VOLKSWAGEN UNVEILS R-LINE CC

AUTO ADVISOR GROUP
BRUCE HUBBARD

Volkswagen will unveil the R-Line version of the CC at the Auto Mobil International show in Leipzig on June 1st. This CC model will be available in the U.S. at the end of 2012 with the 200-horsepower, 2.0-liter, turbocharged TSI® engine, mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

With interior and exterior enhancements, the R-Line upgrades make the CC an even sportier vehicle. Compared with the Sport model, the R-Line gains a more aggressive front bumper design that incorporates a large lower air intake and projector-style foglights with a striking chrome motif. Side skirts and the R-Line logo on the grille further differentiate it from the Sport model, along with shaded taillights and unique and dramatic 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. Inside, there are stainless-steel R-Line scuff plates and the multifunction steering wheel for the DSG-equipped model has paddle shifters.

The CC 2.0T R-Line will feature standard Bi-Xenon headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights and the Adaptive Front-lighting System; LED taillights; LED license-plate illumination; rain-sensing windshield wipers; Climatronic® automatic climate-control; heated 12-way power front seats; the touchscreen Premium VIII sound system with HD Radio, eight speakers, and a six-disc CD changer; Bluetooth® technology; iPod® connectivity; and V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces.

The CC was refreshed for the 2013 Model Year, featuring new front and rear styling and an extended range of standard equipment. The 2013 CC went on sale in March and now has seating for five (previous models seated four). The new CC makes an even bolder move towards the automotive luxury class, offering a sleek, dramatic look at a highly attainable price.

BMW ZAGATO COUPE

AUTO ADVISOR GROUP
BRUCE HUBBARD

PRESS RELEASE FROM BMW

The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este will once again host a spectacular world premiere in 2012 and, in so doing, build on its tradition as a gathering of the industry’s leading coachbuilders. The premiere in question will see the time-honoured Milanese coachbuilder Zagato team up with BMW to unveil the result of a unique collaboration: the BMW Zagato Coupé.

Zagato has worked in close collaboration to create an exciting and emotionally charged coupé in the finest tradition of automotive workmanship. The BMW Zagato Coupé embodies the unbridled fascination of cars and fuses the design DNA of the two companies into a fresh and desinctive whole. This one-off model is the product of many hours of skilled hand-craftsmanship and breathes new life into the tradition of coachbuilding.

It is hard to think of a better occasion for the premiere than the Concorso d‘Eleganza Villa d’Este, one of the most exclusive events in the world of classic cars and motorcycles. The vehicles shown on the banks of Lake Como are hand-picked, the number of entrants limited and the surroundings simply without comparison. The Concorso began as a get-together of coachbuilders presenting one-off hand-built creations, and the BMW Zagato Coupé follows very much in that tradition.
                                                                              
Made for the road.
The two partners settled on a realistic and applied approach to the development of the BMW Zagato Coupé. “Zagato has always provided its customers with ready-to-drive cars which can be sent into action on the road or race track without further ado – and the BMW Zagato Coupé fits the same template,” says Dr Andrea Zagato, who represents the third generation of his family to sit at the helm of the company. To this end, the car is registered for road use and meets all the legal requirements worldwide. “It is relatively easy to build a design study which is not intended for use on the road. Not having to meet any stipulations governing crash safety or pedestrian protection opens up a host of new avenues in terms of design,” he adds. “The challenge lies in injecting the emotional appeal of a concept car into a road-legal machine. And we think we have succeeded in doing just that with the BMW Zagato Coupé.” Indeed, the new creation has already cut a “bella figura” at high speeds during testing on the BMW test track.
Both partners can look back on a rich heritage, sharing as they do a passion for cars that stretches back over 80 years. Added to which, Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice-President BMW Group Design, and Andrea Zagato are long-time appreciators of each other’s work; indeed, Zagato took home the prestigious Concorso d’Eleganza Design Award in both 2010 and 2011. However, this collaboration is about more than mutual respect.

Zagato chief designer Norihiko Harada and van Hooydonk have been friends for many years, so when Andrea Zagato proposed a collaboration, it wasn’t long before the decision was made to build a car at Zagato that embodies the two companies’ passion for cars.

BMW and the Italian design.After sawing in 1939 the creation of the first BMWs sporting tailor made Italian metalwork, a coupé based on the BMW 328 for the upcoming race season and specifically for the Mille Miglia (where it triumphed in 1940), BMW was back to Milan in 1954 to buy from Renzo Rivolta, founder of ISO, drawings, license and tooling necessary for the production of the legendary Isetta.
Almost sixty years later BMW had the opportunity to re-establish a connection with the Rivolta family. As a matter of fact Marella Rivolta, wife of Andrea Zagato, is Zagato Art Director and responsible of BMW Coupé Zagato trim and colours.

The hands of Italian designers were also responsible for the eye-catching looks of the BMW 3200 Michelotti Vignale (1959), BMW 700 (1959), BMW 3200 CS Bertone (1962) and BMW M1 (1978) – all of which retain the status of design icons to this day.

The BMW Zagato Coupé heralds a new chapter in the tradition of cooperation between BMW and Italian designers. Much has changed since those earlier collaborations, however, with the advent of new working methods such as digital sketching, Photoshop and CAD/CAS tools opening the door to an entirely new way of working. Despite these advances in the design tools available, the human touch is still essential to the process. “Working with Zagato was a fantastic experience. It was extremely enriching for us to create something with people who share our understanding of good design and passion for cars,” explains Karim Habib, Head of Design BMW Automobiles. “And that is what makes the car so special – the open and constructive dialogue with Zagato, their experience, craftsmanship and incomparable sense for forms. All of these gifts are wrapped up in the BMW Zagato Coupé.”

The body of the BMW Zagato Coupé has been built entirely by hand. As in the past, the new skin was tailored to fit the car’s mechanical architecture, tracing its lines yet giving it space to breathe. The Zagato experts spent many hours crafting the aluminium sheet metal by hand and meticulously moulding it to give the car its unique form.

The design – a BMW seen through the eyes of Zagato.
The BMW Zagato Coupé is a collaboration between auto enthusiasts – a BMW seen through the eyes of Zagato. This comes through in the design of the car, hallmark design cues from both companies merging to form an emotion-laden coupé in the best Zagato tradition. The brief for the car was clear from the outset: the BMW Zagato Coupé was to be a “Vmax concept”, a road-registered, aerodynamically optimised machine capable of achieving high speeds yet at the same time meeting all legal requirements and crash-related stipulations – a car that is ready and eager to be driven.
The proportions of the BMW Zagato Coupé alone exude the promise of a very special driving experience. The extremely long bonnet, greenhouse set well back and double bubble roof and Kamm Tail sum up the dynamic focus of the car as only a coupé could. The flowing roofline melts away into the compact, muscular rear, where the car’s power is transferred to the road. This sculptural and visually striking surface treatment is a Zagato hallmark and lends the BMW Zagato Coupé a distinctive and instantly recognisable personality. The surface treatment, on the other hand, is clearly inspired by BMW. The car’s dynamic silhouette sees precise lines forging a path over taut surfaces towards the rear. Surfaces moulded with eye-catching depth underline the sporting statement of the BMW Zagato Coupé. “For me, the BMW Zagato Coupé holds a very special magic. It exudes a certain spontaneity which, when combined with the type of unconventional solutions typical of Zagato, lend the car a very individual elegance,” says Zagato chief designer Norihiko Harada.

A striking front end. The BMW Zagato Coupé is extremely three-dimensional, very wide and powerfully contoured at the front. The dynamically forward-surging front end dips down prominently towards the road and gives the car an agile sense of purpose, as if in mid-leap. A stunning interpretation of the classic BMW face – with its twin circular headlights, kidney-shaped radiator grille and BMW logo – marks the BMW Zagato Coupé out as a BMW without the need for a second glance. These extremely low, width-emphasising elements lend the front end an undeniably sporty appearance.

The contoured bonnet builds on this dynamic flair with its sweeping lines and taut surfaces. A pair of air intakes integrated into the bonnet send extra supplies of air into the engine compartment and highlight the presence of the high-performance engine beneath. The contours of the bonnet are picked up by the double-bubble roof as the lines of the body continue on to the rear of the car. These two domes built into the structure of the roof are a signature feature of Zagato design and reduce the front area. As well as providing greater headroom when wearing a helmet on the track, the double bubble (“doppia gobba”) roof also enhances the car’s aerodynamics and increases the roof’s torsional rigidity. The roof of almost every Zagato features this design.

