By: Ted Biederman
Iconic cars are on the roll again at BMW with the rebirth of famed 6 Series Coupe, missing from the German automaker’s lineup since the 1990 model year.
Coupes, generally in public disfavor for the last decade have made a modest comeback in the last several years. BMW enthusiasts have been clamoring for a new coupe and BMW has been waiting for the right moment and the right execution to jump back into the market.

They believe the time is now and they believe that have the goods to match the timing.
Never far out of character and true to heritage of the luxury coupe the new 6 Series is stunning with its classic proportions, sleek lines and the hallmark of all great coupes – long, low and wide.
Use of the 4.4-liter V8 from the 745i the 6 Series Coupe will generate 325-horsepower and develop 330 lb.-ft. of torque at a low 3,600 rpm. The electronically limited track tested top speed is 149 mph and it zips from zero to 60 in under six seconds according to BMW engineers.
The beefy engine is mated to a choice of six-speed transmissions: a six-speed manual; a six-speed Steptronic automatic with the manual shift mode; or a six-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox that features both a gearshift lever and shift paddles on the steering wheel, like those found in Formula One race cars.
The new 6 Series uses a lighter weight aluminum, steel and composite body with an all-aluminum suspension to help achieve its performance goals.
Lots of interesting and unique electronics are also featured including dynamic stability control and traction control along with Active Roll Stabilization that is supposed to dramatically limit body roll. Also, BMW will feature Active Steering on its Sport Package for the U.S. market. It controls the number of degrees of wheel turn direction in relationship to steering input in conjunction with yaw rate controlled by the dynamic stability system.

The 6 Series Coupe will be formally introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September and will come to market in the U.S. in Spring 2004.
Also introduced by BMW this month are the first of a series of BMW’s famed Art Cars in miniature. Available now miniatures of those cars created by Alexander Calder, Jenny Holzer, Sanro Chia and Andy Warhol. The Warhol car is pictured here.
In total there will be 15 1:18-scale cars release through 2005. Each carries a retail price of $125 and will be available at BMW dealers and select museum shops.