| Intended as a surprise unveiling at the Los Angeles Auto Show, BMW has revealed the 2011 6-Series convertible. However, for reasons unknown the drop-top never made it to the show. It's unfortunate given the importance of the sunny Californian market. Drawing inspiration from the Concept 6-Series Coupe, the convertible has a long bonnet, a forward-slanted grille, xenon headlights, distinctive LED fog lights and 18-inch alloy wheels (19-inchers on the 650i). To reduce weight, BMW has retained the 6-Series' double buttress soft top which can be lowered in 19 seconds and raised in 24 seconds at speeds up to 25 mph (40 km/h). Inside, the cabin mimics the previous 6-Series but there is a greater emphasis on material quality and driver-focused controls. Notable highlights include Dakota leather upholstery (Nappa leather with SunReflective Technology is optional) and a freestanding 10.2-inch iDrive display which can display e-mails via Bluetooth connection with a BlackBerry smartphone. At launch, two engines will be available. The 640i uses a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that produces 320 hp (239 kW / 324 PS) and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque. This allows the car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 5.7 seconds and hit an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h). In terms of efficiency, expect 35.8 mpg (imp) in the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 185 g/km. In the 650i, power is provided by a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine with 407 hp (304 kW ... |