Looking further down below the bonnet, the headlights of the BMW Zagato Coupé focus purposefully on the road ahead, and accentuate the car’s driver-oriented character and high-speed potential. Low down between the headlights is Zagato’s take on the BMW radiator grille, with matt kidney frames inspired by Buckmister Fuller geodetic structures A stand-out detail here is the use of countless small matt Zagato “z” letters to make up the kidney grille. Viewed from the front, the “z” letters appear to be floating within the kidneys. Close-up, it is clear that they are set against a collection of other dark-coloured “z”s positioned into octagons. Gleaming chrome “z”s are used only on the visible side of the octagons. This arrangement injects added depth into the kidney grating and gives the front end an extra touch of class.

The design of the front apron steers the eye to the wheels and the car’s broad stance. Large air intakes add low-set finishing touches to the car’s nose, their dynamic form and size hinting at the power of the engine under the bonnet.

Dynamic, powerful flanks. From the side, the BMW Zagato Coupé displays the pared down, clearly defined distribution of visual mass for which Zagato is renowned, blended with the familiar surface treatment and design language of a BMW. Its coupé design also necessitated a new roofline, which highlights the car’s potential with impressive fluidity and dynamic élan.

The long, sweeping bonnet sends the greenhouse a long way back towards the rear and the car’s visual focus is therefore also pulled rearwards, in traditional Zagato 2 seater style. The rear end itself is cut almost vertically in another Zagato cue, which enhances aerodynamics. The flanks, meanwhile, adopt the classical BMW Roadster lines, imbues them with extra tautness and extends them into the muscular rear end with a compelling swing of the hips. The attractive interplay of lines here draws attention to the rear wheels and the car’s rear-wheel-drive configuration. The powerful flourish above the rear wheels is picked up and passed on by the spoiler, injecting the whole area with additional dynamic impetus.

The side air vents reference the form of the bonnet intakes and extend their dynamic agenda to the car’s flanks. Below the side vents, the silver “z” provides another nod to the cooperation between BMW and Zagato.

Slightly offset behind the silver “z”, a matching indentation provides greater depth and three-dimensionality. The two “z”s in the air intakes and BMW badges are the only gleaming chrome elements on the BMW Zagato Coupé.

Another characteristic Zagato design theme is the specially designed “criss-cross” transition from the side windows into the rear window. The lower section of the side window surrounds slants dramatically upwards just ahead of the rear end and extends to form the upper border of the rear window. In so doing, this hallmark design element links the sides and rear via the C-pillar and ensures a harmonious connection between the different sections of the car. This aspect of the BMW Zagato Coupé design is particularly striking when viewed from above.

A common heritage
Both BMW and Zagato are famous for getting the same inspiration from Professor Kamm’s studies on aerodynamic rear end. The 1940 BMW 328 Kamm Coupé as well as the Alfa SZ and TZ boosted a typical Kamm-tail (K-tail) layout. This solution became famous in Italy with the name “Coda Tronca” bodies which were tested by Zagato in the beginning of the 60s.

Kamm Effect is part of the functional design approach that aims to the aerodynamic efficiency. According to this, the CX can be lowered by keeping compact volumes at the same time. The  reduction of the wind resistance is assured with the Kamm Tail design, without any need of a very stretched “drop” shape of the tail.

BMW Zagato Coupé doesn’t need the support of any fix or mobile rear wing since the aerodynamic of its tail is already very efficient.

A muscular rear end. The distinctive rear end provides the clearest evidence of Zagato’s influence. Formed almost without a single joint, the rear end cuts a classy figure, appearing as if formed from a single mould. Nothing interrupts the flow of surfaces and the powerful sculpture of the rear. At the same time, this also provides evidence of the high degree of hand-craftsmanship involved in making the car and Zagato’s experience in the manipulation of surfaces and forms, channelled into the car’s design at the company’s studio.

Taken as a whole, the rear of the BMW Zagato Coupé has a very broad, low-slung appearance, its powerful, solid form and purposeful design language giving the car a planted stance on the road.
The most distinctive feature of the rear end is the transparent panel in its upper section familiar from other Zagato creations. Divided visually into three sections, the generous glass surfaces open up a line of sight to the lights and into the interior. Their dark tint gives the BMW Zagato Coupé an even sportier look. A curved bar featuring the Zagato trademark splits the surface into sections and gives the car a greater impression of width. The likewise tinted rear window can be opened, offering access to the rear luggage compartment.

A prominent rear bumper feeds downwards into a large diffuser. The diffuser extends well out to the sides, providing an effective contrast to the bar dividing the glass and lending the rear an extremely broad and sporty presence in the process. Matt edging accentuates the form of the diffuser, draws the focus to the wheels and underlines the planted stance of the BMW Zagato Coupé. The exhaust tailpipes, positioned towards the outer edges of the rear, add further emphasis, their matt finish contributing another stylish flourish to the rear.

Highlights and details. The unique character of the BMW Zagato Coupé is reflected in even smaller details. The 19-inch light-alloy wheels in classically sporty five-spoke design have a hint of propeller about them, offering a subtle nod to the origins of both companies. Indeed, both BMW and Zagato founder Ugo Zagato took an airborne route into automotive construction. Their subtly attractive matt finish lends the car extra allure from the side.

A very special highlight of the BMW Zagato Coupé is its paintwork. The exclusive exterior paint finish Rosso Vivace – an expressive shade of red – brings the surfaces and forms of the BMW Zagato Coupé to life. Depending on how the light hits the body, the colour spectrum ranges from something close to black all the way to a brilliant red. This remarkable depth and radiance is possible thanks to sophisticated paint application technology. The primer coat – made up of a black application, followed by a layer of shimmering metallic silver – is applied first. Then come six ultra-thin coats of the exclusively developed red shade to deliver this unique effect. Finally, two layers of clear coat seal in the colour.

Exquisite touches in the interior. The interior is clearly structured, in customary BMW style, and invites the keen driver to take the helm. This character was picked up by the Zagato designers and given further emphasis by an exclusive colour and materials concept. Exquisite materials and high-quality details provide an extremely stylish showcase for the interior’s sporting flair and driver focus.

Additional elements fitted by hand, such as horizontal lines in the instrument panel and doors, heighten the interior’s sense of sporting elegance. The lines culminate in a dynamic upward curve for extra sporting effect. The base colours for the exclusive leather trim are a light and dark shade of grey. Together, they underline the horizontal geometry of the interior, while red decorative stitching in the instrument panel, doors and seats brings the colour of the body into the interior and adds extra sporting touches. A “z” embroidered into the seats is the clearest reference in the interior to the origins of the BMW Zagato Coupé.

The “horizontal line” design theme has also found its way into the luggage compartment, as have the two shades of grey and the red accents. Here, the lines are a subtle reference to the form of the double-bubble roof. Two exclusive accessories – a hat bag and a travel bag – set the seal on Zagato’s colour and materials upgrade. The travel bag also recreates the form of the double-bubble roof and is designed to maintain its bulbous lines even when empty.

Zagato – a coachbuilder with a long tradition.Founded by Ugo Zagato in 1919, today Zagato is the only automotive body manufacturer still in independent ownership. From its earliest days, Zagato has taken a minimalist and pared-down approach to its creations, very much in keeping with the Milanese tradition of design. Volumes takes precedence over details, thanks in part to technical considerations. Body designer Ugo Zagato learned his trade in – among other industries – aviation, where aerodynamics and lightweight construction play a central role. Zagato duly applied these principles rigorously in the construction of cars and soon celebrated a rash of race victories as a body construction partner to Alfa Romeo. The “necessary beauty” of aerodynamics and lightweight construction came to represent a maxim of design, one that has defined the form of every Zagato since. The narrow focus on coupés, two-door driving machines stripped back to their essential components, also became a Zagato tradition, underpinning an “unspoilt” driving experience.

