BMW 6 Series fans and enthusiasts will be pleased with the new 2008 650i Coupe and 650i Convertible, since it now comes with the new six-speed Sports Automatic Transmission as well as the six-speed manual transmission.
On the exterior, you can expect the standards like bi-xenon dual round headlights. New color options come in the metallic paint colors of Deep Sea Blue and Space Gray, and other options like the new light-alloy rims give the buyer a chance to enhance the already sporty elegance of the new BMW 6 Series to their liking. Since other car markers have been taking notice of BMW’s style and then subsequently copying it, BMW has given the rear deck lid and spoiler lip a more concave design to give the rear a more distinctive and dynamic look. In the front, the trademark kidney grill has been widened and integrated more with the lower spoiler in order to visually widen the stance of the car.
Inside, look for the new Chrome Pearl Grey Design as a nice finish on some controls and instruments. New colors for trim and upholstery like Saddle Brown will be also be optional. If you don’t like the standard aluminum trim, you can opt for trim made of trained maple wood or dark birch wood for a more elegant look. You can also go with the optional Pearl exclusive leather and add leather to the armrests, door grab handles, and the center console. Standards are the electrically adjustable seats for both driver and passenger as well as the three spots for seat position memory on the driver’s seat.
Journalists have been carping about the iDrive and BMW continues to refine it. The newest iDrive Controller (introduced in the new X5) comes with six programmable memory keys, meaning direct access to your favorite presets, phone numbers, and other features.
Under the hood is the 4.8-liter V8 engine (360hp at 6,300rpm and 360lb-ft of torque at 3,400rpm) that takes you from 0-60 MPH in 5.3 seconds in the manual Coupe and 0-60 MPH in 5.6 seconds in the Convertible. However, for all of you speed demons out there, engine management will shut you off at a top speed of 155 mph in both models. Varioserv steering assistance helps to provide efficient steering support and assistance based on the driver’s needs.
The 6 Series Convertible also comes with the optional, at no extra charge, six-speed Sports Automatic Transmission if you don’t want the six-speed manual. With the Sports Automatic Transmission, you move the lever from drive to the left to activate the manual gearshift mode. This means you can then shift with the paddles on the steering wheel or with the gear selector level. Press the Sports button that is behind the gear selector lever, and the results will be an even faster gear shift change.
Going a little too fast into a turn? BMW ’s Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) can help by applying the brakes to individual wheels as needed or can intervene via the engine management system in order to counteract such instances of over- or under-steer in corners. Automatic Stability Control helps keep the car from spinning on looser or slippery ground, and the Cornering Brake Control and Brake Assist also help the DSC in steering emergencies. For less experienced manual drivers who are still a little nervous about starting on a hill, the Start-Off Assistant will help you start smoothly without the use of the handbrake. It will also keep you from rolling back.
Driving while sleepy and not staying in your lane? The new Lane Departure Warning system will let you know by vibrating the steering wheel if you veer out of your lane. Night Vision will sense people and animals via thermal imaging up to almost 1,000 feet down the road and then show you an image on the central Control Display. These safety features plus the active headrests help insure the safety of the driver and passengers.
Overall, look for the 650i Coupe and Convertible to carry on the BMW legacy of fine Grand Touring abilities and style, while also incorporating touches of luxury.
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[source:http://www.roadfly.com/2008-bmw-650i-preview.html]
2008 BMW 650i Coupe and Convertible Preview
