New Technology Arrives for '08 BMW 6-Series

BMW has just announced a brand new batch of updates for its grand touringsports car, the 6-Series. Since its launch three years ago, BMW has built over 75,000 coupes and convertibles, including the mind-bogglingly quick M6. However, the forthcoming update isn’t so much to do with making these cars any quicker, but making them more efficient and of higher quality. In fact, this might just be the hardest facelift to distinguish, as the high points are the inclusion of LED turn signals atop the headlamps, new full LED tail lamps, a wider front air intake, and a relocated high-mounted stop light at back. There are also new colors and different patterns for the alloy wheels.

Instead, it’s better to focus on the changes that were made under its shark-like composite, aluminum and thermoplastic skin. Like many new BMWs, the 6-Series gains the series of Efficient Dynamic technologies including the Varioserv power steering system that provides assistance at a much lessened load compared to a conventional rack, or the air conditioning system whichcan be de-coupled to reduce engine drag.

The 6-Series is available in North America in two different trim levels, the 650i, which is powered by a 360-hp, 4.8-liter V8 engine, or a 500-hp, 5.0-liter V10 engine for the M6. Elsewhere in the world, the 6-Series is also powered by a 3.0-liter straight six, or, a brand new 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged diesel engine that makes 282 horsepower and is capable of rocketing the 6 to 60 mph in just 6.3 seconds!

Besides the expected new offerings of interior leather and trim schemes, there are actually a couple of noteworthy improvements to the interior of the 6-Series in terms of content. The most visible change is the new intelligent gear lever, the same type as fitted to the new X5 and upcoming 2008 5-Series, albeit with a different look plus a leather boot. The 6-Series also gains active head restraints to reduce injuries from rear-end collisions, while6-Series convertibles receive SunReflective leather technology that features specially treated hides which are capable of reflecting the sun’s infra-red rays, thereby lowering seat temperatures by up to 36 degrees Fahrenheit.

The 6-Series is also more technologically advanced than ever. Buyers can now have their cars equipped with a lane-departure warning system that sends vibrations through the steering wheel if the car travels over painted lines on the road without its turn signals flashing, and the headlamps, besides being adaptive, are capable of switching between high and low beams all by themselves. 2008 6-Series coupes and convertibles can also be had with a new radar-based adaptive cruise control that features “Stop and Go” technology, which should make rush hour commutes a bit less frustrating. Further goodies that are bound to impress your friends and neighbors include Night Vision technology, displayed on the iDrive screen, plus Head Up Display.