Today, with Andrea Zagato becoming the third generation of his family to take his seat at the helm, the company describes itself as a design studio combining the emotion and hand-craftsmanship of body construction with the precision of state-of-the-art technology. Zagato follows coachbuilding tradition in developing only the shell of the car and leaving the mechanics of the machine untouched. And it does so not by taking over the design process for large carmakers, but by working in tandem with the relevant design teams. More than 200 Vmax concepts, special editions and micro-series have been created in this way down the years and find appreciation among connoisseurs and collectors the world over. Indeed, all Zagatos are coveted collector’s items today and worth many times what their original owners paid for them.

AUTO ADVISOR GROUP
BRUCE HUBBARD


PRESS RELEASE FROM BMW

 The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety today named the all-new 2012 BMW 3 Series Sedan a “Top Safety Pick”, continuing the company’s long-standing commitment to offering class-leading safety with each new model. In order to earn “Top Safety Pick”, a car must receive a rating of “good”, the Institute’s highest rating, in all of four tests – 40 mph frontal offset impact, side impact, rear impact protection/head restraint and rollover protection – and must be equipped an electronic stability control system like BMW’s Dynamic Stability Control.

“The new 3 Series is a testament to BMW’s long tradition of passenger safety as well as to the men and women who engineer and build them,” noted Tom Baloga – Vice-President, Engineering (US) for BMW. “While we remain committed to providing the best possible passenger protection, we believe that the best crash is the one avoided. The new 3 Series offers even more active safety technology, firmly rooted in the dynamics and handling that have made it the quintessential sports sedan through six generations.”

The newest crash test being conducted by the Institute as part of its overall evaluation is the rollover protection test.  Rollover ratings assess vehicle roof strength for protection in rollover crashes. To measure roof strength, a metal plate is pushed against one corner of a vehicle’s roof at a constant speed. The maximum force sustained by the roof before 5 inches of crush is compared to the vehicle’s weight to find the strength-to-weight ratio.

The Institute believes that electronic stability control is so beneficial that, in order to be deemed a Top Safety Pick, a vehicle must have it.  BMW introduced Dynamic Stability Control for the 1995 model year and made it standard on every model sold in the US beginning in 2000.

In addition to Dynamic Stability Control, ABS brakes, Bluetooth mobile phone integration, front and side airbags and head protection airbags, the new 3 Series sedan makes available features previously introduced on higher-end models. These include a full-color Head-up Display, Lane Departure Warning, Rearview Camera with Top-View and Blind-Spot Warning.

Models equipped with BMW AssistTM also receive BMW’s industry-leading enhanced Automatic Collision Notification, developed in cooperation with the late Dr. Jeffrey Augenstein and the William Lehman Injury Research Center. In the event of a collision severe enough to cause an airbag deployment, BMW Assist with eACN uses an algorithm developed in cooperation with WLIRC to use data from the vehicle’s crash sensors to assess the risk of severe injury. That assessment is transmitted to the call center, along with the vehicle’s location, providing first responders with information that will better prepared them, potentially saving precious minutes when they arrive on an accident scene.

PORSCHE 918 SPYDER

AUTO ADVISOR GROUP
BRUCE HUBBARD
BRADLEY HUBBARD


PRESS RELEASE FROM PORSCHE

Development of the Porsche super sports car enters next phase

Atlanta. The Porsche 918 Spyder is on the road: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, has taken the driving trials of the super sports car of the future a step further with completion of the initial prototypes. The 918 Spyder is planned for production at the end of September 2013, with the first customer deliveries currently scheduled for the United States late in 2013.

 “What we are doing with the 918 Spyder is redefining driving fun, efficiency and performance,” said Wolfgang Hatz, Member of the Executive Board Research and Development of Porsche AG.

The prototypes, their camouflage harking back to historical Porsche 917 racing cars, signal the final touches to the 918 Spyder. The focus is on the interplay between the highly sophisticated individual drive components. The combination of combustion engine and two independent electric motors – one on the front axle and one in the drive line, acting on the rear wheels – poses completely new demands on the development of the operating strategies. 

“They are therefore a critical component in this vehicle into which we have put all of our expertise and capacity for innovation,” said Wolfgang Hatz. These operating strategies and the development of the software to go with them are one of Porsche’s core competences. Both of them have a major influence on the extreme driving fun to be had with the 918 Spyder and they make possible a unique combination of minimal fuel consumption and maximum performance. The initial results of the driving trials are in line with the high expectations placed on the 918 Spyder.

The super sports car is designed as a plug-in hybrid vehicle combining a high-performance combustion engine with cutting-edge electric motors for extraordinary performance: on the one hand, the dynamics of a racing machine boasting more than 770 hp, on the other hand, fuel consumption in the region of three litres per 100 kilometres. 

Porsche is breaking yet more new ground with the technology demonstrator with spectacular solutions such as the full carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) monocoque with unit carrier, fully adaptive aerodynamics, adaptive rear-axle steering and the upward-venting “top pipes” exhaust system. In the process, the 918 Spyder is offering a glimpse of what Porsche Intelligent Performance may be capable of in future.

2013 MERCEDES GL

AUTO ADVISOR GROUP
BRUCE HUBBARD

At the recent 2012 New York International Auto show Mercedes-Benz showed off many amazing automobiles including the newest version of the GL. This is the first major redesign since first being introduced in 2006.

Comfort, safety, elegance, efficiency - the all-new 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is the leading luxury full-size SUV according to the Mercedes-Benz people. The new GL has innovations like standard COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST (CPA), Crosswind Stabilization, self-leveling air suspension and electromechanical steering all increase active safety. Also new are assistance systems like Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist, as well as PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist and the Surround View camera.  These systems are a real plus for a luxury SUV.

With Mercedes performance and ride characteristics both on-road and in rugged terrain, the GL-Class cradles its occupants with the first-class comfort of a luxurious sedan. The all-new GL is perfect for large families with ample space for up to seven passengers, while a host of efficiency measures delivers a substantial improvement in fuel economy.

The 2013 GL-Class goes on sale in the U.S. in September 2012.

The GL shares some features with the shorter M-Class.

Its balanced proportions (length 201.6 inches, width 84.3 inches, height 72.8 inches) and generous wheelbase (121 inches) reaffirm the on-road comfort of this vehicle. At the same time, the short overhangs front and rear, as well as substantial ground clearance are clear indications of its off-road capabilities.

The redesigned GL still has the familiar shape of the previous model.   The roofline just like the body is close to the previous models. The new design is approximately ½ inch wider.

The typically high SUV waistline with a distinctive chrome strip, the dynamic sweep of the character line and the chrome edging around the windows all add to the refined look of the all-new GL. The standard wheels on the GL350 BlueTEC and GL450 are 19-inch twin five-spoke alloys, while the GL550 comes with 21-inch AMG twin 5-spoke wheels. 20-inch 10-spoke alloys are available as options on the GL350 BlueTEC and GL450.

Split LED taillight clusters feature light guide technology, and a large roof spoiler and bumper in the modern "wing" design with a large chrome skidplate complete the impressive exterior.

For GL customers who value a more sporty, dynamic look, illuminated brushed aluminum running boards are standard on the GL550 and available as an option for the GL350 BlueTEC and GL450. Also available for the GL450 is the Appearance package with 20-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, illuminated running boards and dual chrome-tipped exhaust outlets.

The GL has a dynamic and elegant interior architecture, fine materials and lots of attention to detail, perfect ergonomics and generous amounts of space - the interior of the GL-Class conveys Mercedes-Benz's characteristic first-class ambience. Large trim pieces in fine wood finish, operating controls in silver chrome, and upholstery in MB-Tex with contrasting stitching reaffirm the overall premium feel of the GL's interior.

The seating offers plenty of space for seven in a 2-3-2 layout. Compared with the previous model, occupants have more shoulder, elbow and headroom on all three seating rows. Electric operation of the third row is a standard feature. A new option is the Power EASY-ENTRY system for access to the third seat row. The second-row bench offers a wide range of positioning options for even more interior versatility, including rear-seat recline and a 60/40 split for optimizing the luggage area, which has a load volume ranging from 16 to 94 cubic feet.

The dashboard design emphasizes the width of the interior. The modern instrument cluster boasts a premium look-and-feel with two clearly designed and easy-to-read dials and a large 4.5-inch photo-quality color display between them. The top of the dashboard is dominated by a large central color screen for the infotainment system. The operating and display concept is extremely userfriendly, with the controller now located on the center console. It has a fine metal finish and offers intuitive and simple operation of infotainment, navigation and communication systems. Standard equipment includes a multifunction steering wheel in premium leather with gearshift controls and 12 multi-function buttons.

