustment with memory function for the driver and front passenger, 2-zone automatic climate control with extended features, automatically dimming exterior and rear-view mirrors, electric steering wheel adjustment, and the Radio Professional with HiFi loudspeaker system and USB audio interface.

Unrivalled range of BMW ConnectedDrive products, including BMW Parking Assistant, Speed Limit Info, camera-based Collision Warning with braking function (in conjunction with Active Cruise Control) and latest-generation BMW Head-Up Display; exclusive options list includes a Bang & Olufsen High-End Surround Sound System, comfort seats and sports seats, active seats, seat ventilation, Exclusive Nappa leather, ceramic applications, heated rear seats and 4-zone automatic climate control; extensive range of model-specific BMW Individual features and M Sport package available from launch.

Model variants:
BMW 650i Gran Coupe (BMW 650i xDrive Gran Coupe) :
V8 petrol engine, BMW TwinPower Turbo technology with two turbochargers and High Precision Direct Petrol Injection, VALVETRONIC.
Displacement: 4,395 cc, output: 330 kW/450 hp at 5,500 – 6 000 rpm,
max. torque: 650 Nm / 479 lb-ft at 2,000 – 4,500 rpm.
Acceleration [0 - 100 km/h / 62 mph]: 4.6 seconds (4.5 seconds),
top speed: 250 km/h /155 mph.
Average fuel consumption*: 8.6 – 8.8 (9.2 – 9.4) litres per 100 kilometres / 32.1 – 32.9 (30.1 – 30.7) mpg imp,
CO2 emissions*: 199 – 206 g/km (215 – 219 g/km), exhaust standard: EU5.

BMW 640i Gran Coupe: Six-cylinder in-line petrol engine,
BMW TwinPower Turbo technology with twin-scroll turbocharging,
High Precision Direct Petrol Injection and VALVETRONIC.
Displacement: 2,979 cc, output: 235 kW/320 hp at 5,800 – 6 000 rpm,
max. torque: 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) at 1,300 – 4,500 rpm.
Acceleration [0 - 100 km/h / 62 mph]: 5.4 seconds,
top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph).
Average fuel consumption*: 7.7 – 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres (35.8 –
36.2 mpg imp),
CO2 emissions*: 179 – 183 g/km, exhaust standard: EU5.

BMW 640d Gran Coupe: Six-cylinder in-line diesel engine,
BMW TwinPower Turbo technology with two-stage turbocharging and common-rail direct injection.
Displacement: 2,993 cc, output: 230 kW/313 hp at 4,400 rpm,
max. torque: 630 Nm (465 lb-ft) at 1,500 – 2,500 rpm.
Acceleration [0 - 100 km/h / 62 mph]: 5.4 seconds,
top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph),
Average fuel consumption*: 5.5 – 5.7 litres per 100 kilometres (49.6 –
50.4 mpg imp),
CO2 emissions*: 146 – 149 g/km, exhaust standard: EU5.

Alpina’s recent return to international motor sport peaked this year, with the drivers Alexandros Margaritis and Dino Lunardi winning the German GT Series, the 2011 ADAC GT Masters Championship, in the Alpina BMW B6 GT3.

With this achievement Alpina purposefully demonstrates that despite a long absence from motor sports, cutting edge automotive know-how and technical expertise continues to be the foundation for the development of exclusive BMW Alpina automobiles.

Ideal circumstances to re-kindle the long-standing Alpina tradition of creating ultra small series limited editions.

The Alpina BMW B3 GT3 combines exceptional characteristics and technical features of the Alpina BMW B6 GT3 race car with classic design elements of iconic Alpina automobiles of the past – to the delight of Alpina customers and enthusiasts worldwide.

Strictly limited to 99 cars, the Alpina BMW B3 GT3 will be available from spring 2012 at a price of approx. € 90.000,- including 19% VAT (German specification, ex-works Buchloe).

The exceptionally smooth twin turbocharged 3.0liter in line six-cylinder engine from the Alpina B3 S Bi-Turbo – with its massive torque and effortless performance – is also employed in the B3 GT3. By amending the exhaust system and replacing the rear silencer the back pressure has been further reduced, increasing output in the B3 GT3 by 8hp. The direct petrol injected engine now delivers a total power output of 408hp at 6000rpm and 540Nm of torque at 4500rpm.

Titanium rear silencer and tailpipes, lightweight made by Akrapovic

Developed in collaboration with Akrapovic, the renowned specialist for Titanium exhaust systems, the B3 GT3 exhaust system is lightweight, impressive yet elegant in appearance and, in keeping with the character of the car, has a raspy sound. The use of Titanium for the rear silencer and tailpipes, in addition to other constructional design measures such as the removal of the middle silencer, the use of an x-section and significantly larger diameter pipes, has resulted not only in a reduction in back pressure but also a weight saving of 11kg.

Taking design cues from the B6 GT3 race car and in order to support weight reduction efforts, the exhaust system ‘only’ has two typically Alpina oval shaped tailpipes but of increased diameter (115mm). In addition to its heat protective function, the lightweight carbon tailpipe trim provides for a more aggressive design. Extensive sound development measures where aimed at achieving a natural, unfiltered and typical six cylinder sound.

High performance fixed calliper brake system

Besides exceptional acceleration, in 4.6s from 0-100km/h, and a fulminant power delivery, negative acceleration also plays a pivotal role in satisfying the demands of enthusiast drivers.

The B3 GT3 features a high performance motor sport brake set-up with 6-piston fixed callipers at the front and 4-piston fixed calliper at the rear, with discs measuring 380 x 35 mm at the front and 355 x 32 mm at the rear. The brake callipers are painted in blue with discrete Alpina writing in silver.

