2003 BMW 6 Series CoupePhotographed during road testing in the United States, this BMW 6 Series prototype is barely disguised. There are thin plastic panels covering the hood and rear bumper, black material obscuring the headlights and taillights, and an added-on spoiler strip at the rear edge. The 6 Series styling draws strongly on the latest 7 Series and the original Z9 concept car. While the convex-concave side and the rear end closely resemble the 7, the front end incorporates a new kidney-grille layout first seen on the Z9, blended with a pair of circular headlights of different size.
The mechanical underpinnings are based on the forthcoming new 5 Series, which again is closely related to the latest 7 Series. Advanced lightweight design is said to ensure agile handling and sporting driving dynamics.
The E63 6 Series is expected to be unveiled officially at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2003, with two different V8 models on offer: the 635Ci with 275 bhp, and the 645Ci with 335 bhp. A Formula One-inspired V10-powered M6 is rumored but remains to be confirmed. A four-seater convertible, codenamed E64, will be introduced later in 2004.
BMW 1 SeriesAfter having been tested in secrecy behind the walls of BMW's proving grounds for quite some time, the company's all-new smallest model is getting ready to go public. Prototypes have been seen on the road in various European countries-these photos were taken in the south of France. BMW's new baby turns out to be a three-door hatchback sized similarly to an Audi A3. Dubbed BMW 1 Series, the car is still two years ahead of its launch-the pictures show a first-generation prototype. The car is only some 10cm shorter and 20cm narrower than the 3 Series compact. Styling elements will come from the concept car SC1, which was displayed at the Geneva Motor Show this past spring.
The new 1 Series will be available in different body variants, such as a three-door hatch, a five-door hatch and a booted two-door notchback. The car will be powered by a choice of four-cylinder engines (1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 gas) and two updated 2.0 common-rail Turbodiesels.
We Hear* Perfect PartnersPirelli Tire North America and Panoz Motor Sports Group have agreed to a four-year sponsorship, making Pirelli the Official Tire of Road Atlanta, Sebring International Raceway and the Panoz Racing School, as well as an Official Sponsor of Mosport Raceway. In addition, Pirelli will be the Official Tire of the Panoz GT and Panoz GT Pro Series and the Audi Driving Experience. The agreement is effective immediately and runs through the 2005 season. The Sebring sponsorship begins in 2003.
* BMW & Peugeot Working TogetherThe BMW Group and PSA Peugeot Citron have joined forces to develop and manufacture a new family of small gasoline engines. Peugeot, Citron and future variants of MINI vehicles will be equipped with engines out of this cooperative project. The engine will benefit from the latest technologies. The BMW Group R&D department will be in charge of designing the engines, and the common project team will be based in Munich. PSA Peugeot Citron will manage process development, engineering for production as well as procurement. The production capacity will meet the future needs of Peugeot, Citron and MINI vehicles and could reach up to 1,000,000 units per year.