Beneath the center armrest with integrated hand support is a large stowage bin and, in front of it, the controls and switches for functions such as the AIRMATIC air suspension and the COMAND system. Included here are two cup holders with a premium wood retractable cover. The dashboard trim elements carry into the door trim panels, which feature distinctive stitching. The doormounted seat controls and handle are arranged in typical Mercedes fashion.

For further improved safety and driver alertness in the new GL-Class there are a wide range of assistance systems. Standard equipment includes the usual array of stability control features ESP®, ASR, ABS and the PRE-SAFE® predictive occupant safety system, and also introduces for the first time as standard COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST (CPA) and ATTENTION ASSIST driver drowsiness detection. The radar-based COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST operates at speeds between 20 and 155 mph and recognizes when the distance to the vehicle in front is decreasing. It can also recognize stationary objects. If there is an imminent risk of a collision, the system emits a visual and acoustic warning to alert the driver and prepares Brake Assist for the most immediate possible braking response, which is initiated as soon as the driver applies the brakes.

The system takes into account specific driving conditions such as bumper-tobumper traffic and adapts accordingly, calculating optimum brake pressure and adjusting it up or down as the situation changes - i.e. if the vehicle ahead accelerates, or if the distance to moving and stopping vehicles decreases. It calculates the precise braking force required to avoid an accident and makes best possible use of any distance remaining to minimize the risk of impact from the vehicle behind.

Another innovation and highlight in the new GL is the standard Crosswind Stabilization system, which assists the driver with targeted brake impulses in the event of strong crosswinds to deliver enhanced safety and vehicle control.

The optional Driver Assistance package includes DISTRONIC PLUS and PRESAFE® brake with autonomous braking function to optimize safety in certain dangerous situations. The package also comes with Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist. The Parking Assist package for the GL350 BlueTEC and GL450 features PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist for automatic maneuvering in and out of parallel parking spots, plus the new surround view camera. It uses image data from four cameras at the front and rear of the vehicle and in the exterior mirror casings to calculate a bird's eye view of the vehicle and its surroundings, and shows this and other perspectives on the large COMAND display. Also available for the GL350 BlueTEC and GL450 is the Lighting package, which includes Bi-xenon headlamps with Active Curve Illumination & Corner Illuminating Lamps, a headlamp cleaning system and Adaptive Highbeam Assist. The equipment in the Parking Assist and Lighting packages is standard for the GL550.

Together with the "electronic crumple zones" provided by the assistance systems and the intelligent bodyshell design, the passive occupant protection systems provide the highest possible level of protection. Adaptive, two-stage airbags for driver and front seat passenger, driver side knee airbag, front & rear side airbags and window curtain airbags across all three seating rows are all standard equipment, while all seven seats are fitted with three-point safety belts. Pyrotechnic pre-tensioners, constant belt force limiters and electrically reversible pre-tensioners are all standard on the front seats, while the outboard seats on the middle row and the individual third-row seats are fitted with pre-tensioners and single-stage belt force limiters.

All three of the engines in the new GL lineup deliver outstanding performance paired with excellent efficiency.

Model	cyl.	cm3	hp @ rpm	lb-ft @ rpm	0-60 mph (s)	top speed mph
GL350 BlueTEC	6 turbo	2,987	240 @ 3,600	455 @ 1,600-2,400	8.3 (est.)	130
GL450	8 turbo	4,663	362 @ 5,000-6000	406 @ 1,500-4,000	6.2 (est.)	130
GL550	8 turbo	4,663	429 @ 5,250	516 @ 1,800-3,500	5.5 (est.)	130

The extensively re-engineered V6 under the hood of the new GL350 BlueTEC generates 240 hp and 455 lb-ft of torque, marking an increase of 30 hp and 55 lb-ft over the outgoing model. SCR technology and AdBlue® injection place it well within emissions requirements across all 50 states. Supremely fuel efficient, it offers astonishing range on a single tank, paired with excellent pulling power from very low revs.

The twin-turbo direct-injection V8 motor in the best-selling GL450 is an outstanding combination of performance and efficiency. With 362 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, it offers 27 hp and 67 lb-ft more than its predecessor. This added power and higher peak torque delivered over a wider rev range deliver all the prerequisites for relaxed long-distance cruising, as well as the versatility and responsiveness to deal with a wide variety of day-to-day activities.

At the top of the list, the GL550 now comes with a direct-injection twin-turbo 429 hp engine with a mighty 516 lb-ft of peak torque. While the extra 47 hp brings even more performance to this supremely refined full-size SUV, it is the added 125 lb-ft of peak torque that truly make themselves felt, in terms of off the line performance and the ability of the GL550 to handle heavy loads with ease. Alongside state-of-the-art engine technology, all three engines are equipped with extensive efficiency measures like direct-injection and paired with the new seven-speed automatic transmission. Intelligent alternator management keeps fuel consumption down, as does the electromechanical steering, the optimized belt drive with decoupler, the intelligent demand-based control of all auxiliary equipment and pumps. A key feature of the GL350 BlueTEC is also the SCR exhaust system optimized for airflow and back pressure.

The front and rear suspension links, as well as the hood and fenders are made from lightweight and tough aluminum alloy. Further weight reduction was achieved with the new acoustic front windshield, the magnesium transverse mount supporting the dashboard, the BlueTEC system with SCR technology and components such as the new electromechanical steering, electric parking brake, polymer engine mounts and the aluminum brake servo unit. These weight reduction measures increase the agility of the full-size SUV while at the same time reducing fuel consumption.

Relaxed, safe driving under all possible conditions both on-road and off-road is one of the strengths of the new GL-Class. NVH characteristics (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) are particularly impressive and on par with the S-Class. The foundation for the high comfort level is the extremely stiff bodyshell, an optimized driveline, improved chassis, aeroacoustic refinement and the intelligent application of new kinds of insulation. Excellent agility, dynamic onroad handling and outstanding off-road capabilities have long been among the benefits of the GL-Class. Standard equipment includes the AIRMATIC full air suspension system with self-leveling function. AIRMATIC delivers outstanding comfort paired with considerably improved stability. It compensates for all manner of driving conditions with features such as crosswind stabilization and the self-leveling function. The optional Active Curve System works at the front and rear axles with active anti-roll bars to compensate for body roll during cornering, delivering a considerable boost to agility and driver involvement. Added stability, further improved comfort and enhanced off-road capabilities are further attributes of the Active Curve System.

The GL is also superbly equipped for trips off of the asphalt. In addition to 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive, standard equipment includes a hill start assistant, and Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR). The On- and Off-Road package, available as an option for the GL450 and GL550, enhances handling and safety with six programs, delivering optimum driveline control across the most diverse conditions on the road and on rugged terrain. On the hardware side, the On- and Off-Road package incorporates a skidplate, a two-stage transfer case with reduction gearing, a longitudinal differential lock and expanded AIRMATIC functions that deliver ground clearance of 12 inches and a wading depth of 23.6 inches.

Extensive standard equipment, individual equipment packages and an attractive range of paint finishes and premium interior appointments define the look of the new GL-Class. It comes to the U.S. market in three model variants, the GL350 BlueTEC with a V6 diesel, the GL450 and GL550 V8 biturbo gasoline versions.

The comprehensive list of standard equipment has been significantly expanded in comparison with the previous model. It incorporates safety features such as ATTENTION ASSIST, COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST and Crosswind Stabilization. Comfort details like the power liftgate, an electric power/tilt sliding glass sunroof, MB-Tex upholstery with perforated surface finish and heated 8-way power front seats with driver 4-way lumbar support are also standard, as is the COMAND system with central controller.

The Premium 1 package for the GL350 BlueTEC and GL450 includes the iPod/MP3 media interface, hard-drive navigation and voice control, satellite radio and multi-color ambient lighting with illuminated door sills, and memory function for the front seats. The Premium 2 package adds the harman/kardon LOGIC7® surround-sound system, KEYLESS-GO and softclose doors. Further packages available for the GL350 BlueTEC and GL450 are the Lighting package, the Parking Assist package, the Lane Tracking package with Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist. The GL450 also offers the Appearance package with 20-inch 10-spoke wheels, illuminated running boards and dual chrome-tipped exhaust outlets.

