BMW 640d Coupe

Now in its third generation, the new BMW 6-Series Coupé takes the luxury 2+2 concept a step further by matching enhanced comfort and elegant design with sporting performance on a even higher level. The BMW 6-Series Coupé features a sweeping coupé roofline while the long bonnet, short over-hangs, set-back passenger compartment with Hofmeister kink, long wheelbase and flat waistline embody the typical proportions of a BMW coupé more than any other model.



Two exceptional BMW turbocharged petrol engines and a twin turbocharged diesel powerplant, a newly developed chassis and a host of class-leading driver assistance technology ensure that the new BMW 6-Series Coupé is full of substance, while interior space and comfort have been enhanced.
Design
The new BMW 6-Series Coupé features a long sweeping bonnet, set-back passenger compartment and flowing roof-line. Its now traditional BMW "shark nose", with a large, forward-slanted BMW kidney grille, broad air intakes, wide, contoured bonnet and muscular wheel arches, allude to the powerful engine beneath. Inspired by the movement of water, the fluid lines of the car combine with the subtly curved surfaces to create a look of athletic elegance, which together with the 74mm increase in length and 5mm lower height creates a powerful stance.
Character lines stretching the full length of the body define the side view of the BMW 6-Series Coupé. The long, flat bonnet elongates the silhouette while the roof sweeps down in one fluid line, combining with the main body effortlessly, in an elegant coupé fashion, while the frameless doors and chrome side window border emphasise the tight lines of the typically BMW Hofmeister kink.



From the rear, bulging wheel arches and horizontal lines highlight the wide track of the new BMW 6-Series Coupé, alluding to its sporting performance and impressive road holding. Two-part rear light clusters give the typical BMW L-shape lights a particularly sporty, dynamic edge. Inside the units, two LED-powered light strips create a striking night-time look. The rear indicators and brake lights also use LED units.
Longer, lower and wider, the new car is larger in every dimension than its predecessor except height, where it now stands half a centimetre closer to the ground. At 4,894mm in length, the new model is 74mm longer than its predecessor, while the wheelbase has stretched similarly, to 2,855mm. The car has also grown by 39mm in width, and now measures 1,894mm across, while 5mm have been shaved off its height.
As standard the new BMW 6-Series Coupé is equipped with xenon headlights that have BMW's familiar double corona look while high-quality chrome elements, such as the fog lamps consisting of a string of three LED units, on the outer edges of the front apron accentuate the width of the car.



Optional Adaptive LED Headlights are available for the first time and provide a bright white light, similar to natural daylight, with low beam and high beam LED light rings. Horizontal LED ribs are positioned in the centre of the light rings ensuring BMW's hallmark twin round headlight look is expressed in a strikingly fresh way. More than just style over substance, the Adaptive LED lights automatically pivot and adjust to the line of the corner depending on the car's speed, steering angle and yaw rate to provide the best visibility possible for the driver.
The interior: made to measure luxury for four
Despite its lower height, the new 2+2 BMW 6-Series Coupé offers greater headroom in both the front and the rear, and height adjustment of the driver and front passenger seats now cover a greater range too. The individual rear sets also provide passengers with additional shoulder and elbow room, making for more comfortable cruising.
The front passenger area is bordered by a surface curving elegantly from the armrest over the side edge of the centre console, upwards and outwards into the instrument panel and then horizontally into the door trim, surrounding the front passenger area with a feeling of exclusive security.
In tune with the rest of the car's optimised performance and greater comfort, the new BMW 6-Series Coupé is fitted with newly developed lightweight seats with an integrated seatbelt system and Easy Entry function to the rear passenger compartment: a brief tap of a switch automatically moves the seat as far forward as possible. Sports seats and Comfort seats can be fitted as an option too. The boot can accommodate 460 litres of luggage, equivalent to three 46-inch golf bags or two medium hard-shell cases and a flight case. To utilise the rear space further the rear seats can be specified with a through-loading ski hatch, allowing two pairs of skis to be transported with ease.
Drivetrain
The new BMW 6-Series Coupé is available with two petrol engines and one diesel engine: the 650i, 640i and 640d respectively.
The world's sportiest diesel engine is a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged in-line six-cylinder unit producing 313hp at 4,400rpm and 630Nm of torque from only 1,500rpm with the help of variable geometry turbocharging. The BMW 640d Coupé is capable of accelerating from zero to 62mph in 5.5seconds before topping out at an electronicallylimited top speed of 155mph.



