Photo: BMW
Even though BMW is now working on the facelift of the current F12/F13/F06 6 Series models, it would appear like the company is already thinking ahead, about what the future cars will be like and what they should be capable of. According to early reports, things are bound to get more hardcore.
CAR Magazine's latest story says that the future 6er will wear the G15 moniker and that it will be a lot lighter than what we have in our driveways today. Being built on the 35up architecture (that is also going to get a new name: CLAR), the new Coupe, Convertible and Gran Coupe models will be lighter by up to 200 kg (442 lbs).
There will also be a better differentiation between the Coupe and Convertible on the one hand and the Gran Coupe on the other. While the latter will be aiming for more room inside and better comfort, the other two will be aiming to change the way people perceive them, as grand tourers instead of sport cars.
That’s where the Porsche element comes into play. The GT character the current models have is not liked by the management that want to ‘go back to their roots’. That means, a lighter construction, better elasto kinematics and a better overall experience behind the wheel.
Sure, it sounds so far stretched at the moment but if there’s anyone that can do it, it’s the Motorsport division thanks to extensive CFRP, aluminum and magnesium usage. And while competition in sales with Porsche will prove futile (as the Stuttgart-based manufacturer remains the benchmark for now) a new direction in motorsport is also desired.
Not too long ago we were telling you that BMW will drop the Z4 GT3 racer in favor of the M6 starting with 2016. Well, the intention is to keep the momentum with the future model as well.
The base 640i will be using the new B58 3-liter inline 6-cylinder plant making around 350 HP while the 640d will be using a twin-turbo B57 diesel plant making 333 HP.
The big news will be the M6 though, that is supposed to stray from the heavyweight concept the current F12/F13 models infused into our minds. Thanks to CFRP and aluminum, the drop in unsprung masses, the improved elastokinematics and the increase in power (rumored to reach 600 HP from the same 4.4 V8 mill), the performance on the track is expected to grow exponentially.
Depending on what the new M5 will be bringing to the table, we might even see xDrive included in the package for better acceleration in a straight line. However, as Carsten Pries said in an earlier interview, even if this will be the case, the all-wheel drive setup will be extremely rear-wheel biased.
As you all know, the S-Class Coupe is a luxurious machine, one that offers basically the same tech and interior as the limousine but in a coupe shape. This niche cannot be left unexploited by BMW that has been launching cars in numbers lately, to cover every centimeter of the automotive industry.
That might very well lead to a revival of the 8 Series that was rumored earlier this year. That would be the true rival for the S-Class Coupe and it would also follow the recent trend in BMW's corner to give the coupe alternative to a sedan a nomenclature that includes a higher number. Look at the 3 Series Sedan and the 4 Series Coupe, for example, or at the X3 SUV and X4 SAC. The same will be the case with the 7 Series and the 8 Series Coupe.
There will also be a better differentiation between the Coupe and Convertible on the one hand and the Gran Coupe on the other. While the latter will be aiming for more room inside and better comfort, the other two will be aiming to change the way people perceive them, as grand tourers instead of sport cars.
That’s where the Porsche element comes into play. The GT character the current models have is not liked by the management that want to ‘go back to their roots’. That means, a lighter construction, better elasto kinematics and a better overall experience behind the wheel.
Sure, it sounds so far stretched at the moment but if there’s anyone that can do it, it’s the Motorsport division thanks to extensive CFRP, aluminum and magnesium usage. And while competition in sales with Porsche will prove futile (as the Stuttgart-based manufacturer remains the benchmark for now) a new direction in motorsport is also desired.
Not too long ago we were telling you that BMW will drop the Z4 GT3 racer in favor of the M6 starting with 2016. Well, the intention is to keep the momentum with the future model as well.
New engines and a new M6
As for the M6, things will get even more hardcore. The entire range of models will surely adopt the B family engines when it will come out, as they will be already introduced by that time.The base 640i will be using the new B58 3-liter inline 6-cylinder plant making around 350 HP while the 640d will be using a twin-turbo B57 diesel plant making 333 HP.
The big news will be the M6 though, that is supposed to stray from the heavyweight concept the current F12/F13 models infused into our minds. Thanks to CFRP and aluminum, the drop in unsprung masses, the improved elastokinematics and the increase in power (rumored to reach 600 HP from the same 4.4 V8 mill), the performance on the track is expected to grow exponentially.
Depending on what the new M5 will be bringing to the table, we might even see xDrive included in the package for better acceleration in a straight line. However, as Carsten Pries said in an earlier interview, even if this will be the case, the all-wheel drive setup will be extremely rear-wheel biased.
A possible hint at an 8 Series revival?
It all sounds great so far for the old school BMW enthusiast that has been wishing for a sportier 6 Series but where does that leave BMW on account of rivaling the S-Class Coupe model? At the moment, the 6 Series is taking care of that part of the business but that might no longer be the case if the Bavarians decide to focus on sportiness.As you all know, the S-Class Coupe is a luxurious machine, one that offers basically the same tech and interior as the limousine but in a coupe shape. This niche cannot be left unexploited by BMW that has been launching cars in numbers lately, to cover every centimeter of the automotive industry.
That might very well lead to a revival of the 8 Series that was rumored earlier this year. That would be the true rival for the S-Class Coupe and it would also follow the recent trend in BMW's corner to give the coupe alternative to a sedan a nomenclature that includes a higher number. Look at the 3 Series Sedan and the 4 Series Coupe, for example, or at the X3 SUV and X4 SAC. The same will be the case with the 7 Series and the 8 Series Coupe.
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