2012 BMW 6-SERIES CONVERTIBLE

BMW has officially unveiled its all-new 6-Series convertible at the Detroit Auto Show. The 6-Series will initially be available in 640 and 650 variants, with power ranging from 320 to 407 horsepower.

Power

The base 640i Convertible is motivated by a an exclusive variant of a 3.0-liter inline-six with TwinPower turbocharging, as well as direct injection and valvtronic fully variable valve control, good for the aforementioned 320 peak horsepower. For those seeking the grunt of a V8, the 650i cures that thirst with a 4.4-liter V8 rated at 407 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. Of course, this engine also makes use of BMW’s TwinPower turbocharging technology as well, allowing for a zero-to-60 sprint of five seconds.

Both engines are paired to a standard eight-speed Sports automatic transmission, coupled with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. For those who prefer to switch gears yourself, there is an optional six-speed manual gearbox.

Refinement

Standard features included on the new BMW 6-Series Convertible include two-zone automatic climate control with convertible mode, a hi-fi audio system with CD player and AUX-IN socket, a multifunction steering wheel, electrically operated front seats with memory function and a rain sensor with integrated automatic driving lights control. Among the highlights of the optional equipment list are Adaptive Headlights, a heated steering wheel, active seat ventilation, active seats and the Navigation system Professional with a hard disk for storing maps and personal music collections.

The new BMW 6 Series Convertible is available with an even greater variety of driver assistance systems and mobility services from BMW ConnectedDrive. It can be ordered with technology such as the Lane Change Warning System, Lane Departure Warning System, Speed Limit Info, BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition, rear-view camera, Surround View and the BMW Parking Assistant.

Take notice to the fact that BMW’s latest-generation Head-Up Display – a unique feature in this class – is making its debut in the new BMW 6-Series Convertible. The system projects driving-related information onto the windscreen within the driver’s direct field of view. The three-dimensional graphics are now displayed using a full spectrum of colors, allowing real-life traffic symbols to be accurately depicted.

Safety

This refined new drop-top is fitted with a range of standard safety equipment that includes front airbags, head-thorax side airbags integrated into the seat frame, three-point automatic belts for all seats, belt force limiters and front belt tensioners, ISOFIX child seat mounts in the rear and a roll-over protection system.

The roll-over system further developed specifically for the new BMW 6-Series Convertible consists of two bars placed behind the rear head restraints. As soon as the central safety electronics register a danger of the car rolling over, the pyrotechnic release mechanism is activated, at which point the high-strength aluminum bars rise up from their rest position in a fraction of a second.

Carefully targeted advances in the use of materials and in the development of the car’s load-bearing structure have significantly enhanced the body’s construction in terms of the agility and safety it offers. Its static torsional rigidity is now around 50 percent greater than that of its predecessor. In the interests of weight optimization, the doors, bonnet and front axle spring mounts are all aluminum, while the front side panels, roof lid and boot are made from glass fiber composite.

Purchase information

Exact pricing and availability is not yet determined, but expect an on-sale date in the U.S. during spring 2011, with pricing to come not long before the vehicles begin shipping to dealers.

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