The GL550 has an array of standard equipment that also includes driver and passenger multi-contour seats with massage function and active ventilation, 3-zone automatic climate control and rear air conditioning, an iPod/MP3 media interface, hard-drive navigation and voice control, the harman/kardon LOGIC7® surround-sound system, satellite radio, multi-color ambient lighting, KEYLESS-GO, soft-close doors, PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist, Bi-xenon headlamps with Active Curve Illumination and Corner Illuminating Lamps and illuminated brushed aluminum running boards. Its safety equipment is further enhanced by Blind Spot Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Highbeam Assist and Surround View.

The Driver Assistance package is available for all three models, while the On- and Off-road package can be selected for the GL450 and GL550. A further array of standalone and special order options is available for all three models. A fine choice of flat and metallic paint finishes spans from Black and Arctic White, to Cinnabar Red, Obsidian Black, Steel Grey, Iridium Silver, Pearl Beige, Dakota Brown, Diamond White and Lunar Blue.

Inside, the GL350 BlueTEC and GL450 are fitted with Eucalyptus wood trim as standard, while the GL550 comes with Burl Walnut. MB-Tex upholstery is offered in Black, Almond Beige or Grey, with genuine leather in a choice of Black, Almond Beige or Grey. designo upholstery with DINAMICA headliner as well as designo Black Piano Lacquer Wood Trim and a designo wood/leather multifunction steering wheel are optionally available.

From our first impressions this is another superb SUV from Mercedes-Benz.  Cannot wait to take it through  fire trails and some extreme terrain.

BRUCE HUBBARD

AUTO ADVISOR GROUP

Bh.autoadvisorgroup@gmail.com

2013 BMW 3 SERIES SPORT WAGON

AUTO ADVISOR GROUP
BRUCE HUBBARD

 BMW today released the first images and information on the next generation BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon and announced that, as with the two previous generations, this model will be offered in the US. Unlike anything else on the market, the all-new 3 Series Sports Wagon will again offer the flexibility and utility one would expect from a premium wagon combined with the driving dynamics of the quintessential sport sedan, the BMW 3 Series. The new BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon will launch in Europe later this year and is set to arrive in US showrooms in Spring 2013. Powertrain details for the US as well as pricing, specifications and standard/optional equipment will be announced at a later date.

Like its Sedan sibling, the new 3 Series Sports Wagon is slightly larger than its predecessor, most notably its wider track (front + 37 mm/1.46 in., rear + 48 mm/1.85 in.). The car’s length (+ 97 mm/3.66 in.) and wheelbase (+ 50 mm/1.96 in.) also accentuate its sporting promise. Inside the new BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon, rear passengers will appreciate the noticeable increase in space made possible by the larger dimensions. These larger dimensions also pay dividends in utility with nearly ten percent more cargo volume both with the rear seats up and when folded.

The new 3 Series Sports Wagon will be the next model to offer BMW Lines as a way to tailor the car to individual tastes, just as with the Sedan, by choosing from a trio of trim and equipment variants – the Sport Line, Luxury Line and Modern Line. Each presents its own individual take on the character of the Sports wagon, with exclusive, high-quality trim and material combinations. For the enthusiast who wants to go beyond even the Sport Line, the M Sport Line will also be offered because it is, after all, a BMW 3 Series at its heart.

The sporting nature of the new BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon is made apparent to the eye by its wide track. By accentuating the width of the car, the multi-faceted surfaces of the expressive front fascia give the 3 Series Sports Wagon a more athletic face than ever.

A three-dimensional interpretation of the upright, slightly forward-slanting BMW kidney grille emphasizes an assured presence. LED accent lights positioned like eyebrows above the traditional four round headlights with corona rings (if Adaptive Xenon headlights are specified) lend an extra intensity to the classic BMW focused look. Clearly defined headlight surrounds now extend up to the frame of the kidney grille, merging the headlights and grille into a single stylistic element and adding further emphasis to the car’s broad-set stance. The 3 Series Sports Wagon replaces the central air intake of its predecessor with two larger intakes, which are positioned underneath the headlights to the outer edges of the front fascia and add extra depth to the car’s sporty look. This new technology improves air flow around the front wheels, enhancing aerodynamic efficiency and reducing fuel consumption at higher speeds.

The closely spaced, squat openings of the kidney grille, with their eye-catching surrounds, form the most prominent element of the new BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon’s front design. It is also where the precise lines of the dynamically contoured hood begin at the base of the A pillars and flow over the full length of the hood. The result is a front that appears lower-slung, giving 3 Series Sports Wagon a clear sporting edge when viewed head-on.

The flanks of the car are shaped by an eye-catching double character line running alongside each other. The higher character line emerges out of the low-slung nose and flows over the front wheel with an understated sweep, in a nod to the wagon’s fleetness of foot. The second character line develops lower down behind the front wheel and follows a delicately arching path towards the rear.

The car’s athletic overall impression is emphasized by the steeply raked D-pillars, the angle of the rear window and the subtly wedge-shaped geometry of the window surfaces. The roofline – which slopes downwards slightly to the rear and is extended visually by a spoiler – and the “Hofmeister kink” at the foot of the D-pillar also generate a sense of dynamic tension. The finely balance between the greenhouse and the body lends the new BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon a sporty, elegant and nimble look, while the rear lights extend well into the sides of the body and combine with its flowing lines to create a harmonious transition between the flanks and rear section.

The rear of the new BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon also boasts a blend of sporting elegance and modern practicality. The horizontal lines and L-shaped lights set far to the outer edges accentuate the subtly flared fenders and the wider track. Two integrated bars of LEDs allow a slim light design and ensure they maintain an appearance that is instantly recognizable as a BMW both day and night. The large tailgate opening and low sill make loading and unloading bulky items that much easier.

The new BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon again features a rear window that opens separately from the tailgate. The window is unlocked electrically via a button on the rear window wiper arm and opened by hand. This practical function makes it easier to load and unload smaller items – especially when space is tight, as the rear window opens up rather than out.

In order to make access to its generous cargo area easier, a power tailgate will be offered for the first time on a 3 Series Sports Wagon.  Getting into the cargo area can be done at the touch of a button, either on the remote key or from inside the interior.  Access is made even easier when Comfort Access is ordered, which will include the Hands Free Opening Tailgate.  If one approaches the new 3 Series Sports Wagon with hands full, one need only stick a foot under the rear bumper and the tailgate automatically swings open.

The new BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon offers remarkable flexibility.  A net as well as an additional strap along the right side panel can be used to help secure cargo. Four tie-downs are integrated into the cargo floor. A storage tray under the load compartment floor and a deep stowage compartment on the left-hand side of the cargo area can accommodate smaller items. Also standard is a separatepartition net, which can be employed in a variety of ways even when the rearseat backrests are folded down. The rear seats can be folded down in three sections in a 40:20:40 split. The large through-loading facilityallows the new 3 Series Sports Wagon to carry four adults and longer items, such as skis or snowboards, at the same time.

In addition to the flexibility and utility offered by the interior of the new BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon, other features unique to this model includes roof-rails to accommodate all manner of storage racks for everything from bicycles and skis to cargo boxes. It will also be available with a full glass panoramic sunroof.

With its broad range of driver assistance systems and mobility services, all offered as part of BMW ConnectedDrive, the new BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon sets a new benchmark when it comes to safety, convenience and infotainment.

The new BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon is available with a full-color Head-Up Display. It projects key information in sharp resolution onto the windshield in the driver’s direct field of vision. Depending on the vehicle specification the speed limit is noted in addition to the car’s speed. The driver can also see navigation instructions and various alerts in the Head-Up Display. Thanks to the wide variety of driver assistance systems available in the new BMW 3 Series range, more information can be placed in the driver’s direct line-of-sight while their eyes remain squarely on the road.

State-of-the-art camera technology provides the potential for new levels of safety and convenience. Active Safety options include Lane Departure Warning as well as Blind Spot Detection. Backing up and parking both are made easier with the available Rear-view Camera with Top View which provides a bird’s-eye view of the car. Another convenience-enhancing assistance system is the BMW Parking Assistant, which takes charge of maneuvering into parking spaces making parallel-parking a breeze.