It achieves this performance courtesy of sequential turbochargers, one smaller than the other, that provide a near continuous wave of torque from low revs. A complex arrangement of waste gates in the exhaust ensure the smooth transition from one turbo to another as the revs increase. The BMW 640d Coupé is fitted as standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission with Auto Start-Stop and active air flaps behind the kidney grille. Such engineering expertise is the reason why the model offers rapid performance but can still achieve 51.4mpg on the combined cycle and record CO2 emissions of 145g/km.
The 4.4-litre eight-cylinder engine in the new BMW 650i Coupé is unique in that the brace of turbochargers are positioned in the V-shaped area between the cylinder banks. This design results in more efficient packaging and greater engine efficiency. A maximum 407hp is developed between 5,500 and 6,400rpm, with peak torque of 600Nm available between 1,750 and 4,500rpm.
The new BMW 650i Coupé sprints from zero to 62mph in 4.9 seconds, with a top speed electronically limited to 155mph. For a model of such blistering performance and refinement, it is also extraordinarily efficient, with average combined fuel consumption of 26.6mpg and CO2 emissions of 246g/km.
The six-cylinder in-line engine in the new BMW 640i Coupé uses single turbocharger technology alongside petrol direct injection with VALVETRONIC fully variable valve control. This enables the 3.0-litre unit to develop a maximum 320hp at 5,800rpm and maximum torque of 450Nm between 1,300 and 4,500rpm. This engine propels the BMW 640i Coupé from zero to 62mph in 5.4 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.
Perhaps even more remarkable are its efficiency figures. The BMW 640i Coupé achieves 36.2mpg on the combined cycle, while CO2 emissions are only 181g/km, proving that at BMW luxurious sporting performance does not come at the expense of economy. Indeed, this model, like the 640d, is fitted as standard with an automatic transmission that features Auto Start-Stop technology and an automatic active air flap control behind the car's kidney grille for optimum engine performance.
EfficientDynamics
Fuel saving technology called ECO PRO mode is offered on the 6-Series. By a touch of the Drive Dynamic Control button ECO PRO mode tweaks the engine management system, accelerator mapping and gear-shift characteristics to favour a relaxed, lowrevving driving style. At the same time, power usage for electronically operated functions such as climate control is regulated to ensure maximum efficiency. A display on the instrument cluster keeps the driver informed of the levels of energy efficiency being achieved to encourage an economical driving style.
As with all BMWs, the new 6-Series Coupé comes with a raft of BMW EfficientDynamics measures to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. In addition to the features highlighted on the 640i Coupé and 640d Coupé, all models have technology such as Brake Energy Regeneration, Electric Power Steering (EPS), the need-based operation of ancillary components and intelligent lightweight construction to ensure maximum efficiency as standard.
Transmission
An eight-speed Sport automatic gearbox is standard fitment on all three models, and its wide range of ratios offer a perfect balance of muscular, sprinting performance, refined high speed cruising and low speed efficiency.
Chassis
The newly developed chassis of the new BMW 6-Series Coupé comes as standard with Drive Dynamic Control, which allows drivers to choose how responsive they want the gearbox, steering and throttle to be, while the Adaptive Drive system is available as an option with electrically controlled dampers and anti-roll stabilisation.
Both the double wishbone front axle and the integral rear axle are made predominantly from aluminium. The chassis set-up is geared to the requirements of drivers looking for a sporting character, although the dampers also respond sensitively to bumps in the road surface under high lateral acceleration.
In addition to the standard electromechanical power steering, another unique feature in this segment is the optional Integral Active Steering system. This system combines Active Steering for the front axle with a steering rear axle, allowing the steering angle and power assistance to be controlled at both the front and the rear with the help of electric motors. This precisely harmonised system offers extraordinary agility in dynamic driving situations, while allowing for an impressively deft touch around twisty mountain passes and in city traffic.
Pricing and specification including M Sport for the first time
The new BMW 6-Series Coupé comes with the highest ever level of standard specification on a Six. Standard for the 640i Coupé and 640d Coupé are 18-inch light alloy wheels, while the 650i Coupé comes as standard with a 19-inch light alloy wheel. All derivatives feature Dakota leather upholstery, eight-speed Sport automatic transmission, electric seat adjustment with memory, BMW Professional Multimedia Navigation system, Xenon headlights, LED front fog lights and front and rear Park Distance Control to name but a few of the standard specification highlights.
The BMW 6-Series Coupé is now available in M Sport specification. The M Sport package adds the M aerodynamic bodystyling package, 19-inch M light alloy wheels, dark chrome exhaust tailpipes, High-gloss Shadowline exterior trim and black brake callipers. Inside Anthracite headlining, Aluminium Hexagon trim, Sport seats and M Sport multi-function leather rimmed steering wheel are fitted.
At the same time as M Sport and the 640d derivative come to the UK for the Coupé, the 6-Series Convertible can now also be specified with M Sport.
Optional equipment
Includes Surround-view, BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition, Parking Assist, Lane Change Warning System, Lane Departure Warning System, Speed Limit Display and, still unique in the segment, Head-up Display.
Most advanced audio system ever to grace a BMW offered
Exclusively developed as an option for the new BMW 6-Series, the Bang & Olufsen High-End Surround Sound System produces an exceptionally natural sound from 16 speakers distributed around the cabin. Jointly developed by the Danish audio specialists and BMW, the superb sound system, comprising of two bass speakers, seven mid-range speakers and seven tweeters, all with individual amplifiers, uses Dirac Dimensions technology to recreate the acoustics of a reference listening room. This allows all passengers to enjoy the same outstanding sound quality regardless of where they are sitting.
In addition a number of other options, exclusive to the premium luxury segment, can be specified such as Surround-view, BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition, Parking Assist, Lane Change Warning System, Lane Departure Warning System, and Speed Limit Display. The new BMW 6-Series Coupé is also the only car in its segment to be available with a Head-up Display. The latest generation Head-up Display system uses a broader palette of colours and three-dimensional graphics to create an even sharper image.
Prices (UK)

