BRAND NEW BMW 6 SERIES BREAKS OUT

BMW has this nasty habit of revealing so-called “concepts” that look scarily like full production models. And so it is with the all-new 2011 6 Series Coupe which makes its debut at the 2010 Paris International Motor Show next week. Pretty much what you see here is what you’ll get when the car launches in Europe and South Africa in 2011.

Some interesting design titbits are worth noting. The front end almost mimics that of the 5 Series sedan and slopes much further back than ever. The headlights are full LEDs, which means they are entirely made from these small diodes and not restricted to where the foglights usually are. On the sides we see the sharp line emanating from the rear to the front fender as it meets up with a lower line whose origin is the rear wheel. The rear lights cluster is strong and hugs the boot tail, which will not be so controversial anymore.

Inside the same 2+2 sitting arrangement (two in front, two at the rear) is kept. BMW has also found a home with Danish audio masters Bang & Olufsen (Audi anyone?) who have created a 16-speaker cathedral on four wheels. A feature of the B&O that we are familiar with, from Audi’s previous-generation S8, is a speaker that rises from the top of the dashboard as soon as the sound system is activated.

Engines will be shared with other Beemers, especially the 5 series. Therefore expect a 3.0-litre petrol turbo kicking out 225kW and 400Nm, a 4.4-litre twin turbo V8 worth 300kW and 600Nm, as well as diesel options for Europe among others. Of course the previous 6er had a peppery M6 in its midst and this one will be no less endowed. Rumours suggest a twin turbo V8 pushing out around 440kW and about 700Nm for the M6, which is expected to go on sale in 2012.