BMW to Launch New 2012 6-Series Convertible on 26 March, 2011

While snooping around on BMW's UK website we discovered that one of the cars featured in the 'Quick model selector' was the new 6-Series Convertible. While there are no photos of the drop-top model, BMW offers select clients the opportunity to sign up for an exclusive BMW Dealer pre-launch preview event.

Here's what the invitation says:

"The new BMW 6 Series Convertible will be launched on 26 March 2011. So to make sure we keep you up to date with the latest news and send you an invitation to an exclusive BMW Dealer pre-launch preview, just register below."

The new 2012 6-Series Convertible will be based on the 6-Series Coupe Concept shown in Paris last month. As you can see in our spy shots, BMW's flagship convertible series will retain the outgoing model's soft-top roof arrangement. Under the skin, the new "6" will get rear-wheel drive, an eight-speed automatic gearbox, and the option of six-cylinder petrol or diesel engines, and turbocharged V8 petrols topping out with the M6's twin-turbo V8 with close to 600 ponies.

Link: BMW UK

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2012 BMW 6-Series Convertible Snapped Without Camouflage?

Those quick fingered camera jockeys over at Motor-Talk.de have got what appears to be an undisguised 2012 BMW 6-series convertible. This could be our first look at the new convertible, which is set to go on sale next year, au natural.

Soon after, the Photoshop magicians over at Autobild cleaned up the picture, taking out the cameraman and other foreground obstructions and removing some of the grainy-ness.

It has to be said, this picture looks very close to the artist's impression by e90post forum member 'Alpince325ci', even down to the shape of the bootlid. Well done, sir.

The 6-series Convertible will the most expensive drop top in BMW's lineup, slotting in above the cheaper 3-series convertible and Z4 roadseter. Oddly, it still retains its fabric top, something the current-gen 3-series and Z4 have done away with. Carscoop will have more details and pictures as they come through.

By Tristan Hankins

Sources: Motor Talk, e90post and Autobild

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CLP’s BMW MR 600 GT Has Silly Name, Green Paint and 379 hp

I was never a big fan of the second generation BMW 6-Series. It was all droopy and made up of odd angles and I could never understand why you'd buy one instead of a Z4 or an M3. Now, new-to-Carscoop CLP Automotive has taken my second least favorite BMW after the X3 and supposedly tweaked it, producing the MR 600 GT.

The fluro green example pictured here features CLP's €5,990 (US$8,420) aerodynamic kit consisting of M3-style front bumper, new front and rear three-quarter panels / fenders, side skirts and a rear apron. A tailgate spoiler is €399 (US$561) extra.

For an additional €8,960 (US$12,594) you can get a set of 3-piece black alloy wheels with stainless steel trim rings. The front wheels are 9.5 x 22 inch whereas the rear are 11.5 x 22 inch, respectively wrapped in 255/30-22 and 285/25-22 high performance tires.

Also on offer are a €1,290 (US$1,813) electronic performance enhancement that pushes the 645i's output up to 379 hp (283 kw) and 490 Nm (361 lb. ft.) and a €1,599 (US$2,248) CLP muffler with quad stainless steel tailpipes. Yum.

These cosmetic and performance upgrades are said to be available across the 6-Series Coupe and Cabriolet range, though it seems a little strange that CLP is releasing this package so close to the launch of the third generation 6-Series.

I guess you have to be a German tuner to understand it.

By Tristan Hankins

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