• BMW 650i SE Coupé: £67,340
• BMW 650i M Sport Coupé: £71,840
• BMW 640i SE Coupé: £59,565
• BMW 640i M Sport Coupé: £64,230
• BMW 640d SE Coupé: £62,080
• BMW 640d Coupé M Sport: £66,745

JIMS 2011: VOLKSWAGEN DEBUTS BEETLE, GOLF CABRIOLET AND GO!

The Volkswagen standat the 2011 Johannesburg International Motor Show (JIMS) is one of the largest and several model debuts took place over there. The main ones were the all-new Beetle, the Go! Concept and the Golf Cabriolet. Again, it seems theAfricans just don’t receive all the good stuff the Europeans are shown.




Anyways, the Go! made its world debut at the 2011 Geneva Show.It is just under 4 metres long, and has hybrid power under its wings. VW saysit will travel about 35km onelectricity alone, despite the fact that it also has a 1.4-litre turbo engine. Total system torque is 400Nm, accessed via a 7-speedDSG ‘box.


Beetle redesigned is biggerand supposedly more butch than before. Gone is that mid-mounted flower holder atthe centre of the dashboard, and that deep, long dashboard itself. In comes asharper design, lower roofline, sportier undertonesand more powerful engines. Speaking of which, the Mzansi versions will beoffered with a 1.2 TSI worth 77kW and a 118kW 1.4 TSI. In Europe there’s a 147kW version also, while a 199kWBeetle R is reportedly under consideration. We’ll see the brand new Beetlein South Africa before June 2012.