BMW Assist, a globally unique mobility service, comprises among other features a telephone information service and BMW’s industry-leading enhanced Automatic Collision Notification function with automatic detection of the vehicle location. BMW Assist also includes Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity.

Other innovative technologies allow the integration of the Apple iPhone and other smartphones as well as music players, including the use of Internet-based services. The Apps option enables iPhone users, among other things, to receive Internet radio stations and to display Facebook and Twitter posts on the onboard monitor. With BMW Apps, iPhone users can access and listen to music streaming services like Pandora and MOG today with Stitcher coming soon.

The all-new BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon again brings the versatility of a wagon with the driving dynamics of the quintessential sport sedan. The new 3 Series Sports wagon will be arriving in US showrooms in spring 2013. BMW states powertrain details for the US as well as pricing, specifications and standard/optional equipment will be announced at a later date.

AUTO ADVISOR GROUP

BRUCE HUBBARD

2013 BMW 6 SERIES GRAN COUPE

AUTO ADVISOR GROUP
BRUCE HUBBARD
BRADLEY HUBBARD

Founded in 1916, Bavarian Motor Works, or BMW, considers its cars to be the "Ultimate Driving Machine." BMW produces luxury cars and SUVs that are potent performers and rich with features. A wonderful blend of performance and luxury help BMW vehicles appeal to a large and diverse demographic.

Since 2004 the 6 Series has had a following. Over the years a convertible was added. Superb fun to drive convertible is one of our favorites. And now they have decided to use the engineers and designers to computers in the four door coupe market.  So far it is a winner not only in design but the electronics, chassis, engines, components that make up the 6 Series Gran Coupe. Early summer the first models arrive but over the next year as you will find out two other engines arrive.

BMW in their press release stated the  2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe – a new 4-door, 4+1 seat addition to the 6 Series line successfully combines the stunning proportions, design and driving dynamics of the 6 Series Coupe.

BMW press materials further state that perfect proportions, precise lines and sleekly contoured surfaces give the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe the unique ability to satisfy the driver who wants a luxurious and sporty coupe yet needs a car capable of carrying four adults in comfort and luxury. We agree!

No longer will Mercedes CLS, Porsche  Panamera or Audi A7 Sportback have the 4 door 4 passenger alternative. Competition is growing in this four door coupe market. They are all so good it is hard to pick the best.   The new Gran Coupe joins the 6 series convertible and sedan already sold.

The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe will be offered as three distinct models in the US. The TwinPower Turbo 6-cylinder BMW 640i Gran Coupe is the initial model and arrives in late June with an MSRP of $76,895. Later in the summer, the TwinPower Turbo V-8 BMW 650i Gran Coupe and the all-wheel drive BMW 650i xDrive Gran Coupe will join the range. These models will be priced at $87,395 and $90,395 respectively (all prices include $895 Handling and Destination).

The Gran Coupe has a length of 197 inches and wheelbase of 116.8 inches. This makes the Gran Coupe  4.4 inches longer than its 2-door coupe sibling. A significant part of this extra length has been used to enhance seating comfort for the rear passengers. The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe is also 74.6 inches  wide and stands 54.8 inches in height. For comparison purposes, the Gran Coupe is 4.0 inches longer, 1.3 inches  wider and 2.8 inches lower than the BMW 550i.

The 6 Series Coupe trunk space is just a 13.0 cubic foot luggage compartment.

Designers from BMW state that the long powerfully contoured hood, short front overhang and set-back passenger compartment team up with a 4.4 inch  increase in body length over the 6 Series Coupe and a 4.5 inch  longer wheelbase give the Gran Coupe a fresh take on the hallmark proportions of a BMW automobile.

The innovations in the new BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe BMW press kit adds also extend to lighting technology, in the form of optional Adaptive LED Headlights. Their bright white light provides an extremely intense and evenly spread illumination of the road. This technology is unparalleled in the segment and also allows the beam of the headlights to follow the curves of the road.

Other features that set the new car apart from its rivals are the BMW ConnectedDrive driver assistance systems and mobility services. The rear-view camera, Surround View, Parking Assistant, BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition, Lane Departure Warning System and Active Blind Spot Detection are joined on the list of available equipment items by the newest generation of the BMW Head-Up-Display. The latest incarnation of the system uses a full spectrum of colors to display the information projected onto the windshield. The standard BMW iDrive control system is the operating portal for the navigation, communications and infotainment functions. The high definition, trans-reflective technology Control Display is centrally mounted high on the sweeping dash and emulates a freestanding flatscreen. Finally, the optional Bang & Olufsen High-End Surround Sound System provides a feast of aural pleasure seldom experienced inside a car. The system is simply amazing!

The inline 6-cylinder engine (N55HP) in the new BMW 640i Gran Coupe will impress performance-minded drivers with its effortless power, exceptionally fast-revving temperament, outstanding refinement and exceptional fuel efficiency. The N55 has been setting standards from the start, as the pioneer of a new generation of engines in which BMW TwinPower Turbo technology with High Precision Direct Injection and VALVETRONIC variable valve timing plus a twin scroll turbo made its debut.

BMW’s engineers state they have managed to extract additional performance from the engine while maintaining its exceptional fuel efficiency.  They state fine tuning ? I will have to believe them for data has not been provided yet.  Perhaps after a long test drive in the summer we will through our staff get all the figures on performance, torque, acceleration and fuel economy.  BMW states again in their press release that with a maximum power rating of 315 hp  at 5,800 to 6,000 rpm, the 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine reflects the sporty personality of the BMW 640i Gran Coupe delivering superb performance. The high peak torque of 330 lb-ft starts at 1,300 and moves up to 4,500 rpm ensuring that the power is effortlessly and instantly delivered.

The 640i Gran Coupe times from 0 to 60 mph time of just 5.4 seconds. Top speed is electronically governed at 155 mph. All this extra performance comes with exceptional fuel economy and low emission figures.

The 4.4-liter V-8 engine (N63) that powers the current 650i models receives an upgrade for the new 650i Gran Coupe. The unique “reverse-flow” engine, whose two turbochargers are positioned in the V-area between the cylinder banks is well known for producing an instantaneous and sustained wave of power, making it a delight for the enthusiast driver.

BMW said that this new version of the engine adds BMW’s VALVETRONIC variable valve timing to the list of specifications. As a result, the new version of the engine (N63Tü) develops a maximum 445 hp between 5,500 and 6,000 rpm (a 45 hp increase), and makes peak torque of 480 lb-ft between 2,000 and 4,500 rpm (a 30 lb-ft increase).

 The new BMW 650i Gran Coupe gets to  0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. This engine also boasts extraordinary efficiency for a model in its output class. EPA fuel economy ratings for this model will be available closer to the on-sale date in summer 2012.

When the V8 is combined with the xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system, its power is converted into even more intense and dynamic acceleration. The electronically controlled power split between the front and rear wheels optimizes not only traction and stability, whatever the weather and road surface conditions may be, but also the agility of the Gran Coupe 650i xDrive Gran Coupe, whose sprint time from 0 to 60 mph is just 4.3 seconds.

The 8-speed Sport Automatic transmission in the  BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe BMW brags will boasts a perfect combination of speed, flexibility, sportiness, and efficiency. What sets it apart are its minimal torque converter slip and rapid gear changes. A gear set configuration allows this transmission to offer eight gears, maximizing acceleration at any road speed, yet allowing the driver to conserve fuel by cruising at low revs. The driver can choose to select gears manually via shift paddles on the standard Sport leather steering wheel.

In addition to the efficiency of the engine and 8-speed Sport Automatic transmission, an extensive range of BMW EfficientDynamics measures contribute to reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Brake Energy Regeneration, engine Auto Start-Stop, on-demand operation of ancillary components, intelligent lightweight construction and extensive aerodynamic refinement collaborate to ensure maximum efficiency.

State of the art chassis technology gives the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe the tools to provide both sporty handling and exceptional comfort. The double wishbone front suspension and the multi-link rear suspension are made predominantly from aluminum. The chassis is geared to the requirements of drivers with sporting intentions, although the dampers also respond sensitively to bumps in the road surface under high lateral acceleration. The optional Active Roll Stabilization works in concert with the standard Dynamic Damper Control to offer the driver even more precise responses and perfectly flat cornering ability. The electronically controlled shock absorbers adapt to the road surface and the driver’s style to perfectly control the car’s body motions. Just an amazing system.

