Autoweek 8/24, Story 1

[BMWROCKET@xxxxxxx]

BMW's 6 appeal  A new line of coupes that probably will be called the 6 Series
is taking shape at BMW's Munich skunkworks.  The two-door replaces the big,
heavy, underachieving 8 Series and offers many high-tech driver aids,
including a new active suspension system.  Codenamed E63, the new 2+2 is
planned for production in Germany by the end of 2001, with a mechanically
identical cabriolet, aimed primarily at the United States, to debut a year
later.  The car is based on the rear-drive platform that BMW had planned to
use for the 7 Series and a small Bentley; those plans changed when BMW lost
Bentley to VW.  The E63 combines the modular chassis with suspension
components and other mechanical bits from the current 5 Series.  To avoid 8
Series style heft, BMW will use aluminum and magnesium.
Possible engines include a new 3.0 liter six making more than 200 hp, plus
235-hp 3.5-liter and 286-hp 4.4 liter V8's.  A possible M6 version would have
the upcoming M5 sedan's 400-hp 5.0 liter V8.  With an overall length of about
185 inches, the 6 Series will be designed to take on everything from the
Mercedes CLK to the Jaguar XK8.  My compliments,

Tim Youart
'95 RMS 325is
Albuquerque, NM

------------------------------