Hot 6
After a long absence, BMW returns to the Sport GT Market.
Christopher A. Sawyer
Contributing Editor
Related: Automotive Body Automotive Chassis Automotive Design Automotive Electronics Automotive Engineering Automotive Interiors Automotive Powertrain
Numerically perched between BMW's 5 and 7 Series sedans, the new 645Ci–BMW's first new 6 Series since 1989–is meant to cover large distances at high speed in comfort, and is avail-able as either a coupe or convertible. It uses parts from its sedan siblings, but isn't a cut-down four-door by any means. A 4.4-liter V8 is the only engine thus far (a high-performance M6 with a 500 hp 90ºº V10 is just over the horizon); the body is an eclectic mixture of steel, aluminum, thermoplastics and SMC; and there are enough electronics under the skin to run the space station. Obviously, BMW has been busy over the past 15 years.