Overall, the brakes are designed for high stress and load under forced conditions and are characterised by excellent fading resistance, good modulation (control) and response – without sacrificing comfort and practicality.

Alpina GT3 CLASSIC 19″ lightweight alloy wheels, forged

Anyone mentions the name Alpina, most people inevitably think of the famous Alpina CLASSIC light alloy wheels, their closely guarded trademark design significantly shaping the appearance of almost all BMW Alpina automobiles since the beginning. It is only logical then, that the new and exclusively for the B3 GT3 available lightweight forged alloy wheels also carry the CLASSIC design. Forged aluminium alloy exhibits much higher stiffness and strength characteristics compared to conventional cast aluminium alloy, translating into a significant weight reduction and more design freedom. The design of the 19″ lightweight forged alloy wheels, which are painted in Himalaya Grey, has been inspired by the B6 GT3 race car. The 20 spokes are particularly fine and ‘clean’, giving the wheel a minimalist technical and timeless appearance. The new wheels, which are 25% lighter, result in a further weight reduction of 10kg, despite increasing half-an-inch in width to of 8.5 x 19″ front and 9.5 x 19″ rear (front: 8.6kg, rear: 9.5kg).

Race-bred coilover sports suspension, perfectly balanced

The coilover suspension technology in the B6 GT3 played a central role in achieving success at widely varying race circuits, which all required very different set-ups.

The direct transfer of this technology ‘from the track to the street’ allows for far reaching adjustment of the suspension on the B3 GT3 according to widely different requirements, and for fine-tuning and balancing the handling according to personal preference. The coilovers are fully height adjustable, meaning the ride height of the vehicle can be changed significantly. Additionally the dampers feature a 12-fold compression and 18-fold rebound adjustment. The range of adjustment has been carefully calibrated to allow for a dynamic yet sufficiently comfortable road-biased set-up for normal driving while simultaneously offering an amplitude of adjustment for also achieving a purely track-focussed race set-up.

Fundamental suspension components including the springs and stabilisers have been specifically calibrated by Alpina to suit the dynamic focus of the B3 GT3. Special top mounts with adjustable top mount plates at the front ensure an especially stiff connection to the chassis. Combined, all these components ensure that the B3 GT3 exhibits the kind of poised and extremely neutral handling which one expects from Alpina.

The overall chassis and suspension set-up translates into a real performance increase and exceptional levels of lateral grip. If necessary over and understeer can also be influenced according to personal preference by means of adjusting the camber at the front, just like on the B6 GT3 race car.

Sophisticated aerodynamics

Besides its competitive drivetrain and suspension technology, the B6 GT3 race car managed to more than hold its own in the ADAC GT Masters thanks to its exceptional aerodynamics – downforce playing a vital role in achieving fast lap times. The B3 GT3 special edition exhibits a number of aerodynamic features which have been directly derived from the experience gained in motor racing.

The combination of a carbon front splitter, which is mounted on the underside of the front spoiler, and dive plates, which are mounted on the side of the front valence, ensures excellent aerodynamic properties at the front end. To achieve an ideal aerodynamic balance a carbon wing is mounted at the rear. The profile of the rear wing is such, that it reduces lift at the rear significantly without negatively effecting the drag coefficient. The rear diffusor, in black matt, also plays a part in ensuring that the aerodynamic efficiency at the rear end is improved.

In summary, the optimum design and combination of these components means that lift has been completely dialled out, the B3 GT3 is the first roadgoing BMW Alpina automobile to exhibit actual downforce at the front and rear.

GT3 Cup wheel and tyre set

For everyday use, the B3 GT3 comes equipped with MICHELIN Pilot Sport 2 tyres as standard. For the race track, an optional GT3 Cup wheel and tyre set, consisting of a set of Alpina GT3 CLASSIC 19″ lightweight alloy wheels, forged, with MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup+ tyres is available. The Cup tyres deliver excellent performance on the track in dry conditions and at an optimum tyre operating temperature range from 50°C to 90 °C. Despite being road legal, these tyres are not recommended for everyday use because public roads do not offer the suitable conditions for achieving the optimum tyre operating temperatures. Furthermore, these tyres have very little negative profile, necessitating super careful driving in damp and wet road conditions (aquaplaning).

Interior, tradition meets Sport

All B3 GT3′s feature a Leather/Alcantara interior upholstery in black, both driver and passenger are seated in lightweight Recaro sport seats with seat heating. Ergonomically shaped and with a firm seat cushion, they deliver excellent comfort in combination with optimum lateral support. The seats can be adjusted in height by about 30mm via their mounting points and feature manual back and horizontal adjustment.

A special highlight for Alpina enthusiasts: vertical stripes designed in Alpina racing colours are integrated into the front and rear seats. The sports steering wheel with paddles is finished in grippy Alcantara, hand finished with Blue/Green stitching.

Limited 99

Limited to 99 units worldwide, the B3 GT3 features a comprehensive and carefully selected standard equipment level, in line with its sporting character.

For customers wishing to have a built-in navigation system, B3 GT3 is available with an optional Comfort Package, which includes BMW Professional Multimedia Navigation System and BMW Park Distance Control (PDC). Other BMW options are not available. The B3 GT3 is available as standard in Black Sapphire metallic and Mineral White metallic or optionally in special paintwork Alpina Blue matt metallic. The interior trim is carried out in Alcantara black with Alpina writing (embossed).

Unique and exclusive, the B3 GT3 is optionally available with a full body vinyl wrap in the official B6 GT3 race car design (green/blue/silver), including interior trim in green lacquer. All cars are equipped with a rear axle with a Drexler limited slip differential, similar to the B6 GT3 race car. Every B3 GT3 is labelled with a specially designed production plaque in the interior.