The electronically controlled damper system in the new BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe adjusts compression and rebound settings continuously and independently. For example, a stiff chassis setting can be combined with comfortable responses to unevenness in the road surface. The control unit of the damping system processes the data supplied by sensors on the vertical motion of the wheels as well as the ride height of the car.

The optional Active Roll Stabilization feature reduces body roll in corners and in sudden changes of direction, or transitions. Sensors calculate the amount of body roll based on the driving situation at hand, and this is then counteracted quickly and precisely by hydraulic rotary actuators in the front and rear anti-roll bars. The result is flatter cornering inspiring greater confidence for the driver as well as greater comfort for the passengers during spirited drives.

The Gran Coupe is also available with Integral Active Steering. This system (also available on the 6 Series Coupe and Convertible) combines the Active Steering system for the front suspension with a steerable rear suspension. Precisely harmonized steering angle movements of both front and rear wheels create a virtual lengthening or shortening of the vehicle’s wheelbase, which fosters both greater high-speed stability and enhanced maneuverability for parking and city use.

The lightweight floating-caliper brakes feature vented discs and Dynamic Stability Control. DSC brings together technology such as the Anti-lock Braking System, Dynamic Traction Control, Cornering Brake Control, Dynamic Brake Control, the Start-off Assistant, the automatic Brake Drying function and Brake Fade Compensation. Standard equipment also includes 8.0 x18-inch light-alloy wheels, with all-season runflat tires (size 245/45 R18) and a tire pressure monitoring system.

The different modes are selected using the new Driving Dynamics Control function including ECO PRO mode, which is standard on all 6 Series models. The driver can choose settings of COMFORT+, COMFORT, SPORT, SPORT+ and ECO PRO modes using the large rocker switch on the center console. Affected parameters include the tuning of the throttle response, power steering boost assistance, shock absorbers, automatic transmission shift characteristics and – if equipped - roll stabilization and Integral Active Steering. In SPORT+ mode, the Dynamic Traction Control mode of the standard Dynamic Stability Control system is activated, raising the thresholds for stability intervention in the most sport-oriented driving circumstances.

The new ECO PRO mode, on the other hand, supports an extra-efficient and economy-conscious driving style. It does this by changing the accelerator mapping so that the same pedal travel delivers less power than in the standard mode. Also in this mode, the automatic transmission control strategy is modified so as to upshift sooner and to delay downshifts, while intelligent energy and climate management reduces the mechanical power consumption and also the consumption of electrical systems such as heated mirrors and seats. Special displays in the instrument cluster let the driver know by how much the driving range is being extended, show fuel consumption history, or, with reference to the specific driving situation, provide tips and incentives on how to develop a more economy-conscious driving style. ECO PRO mode allows average fuel consumption to be reduced by up to 20%, with a corresponding increase in driving range.

The Gran Coupe’s extra length and width over its 2 door model combine with its low height (2.8 inches lower than a 5 Series) to produce a strikingly low-set and powerful design.

The Gran Coupe’s front end is dominated by the large and slightly forward-slanting BMW kidney grille. The kidney grille slats, angled slightly towards the top, lend additional emphasis to the front end’s “shark nose” character. The contour lines of the hood converge towards the kidney grille, forming a V-shape which is continued by the contours of the headlights, kidney and wide air intake to give a road-focused look.

Powerfully flared wheel arches and the LED foglamps, placed well to the outside, accentuate the width of the front end.

The new Gran Coupe is equipped with standard Adaptive Xenon headlights. An accentuating trim element cuts across the top of the hallmark BMW twin round headlights to produce the purposeful look familiar from other BMW models. The optional Adaptive LED Headlights, available as a stand-alone option or as part of the BMW Individual Composition Package. The light sources are horizontal LED ribs positioned in the center of the light rings. This results in the brand’s hallmark twin round headlight look being expressed even more strikingly - not only with the daytime running lights switched on, but also when the headlights are activated in the dark.

The Adaptive LED Headlights are, however, about more than just looking good; they also ensure the driver has optimum visibility. Their bright white light provides a bright and even illumination of the road ahead. From a color perspective, the light comes much closer to natural daylight than that created by conventional halogen or xenon headlights, lending even reflective objects far greater contrast. The cornering element of the Adaptive LED Headlights is also tailored to the car’s speed, steering angle and yaw rate, allowing the pivot of the headlights to adapt automatically to the line of the corner.

  

Clearly structured surfaces and horizontal lines add further presence to the car’s powerful rear end, which acts as a pointer to the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe’s impressive roadholding and the sporting nature of the vehicle concept as a whole. The lines of the rear end become noticeably broader as they blend into the wheel arches bulge. All of which gives the rear view an extremely low visual center of gravity. The conspicuously flared wheel arches spotlight the car’s wide track and underline the horizontally structured character of the rear. The trunk lid and rear fascia both have flatter surfacing than their counterparts on the other BMW 6 Series models. The more clearly sculpted sill emphasises the overall volume of the rear end and brings striking details such as the rear lights and exhaust tailpipes more clearly into view.

The two-part, L-shaped rear lights share the contours of the car’s BMW 6 Series siblings and each use a pair of LED light strips to generate the distinctive night-time look of a BMW. The third brake light is integrated into the roof and stretches the full length of the rear window.

The standard Navigation System Professional and iDrive operating system come with 10.2-inch high definition display bordered by a galvanised chrome surround.

  

The waistline surfaces of the doors form a subtly dynamic wedge shape, which extends into the luggage compartment cover. The dynamic character of the door surface design generates a feeling of depth which envelops the passengers in their seats, while the interplay of convex and concave surfaces evokes a sense of exclusive security.

Its interior offers individually tailored seats for the driver, front passenger and rear passengers. High-quality materials, carefully coordinated colors and meticulously sculpted surfaces combine to produce an ambience defined by luxury, sweeping style and Teutonic functionality. A hallmark BMW element of the interior design is the driver-oriented cockpit layout. The central section of the instrument panel, containing the iDrive system’s Central Display, the air vents and the controls for the audio system and air conditioning, are all angled slightly towards the driver. Added to which, the gearshift lever and the switches for the parking brake and Driving Dynamics Control are located on a surface that opens out towards the driver and is set lower than the front passenger side of the center console.

The front passenger area is bordered by a surface curving elegantly from the armrest over the side edge of the center console, upwards and outwards into the instrument panel and then horizontally into the door trim. This provides a harmonious surround for the front passenger area, creating a feeling of exclusive security. The contour of the rear waistline surface, which extends slightly into the interior between the head restraints, highlights the individual seat layout of the rear.

The black-panel instrument cluster of the Gran Coupe combines the traditional sports car circular instruments with state-of-the-art display technology. The Navigation system, telephone and entertainment functions are operated using the iDrive control system, whose Central Display boasts an innovative design. The on-board monitor takes the form of a freestanding display with a flatscreen look. The high definition display measures 10.2 inches across and features a high-quality galvanized chrome surround. The shallow depth of the display gives it a modern character. Trans-reflective technology ensures the display remains easy-to-read in bright sunlight. The new arrangement of the Central Display – which now reaches further into the passenger compartment –influences the architecture of the instrument panel, which rises steeply in front of the driver and front passenger. This impression is further enhanced by the structure of the door trim panels. Their surfaces have a powerfully taut look and, like the black waistline surface, pull in and rise up to create a smooth transition into the instrument panel, giving the interior the effect of wrapping around the driver and front passenger.

The optional Luxury Seating Package adds ventilated multi-contour, active seats, sunshades on both the rear side and rear windows and a four zone climate control system with additional controls located between the rear seats. While the Gran Coupe is primarily designed as a four seater, a fifth person can be accommodated in the rear compartment.

The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe can be ordered in a choice of eight metallic exterior paint shades and two non-metallic colors. Other exclusive paint finishes are available as part of the BMW Individual range and in conjunction with the M Sport package. The colors and materials available for the interior, meanwhile, have been selected to enhance the feeling of elegant sportiness and luxury, and can be tailored to the customer’s personal style. The standard Dakota leather can be ordered in a choice of three colors, the optional Exclusive Nappa leather is available in four different shades and Full Merino leather is available in five varieties (in combination with the Individual Composition or M Sport Packages). The instrument panel, door trim and center console are also finished in Nappa leather with contrasting stitching when the Nappa Leather option is selected. Customers can also choose from four interior trim variants and optional ceramic applications for the gear selector, iDrive Controller and other controls. Additional exclusive trims are available as part of the BMW Individual range and in conjunction with the M Sport package.

