This new droptop Bimmer embraces the three virtues of driving: Performance, Fun and Style.
By Sam Mitani
There’s no secret that BMW was planning to make a convertible version out of the new 650i Coupe when it showed the 6 Series Coupe Concept at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show; so we were primed and ready when the Munich, Germany-based company took the veils off the new 650i Convertible today in Detroit at the North American International Auto Show. And just as we predicted, the car is stunning inside and out, spiritually similar to the current 650i Convertible that has proved popular in the high-end convertible marketplace the past few years
Like the current model, this new BMW 650i Convertible features an electrically powered soft top with flying-buttress architecture. The buttresses project out along the flanks of the body into its rear section, accentuating the car’s sweeping silhouette. With the roof up, the transition of the roofline into the rear end flows smoothly; with the top tucked in place behind the cockpit, the car looks like it was originally designed as a convertible. The automatic opening and closing operation for the roof is activated by holding a button on the center console. Opening the roof takes 19 seconds, while the closing process lasts 24. As with the current model, both operations can be activated while on the move at speeds up to 25 mph. The roof of the new BMW 650i Convertible is available in two colors, including a new beige. Two non-metallic exterior paint colors and seven metallic shades are available. Exclusive Nappa leather is standard, and can be ordered in four color options (Vermillion Red, Ivory White, Cinnamon Brown and Black). The instrument panel, center console, and the upper sections of the rear door panel and side trim can also be lined with Nappa leather with contrasting stitching as an option.
Head-Snapping Power
Under the hood of the sleek new 650i Convertible is a 4.4-liter V-8 that produces 400 bhp between 5500 and 6400 rpm, and delivers peak torque of 450 lb.-ft. between 1750 and 4500 rpm. This unique “reverse-flow” engine, whose turbochargers are positioned in the V-area between the cylinder banks, produces power from low in the rev range, making it both thrilling and fun to drive. Mated to this powerplant is BMW’s 8-speed Sport Automatic transmission that features speed, flexibility, sportiness and efficiency. Its minimal torque converter slip and rapid gear changes should satisfy even serious drivers who are accustomed to standard manual gearboxes in their sports machines. The new transmission has an innovative gear set configuration that allows this unit to offer eight gears, aiding acceleration yet allowing the driver to save fuel by driving at low revs. The driver can choose to select gears manually via shift paddles on the standard Sport leather steering wheel. The factory claims that new 650i Convertible will run to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds with both the manual transmission and the 8-speed automatic, and reach an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.
The new BMW 650i Convertible will reach dealer showrooms in the spring as a 2012 model, priced at $91,375.
Source: Road & Track
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