The trigger’s been pulled on a new niche model at BMW! Product development chief Dr Klaus Draeger has let slip that the firm’s board is considering a Shooting Brake version of the next 6-Series.
He confirmed that a concept – styled by design boss Adrian van Hooydonk – has already been built, and is likely to be unveiled at October’s Paris Motor Show. BMW could recycle its Gran Turismo name for the concept, and will use the event to gauge public reaction before deciding whether to give the car the production green light.
Based on the Gran Coupé four-door displayed at the Beijing Motor Show earlier this year, the Shooting Brake forms part of the brand’s plans to widen the appeal of the next-generation 6-Series.
The two-door coupé and convertible arrive next year, while Draeger confirmed that the Gran Coupé will also be built. This four-door Mercedes CLS rival will arrive in 2012, and be positioned in the range close to the new 6-Series. It will be aimed at customers wanting a more practical version of the 6-Series two-door, or 7-Series fans who prefer to drive themselves.
The Gran Coupé doesn’t have a hatchback tailgate like the Audi A7 or Porsche Panamera. Instead, BMW has opted for a saloon bodystyle, which is preferred in the Chinese market.
It will use the same engines as the new 6-Series – this means power will come from BMW’s 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol and diesel units, as well as a range-topping 4.4-litre V8. “Since we use the same drive architecture as the 5, 6 and 7-Series, we are [also] able to bring a hybrid version,” Draeger added. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express