The Golf Cabriolet will hopefully do much better for VW thanthe Eos it replaces. Featuring a soft fabric roof instead of a hard one likethe Eos, the Cabrio lands in Mzansi around April2012 with a 1.4 TSI engine giving out 90kWand 118kW. Cabrio features thingslike LED daytime running lights,16-inch wheels and all-round electric windows. Pricing will be very key here,considering the cheapest Eos went for around R356 000 and the mostexpensive cost R416 000.


There’s also a 77kWPolo Vivo GT, which is really just a kitted-up Vivo with 15-inch Cordoba alloy wheels, chrome pipes, GT badges, red seatbelts and a leather-coveredsteering wheel among others. Sadly, apart from a lower suspension, no otherperformance enhancements were done. This is basically the same thing VW didwith the Citi Golf R four years ago; keep the same pap engine and decorate the body.

JIMS 2011: MERCEDES-BENZ STAND REVEALS NEXT A-CLASS, TOPLESS SLS AMG

Three years ago Mercedes-Benzdebuted the SL 65 AMG Black Seriesat JIMS, which was then known as AutoAfrica. This time the company’s centre piece is a family car. It’s theupcoming A-Class in concept form. Quitethe hottie is this thing, as itfeatures a new, sleek and coupe-like design that will square up much moreclosely with the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3.




A-Class is not expected on showroom floors for another 2 years but the concept did showcasewhat it’s likely to look like. There will even be an official AMG version for the first time, whosemaximum power output is certainly going to be more than 240kW.


So strong is the A-Class’s presence at JIMS that it even overshadowed the world debut of aright-hand-drive SLS AMG Roadster. Infact, it was the older “gullwing” coupethat seemed to gather more attention, very much thanks to those iconic doors. SLS AMG Coupe remains the fastest carever tested by IN4RIDE.


Another great attraction at the Merc stand is the red C 63 AMG Coupe with its black wheels. Itwill soon hit local dealerships at aprice that is just under R1 million.Disappointingly we did not see the Black Series model, or even that CLS Shooting Brake concept at that stand.

JIMS 2011: NISSAN BLOWS IN LEAF, SIR JUKE

The Nissan LEAFmade its first African appearance at the 2011Johannesburg International Motor Show. The LEAF, which has no petrol or dieselat all anywhere in its veins, runspurely on electricity, thanks to rechargeable batteries. There’s currentlyno indication is to whether Nissan SAwill bring the car over or not, given our sometimes erratic power supply.




The other notable Nissan at the stand was the UK-built Juke, a small compact urban SUV thatfits below the popular Qashqai. Thatcar has been confirmed for launch within the next few weeks. Juke features twoengines, and a variant of one. The 1.6-litrecomes naturally aspirated and turbocharged.In natural aspiration it produces 86kW,while the turbo kicks out 140kW. In Europethere’s also a 1.5-litre dCi worth 81kW. Transmission options include 5-speed manual for the baseline 1.6 anda 6-speed manual for the two 140kWmodels.


Of course there’s no complete Nissan stand without the GT-R, which is now upgraded to 390kW from the same 3.8-litre V6 twin turbo engine. Nissan saysit will go from 0 – 100km/h in just 3 seconds flat!

Oct 7: Turkeys

Seems appropriate that with the Thankgiving weekend upon us, that we should talk about turkeys and the auto business has had tons. But for this blog, let's focus on a couple of the more widely known and one obscure Brit.

Who could forget this beast out of Pontiac.......




The poor, unfortunate Aztec was from a company trying to be edgy, but forgetting that even edges can be good looking. Just make it edgy and ugly as sin  -  what a concept. Once inside it was a good vehicle, but try walking up to it without feeling nauseous  -  harder than one might think. No matter what GM did over the Aztec's life, they couldn't get it to look less than brutally ugly.

Now let's go back 50 years to the true meaning of an expensive debacle.......




Truth in advertising......the Edsel was here to stay, but only for two and a half years. That front end has inspired more jokes/ridicule than 100 other cars combined. Does it remind you of "The Scream" painting? Google it and see it you disagree. Another view......




If you listen closely, you can still hear the sound of enormous amounts of cash being flushed down the toilet.

And what about this obscure British sports car, the Marcos.....




