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Spy shots: Next-gen BMW 6-series takes to the 'Ring

 
14 44,136 views Apr 29, 2009

bmw 6 series rendering 003 1

Don’t be fooled by the canvas top, there’s a folding hard-top hidden underneath

Don’t be fooled by the canvas top, there’s a folding hard-top hidden underneath

Enlarge Photo
BMW’s next-generation 6-series isn’t due to arrive until late 2010 at the earliest as the current model was only given its mid-cycle facelift a little over a year ago. Prototypes of the new car, however, are already testing in Europe and have been captured by spy photographers for the first time at Germany's benchmark Nurburgring circuit.

The current 6-series has proven to be a sales success, with numbers averaging just on 20,000 units per year. BMW doesn't want to risk hurting sales of the next-generation model so for the new car designers will be dialing down the controversial styling. The spy shots and previous video reveal a much sleeker look and a wider stance. The wheelbase will also be slightly longer than the current car, but overhangs, both front and back, will be shorter.

The ‘Bangle Butt’ bootlid remains but isn’t as distinct as the lid on the current car. Don’t be fooled by the black canvas soft-top as this is simply a ruse to hide a new folding hard-top underneath. The material’s ill-fitting form and mysterious bumps suggest that the next-gen 6-series will in fact sport a folding hard-top. There are also rumors the car will be offered with two different versions, a more luxurious GT and an aggressive sports model.

Inside, the 6-series will still feature plenty of luxury appointments as well as a new eight-speed automatic gearbox with paddle-shifters. The current engine lineup is expected to carry over relatively unchanged, however, the range topping M6 will likely get a new twin-turbo V10 engine and dual-clutch transmission.
Preview: 2011 BMW 6-series coupe and cabrio
2011 BMW 6-Series spy shots

2011 BMW 6-series cabrio spy video


HI-RES GALLERY: bmw 6 series rendering 003 1

HI-RES GALLERY: 2011 bmw 6 series cabrio spy october 003




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Comments (14)

  1. ma_james avatar James Martinez Posted: 10/29/2008 6:12pm PDT

    i liked the controversial styling on the current version. it was a love or hate thing, for sure, but i hope they don't boring it down to the extent that they did to the 7 series. that would be a true tragedy
     
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  2. ma_azlan avatar azlan Posted: 10/30/2008 12:58am PDT

    i agree, i thought the m6 looked tough, i wasnt the biggest fan of just the normal 6 series.. but i like that bmw took that risk.
     
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  3. ma_azlan avatar azlan Posted: 1/21/2009 4:39am PST

    this looks like the bum is alot smaller which is always good ha, but i hope this doesnt just blend in with all the other convertibles now, the sl is getting pretty boring, if it turns out like those images it will be alot better than the current model.
     
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  4. ma_NoNameDenton avatar NoNameDenton Posted: 1/21/2009 11:10am PST

    I never liked the 6 as much as the other BMWs, make it look like a bigger 3 series coupe and convertible
     
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  5. ma_Josh b avatar Josh b Posted: 1/21/2009 5:21pm PST

    Because thats what current 6 owners want NoNameDenton. A bigger 3 series coupe/convertible for 3 times the price.
    The current 6 my be disliked by some but it sells very well for the asking price and is a head turner were ever you live. It has more presence on the road then a 3 or CLK.

    BMW did a great job with the car and im sure the new one will be just as good.
     
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  6. ma_NaBUru38 avatar NaBUru38 Posted: 1/21/2009 8:11pm PST

    The rear picture by Schulte is perfect. I hope is looks as handsome as that.
     
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  7. ma_Mike avatar Mike Posted: 1/21/2009 9:00pm PST

    The back-end looks much better. I think the current car is very handsome except for the tail. This is a nice step forward.
     
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  8. ma_azlan avatar azlan Posted: 1/21/2009 10:41pm PST

    yes i agree, the current model is ugly but that made it kinda cool. this model seems alot sharper, but i hope it just doesnt turn out boring.
     
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  9. ma_arnaud454 avatar arnaud454 Posted: 1/22/2009 3:58am PST

    This Spy Shot is available since 10 November 2008 on ThePassionCars... >http://thepassioncars.blogspot.com/2008/10/scoop_30.html
     
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  10. ma_NoNameDenton avatar NoNameDenton Posted: 3/13/2009 2:38pm PDT

    Because thats what current 6 owners want NoNameDenton. A bigger 3 series coupe/convertible for 3 times the price.
    The current 6 my be disliked by some but it sells very well for the asking price and is a head turner were ever you live. It has more presence on the road then a 3 or CLK.

    BMW did a great job with the car and im sure the new one will be just as good.

    More presence from being ugly and the 3 series at least looks good, so yeah, that is what people want, good looking vehicles.
     
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  11. ma_Josh b avatar Josh b Posted: 3/15/2009 10:33pm PDT

    @ NoNameDenton-
    I love the looks of the current 6 series. You may think it has presence because of its "uglyness" but i have never seen someone turn around and go, "wtf is that? its ugly!" Like with many other cars. The reaction of people are always positive. The 3 series is everywere, your neighbour has one and your dads friend has one. But how many people have a 6 series? Its exclusive due to its high price. Its a great car. I like the 3 series but its no were near a 6. Its a smaller, less attractive car.
     
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  12. ma_Countach avatar Countach Posted: 3/25/2009 10:59pm PDT

    Dailing down the controversial design????

    What's with the current crop of execs in Germany lately?

    First, they added that ugly headlights on the SL which was already very amazing a design and very sleek looking and now, to bore down the current and very beautiful 6 series?

    WTF?

    I am with Josh B. on this one! 3 series is never a car I see myself driving and no matter how nice it is right now. I prefer a coupe that is bigand everyone I know wants to have one. Especially when we saw those with aftermarket 20" wheels on it.

    Anyway to each their own. I only like 3 cars and hated all the rest of the cars from Japan, I don't like most Ferraris, don't like the current Lambo models, couldn't care less about Maserati
     
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  13. By MrHappy Posted: 12/26/2009 9:22am PST

    Wondering if they will go all wheel drive on this...hopefully!!
     
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  14. By  carte sdhc 8gb Posted: 1/12/2010 2:27am PST

    The old E24 was never particularly lean, but it had an adroit combination of posh and mean. The E63 looks expensive, which is probably why it sells well, but it doesn’t look good. Totally lacks any intrinsic desirability, even compared to the strange Z8 roadster. Maybe by the time I have the money to afford one, they’ll have fired Chris Bangle and worked something out.
     
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