An M Sport package developed specially for the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe is available from the launch of the new car. Among the features included are an M aerodynamics package with uniquely designed front fascia, side skirts and rear fascia. The M Sport package also includes exhaust tips in black chrome, black-painted brake callipers, a sports exhaust system for the BMW 650i Gran Coupe and 19-inch light-alloy wheels in M double-spoke design. 20-inch light-alloy wheels in M double-spoke design are also available as a package upgrade. Customers ordering the M Sport package may also opt for the M paint finishes Carbon Black metallic and Imola Red non-metallic.

The sporting theme continues inside the car in the form of special M Alcantara and leather sports seats with blue contrast stitching, an M leather steering wheel with multifunction buttons and gearshift paddles, and aluminium hexagon interior trim. Plus, the M Sport package adds door sill finishers sporting the M logo and an M driver’s footrest to the mix.

  

One of the highlights of the BMW Individual range of interior options is the Opal White full-leather trim specially developed for the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, combined with the interior color Amaro Brown. Here, the leather-covered instrument panel and Alcantara BMW Individual roof liner are also presented in Amaro Brown. The selection of materials, combinations of colors and a quality of workmanship showcase the exclusive character of the BMW Individual range. White contrast stitching for the instrument panel, armrest and door trim match the Opal White seats and door panels, while Amaro Brown seat stitching and piping complements the effect on the seats and door panels. In addition, BMW Individual Ash Grain White fine wood trim adds a particularly high-quality touch to the interior and fits in seamlessly with the overall color concept.

All the items in the BMW Individual range can also be ordered as individual options. And the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe is also available with a BMW Individual composition of products in a perfectly judged combination of colors and materials.

The new BMW Gran Coupe is fitted with newly developed lightweight seats with an integrated seatbelt system, standard 20-way multi-contour adjustability and adjustable lumbar support. Optionally, the Luxury Seating Package adds front multi-Contour ventilated seats and active fatigue reduction feature. All seat variants come with crash-activated anti-whiplash head restraints.

The range of standard safety equipment also includes front airbags, head-thorax side airbags integrated into the seat frame, three-point automatic belts for all seats, belt force limiters and front belt pre-tensioners and ISOFIX child seat mounts in the rear.

The standard HiFi audio system in the new Gran Coupe comes with an HD Radio receiver, MP3-compatible CD drive, AUX-IN connection, and a HiFi system with nine speakers. The available Premium Sound Package adds SiriusXM satellite radio with a 1-year subscription, iPod and USB adapter, and the Premium HiFi system comprised of 12 speakers and a digital amplifier. It features DIRAC signal processing and model-specific equalizing.

The Bang & Olufsen High-End Surround Sound System designed especially for the new BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe hits all the right notes. Jointly developed by the Danish audio specialists and BMW, this system produces an exceptionally natural sound from 16 speakers distributed around the cabin. It is a fully active system featuring digital signal processing, which means the two bass speakers, seven mid-range speakers and seven tweeters all have individual amplifiers. This technology enables the targeted modification of any sound reflections inside the vehicle.

According to BMW the new BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe can be equipped with the most advanced Head-Up Display system in the industry either as an option or as part of the Driver Assistance Package. By projecting important information onto the windshield, directly in the driver’s line of sight, the Head-Up Display minimizes distraction from the road and traffic. This latest-generation system brings a further improvement in display quality: the symbols are projected as three-dimensional graphics and in ultra-clear resolution onto the windshield. Full-color capability makes the road sign symbols even more realistic. At the same time the Head-Up Display is now able to present a wider range of information. Depending on vehicle specification, guidance information supplied by the Navigation system, Check Control messages, status messages from the Lane Departure Warning System and warnings from the BMW Night Vision system can all be shown in the Head-Up Display.

To supplement the standard Park Distance Control, which uses ultrasonic sensors to monitor distance from objects in front or behind, the Gran Coupe also features a standard rear-view camera. The perspective-corrected color images are relayed to the Central Display. Superimposed on the images are interactive tracking lines which indicate the optimal steering angle for parking, as well as the tightest turning circle.

The optional Top View system with Side View, available as a stand-alone option or as part of the Driver Assistance Package, provides an even more comprehensive picture. In addition to the rear-view camera and the PDC sensors, this system also uses a fish-eye camera in each of the side mirrors. The data acquired by Top View is relayed to a central computer which generates a bird’s eye view of both vehicle and surroundings and presents the image in the Central Display. This view allows the driver to maneuver precisely in confined spaces.

    

There are a number of packages that make it possible to tailor the 640i Gran Coupe to individual tastes.

Driver Assistance Package – $3,700

• Lane Departure Warning
• Active Blind Spot Detection
• Side and Top View Cameras
• Parking Assistant
• Head-up Display

Luxury Seating Package – $3,600

• Power rear sunshade with manual rear side window shades
• Ventilated front seats
• Active multi-contour front seats
• 4-zone climate control

M Sport Package – $4,200

• 19-inch M double-spoke wheels with performance tires
• 20-inch M double-spoke wheel upgrade ($1,300)
• M steering wheel
• M aerodynamic kit
• Anthracite alcantara headliner
• Increased top-speed limiter to 155 mph  (250 km/h)

Cold Weather Package – $1,000

• Heated front and rear seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Ski-bag

BMW Individual Composition – $8,300

• 19-inch BMW Individual V-spoke light alloy wheels
•  20-inch BMW Individual V-spoke light alloy wheel upgrade ($1,300)
• Full LED headlights
• Shadowline trim
• Alcantara headliner in anthracite or upholstery color
• Individual door-sill finishers
• Individual trim in Piano Black, Dark Red Sycamore or White Ash Grain wood trim
• Full Merino Leather upholstery in Platinum/Black, Opal White, Amaro Brown or Champagne
• Opal White/Amaro Brown Merino Leather also available
• Individual exterior paint finishes available as an upgrade ($1,800)
• Citrin Black Metallic, Ruby Black Metallic, Moonstone Metallic, Tanzanite Blue Metallic
• Frozen Bronze metallic exterior available ($3,500)

Premium Sound Package – $950

• Premium sound system
• SiriusXM satellite radio with 1-year subscription

There are also a number of individual options available to further tailor the 640i Gran Coupe:

• Active Roll Stabilization – $2,500
• 19-inch V-spoke wheels with performance tires – $1,300
• Integral Active Steering – $1,700
• Power rear sunshade – $1,000
• with manual rear side window shades
•  included in Luxury Seating Package
• Instrument panel with leather finish – $3,000
• Heated front seats – $500
• Included in Cold Weather Package
• Ceramic Controls – $650
• Full LED Headlights – $1,900
• Included with BMW Individual Composition
• Active Cruise Control – $2,400
• Head-up Display – $1,300
• Included in Driver Assistance Package
• Bang & Olufsen Sound System – $3,700
• Requires Premium Sound Package
• BMW Apps – $650
• Night Vision with Pedestrian Detection – $2,600
• Dark Red Sycamore Wood interior trim – $1,080
• No charge with BMW Individual Composition
• Piano Black interior trim – $1,080
• No charge with BMW Individual Composition
• White Ash Grain Wood interior trim – $1,080
• No charge with BMW Individual Composition
• Wood inlay steering wheel – $800

The 2013 BMW 640i Gran Coupe arrives in US showrooms in late June 2012. Later in the summer, the TwinPower Turbo V-8 powered BMW 650i Gran Coupe and the all-wheel drive BMW 650i xDrive Gran Coupe will join the range.

The new BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe is built alongside its other 6 Series siblings at the BMW plant in Dingolfing, Germany. Also rolling off the assembly line at the BMW Group’s largest production plant are the BMW 7 Series and BMW 5 Series models.

This is a superb vehicle from first inspection and we cannot wait to test drive each version.  BMW did a marvelous job with the new Gran Coupe.

Buyers expect this from BMW and they will be very happy to test drive any version.

BRUCE HUBBARD

BRADLEY HUBBARD

AUTO ADVISOR GROUP