Can you believe that a stylist would design this and feel good about it?? Not a single line on this bizarre creation works with another. The British have produced some strange cars, but this baby takes the cake. Now here is the kicker......they actually sold a few! Who walks into a showroom, sees this monster and says sign me up?

Hope I didn't spoil your Thanksgiving dinner.

Until next time.......

GENERAL MOTORS DISHES OUT MIRAY, HOT GTC, SUPER SONIC AT JIMS 2011

General Motors showed off the Chevrolet Miray Concept car at the 2011 Johannesburg InternationalMotor Show. Some reckon it’s the next Corvette,but with a hybrid engine, one would be sceptical of this thought. Miray (pronouncedMy-Ray) is powered by two electricmotors and a double-clutchtransmission. It’s shaped like a speedster, with a low windscreen and no roof. Thecar is GM’s showstopper this year.




For those still on earth, the GM stand features some of the mostexciting products on display. From Opel you’ll be able to see the brand new Astra GTC, all-new Meriva MPV and facelift CorsaOPC. The Astra GTC is based on the current Astra shape launched in 2010,and features 3 doors, a coupe-like silhouette,large eagle eye headlights, and a 1.6-litreturbo with 132kW. Indeed it is lesspowerful than the 147kW GTC itreplaces. Opel’s HiPerStrut systemensures the car limits torque steer and performs as it should.


Little Corsa features a new front end, rear end and interiorbits. The powertrain remains the same, with a 1.6-litre turbo engine doing work for its 141kW and 230Nm. It’sthe entry-level OPC model and is fitted with sports Recaro seats, a 7-speakersound system and 18-inch alloy wheels.


The Meriva is a small MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) withflexible seating arrangements and spatial use. A first for the segment is the FlexDoor layout which allows for the tworear doors to open rearwards or suicide-style. The seats are extremely flexibleand adjustable for the most optimal space usage. The 4.2 metre-long Meriva will come with a few engine options,including a 1.4-litre turbo making 103kW. At some point we expect even anOPC version to show up.


Apart from the concept Miray, Chevrolet displays two upcomingcars, namely the Sonic and the new Utility bakkie. Sonic will be soldalongside the Aveo, a strangedecision considering the cars are playing in the same field. GM mightdifferentiate them in pricing, spec and engine options though. The Sonic willbe sold in hatch and sedan variants, with three engines on the counter. A 1.4-litre, 1.6-litre (both petrol) anda 1.3-litre turbo diesel are beingconsidered.


With the Utility bakkie, Chevy is keen on keeping its sub-one ton segment leadership that haslasted well over 5 years. It istargeted at payloads of at least 666kgdepending on the model. A Sport model we spotted at JIMS is one of 10 that willbe offered here, including petrols and diesel. Chevy Corsa Utility will bebuilt at GM’s just outside of Port Elizabeth. 

2009 Buick Business Concept

Buick Business Concept, a new concept car designed to showcase the vision of Buick "business class on the road" made its world debut at the Auto Shanghai 2009.


The multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) was developed in China by Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC), a design and engineering joint venture between General Motors and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC), with input from the overall design.


Buick business concept captures the essence of language as a Buick in an elegant and expressive depth, with its taut surfaces, dual scan begins waistline, front and rear a strong identity and dynamic presence.


"Business Vehicle Buick has a great presence, and makes a strong statement when you pull in front of each plant," said Ed Welburn, vice president of GM Global Design. "Market of China and the businessman has some specific needs. Our team was responsible for a great solution for business and personal needs."


Classical influences with modern design

According to Cao Min, Concept Designer PATAC car chief, the design team wanted to create a modern and global Buick, but also a subtle Chinese essence and influence. To achieve this balance, they tried to pull their heritage outside the automotive industry - from classical art forms and ancient monuments.



Buick Business Concept Vehicle dynamics and external surfaces of the "yin and yang" interior tones are drawn from diverse inspirations including the Buick Riviera concept 2008, Chinese artifacts and modern electronic icons. The vehicle inside and out, communicates elegance correct beyond cultural boundaries and gives peace and power of Buick.