Gerjan

Hi there,

Some news here about BMW’s future cars. BMW is developing a new 6-series (2+2 coupe) with (according to the Dutch magazine Autoweek) the following engines: the 630Ci, a 3.0ltr 240 bhp straight six, the 635 Ci with a 3.5ltr 270 bhp V8 and a 640Ci with a 4.4ltr 340 bhp V8 (maybe 4.6 I think, because BMW has developed an 4.6ltr engine for the X5 4.6is .). All these versions use the Valvetronic-system which BMW introduced in his new 3-series Compact (316i). But then… Top of the range will be the new BMW M6 with a 5ltr V8 with 430 bhp! And BMW does not exclude that an special lightweight CSL version of the M6 will be produced for road use. It does not have four doors, as the M5 has, but I think the guys at M Gmbh will make it a nice car to drive in.

But the first thing to come from Bavaria is the new 7. The new 7-series will be equipped with the following engines: the 735i 270 bhp V8, an 8-cylinder 4.0ltr 250bhp diesel engine in the new 740d, a straight six petrol engine for the 730i and a straight six diesel engine which will be fitted in the 730d. At the and of 2002 the V12 goes for sale, also using the valvetronic system. BMW is doing much research on a 12-cylinder diesel engine. An expiriment with a 12-cylinder hydrogen engine is already running. All 7-series come with a six speed steptronic autoshifter and brake-by-wire. Yesterday there was a nice thing on TV about the new (optional) BMW headlight system. It will be connected to the satelite navigation system and the headlights will just follow the road. For example: if the navigation system indicates that you have to go to the left, the lights will shine to the left. A very nice gadget. There will not be a M7 or a new 8-series. Nevertheless BMW M has some serious thoughts about a more powerfull version of the Z8.

The new 5-series, which will have very characteristic design, will come in the spring of 2003. BMW is planning to produce powerfull four-wheel drive versions and a MPV version of it. Top of the range model will be a new M5…

On the X5 BMW says that a stretched version or a V12 X5 are not to be produced, though the BMW 4x4 range will be extended with the BMW X3 and maybe a X7 in 2004.

With the new compact the 3-series is completed. BMW is considering to call the coupe and cabriolet versions (3..Ci’s) the BMW 4-series, but the M3 coupe will not become a M4. A new version of the Z3 roadster is coming up next year, bringing a new M roadster with it. Between the Mini and the 3-series Compact BMW introduces the 1-series in 2005. The coupe and cabriolet versions of this little BMW are called the 2-series, analogue to the 4-series. And yes, a M2 (supercharged 2.1 ltr straigt six with allwheel drive) version of the 1-series is going for sale also in 2005. That one (based on the engine 520i (170 bhp) will have around 220 bhp. Such an engine fitted in a car which weights approximately just 500 pounds makes really a funny car I think.

Note that these facts are for Europe.

And now this… Autoweek also publishes something about a new Audi, the RS6. They are already testing it on the Nurburgring. Just like the RS4 it will be a biturbo. But not the 2.7 V6.
They take the 4.2 ltr 340 bhp V8 from the S6. Quattro GMBH already revealed that makes a 440 bhp engine with 600 Nms of torque. 0-100 kph in 4,7 seconds and a (restricted) topspeed of 250 kph. Unrestricted it will do 300+. The RS6 comes with Porsche Ceramic brakes (!) and offcourse Audi’s Quattro system fitted as standard. Audi is assisted by Porsche and Cosworth Racing in the developing proces. Rumours are spread that the performance almost can be compared with the 996 turbo. I think that’s a little optimistic, but this surely is a very impressive car. Because it has much more torque than the RS4, which already outruns the M5, I think this really is a killer. And in the BMW future article was nothing about a M5 evo!!! I think BMW is really going to need such a car… My opinion is that M Power has to fit the McLaren F1 627 bhp engine in it. That will make the competition getting lost for a while...

Regards,

Gerjan

raymondw

Hello Gerjan,

If you read all articles correctly including the latest Sport Auto magazine, you would know that the RS6 is likely to weigh close to 2000kg. Then 600nM is not enough to outrun an E39 ///M5 which weighs little less than 1800kg.

Besides, the Porsche Ceramic brakes do not provide better breaking compared to the steel ones, but they do offer better fading resistance. The (steel) Porsche brakes can be bought from Movit and fitted on all ///M5 versions.

So the RS6 is just an answer to the E39 ///M5, and not a new benchmark.

With best regards,

Raymond

Gerjan

Hi Raymond,

In the articles I read a weight of 1800 was mentioned. I didn't read the latest Sport Auto Magazine. But if the RS6 will weight 2000 kg's I also think Audi is going to need that 600Nms! By the way, the 4.2 V8 is not a upgraded version of the 'old' one in the S6, but they've developed a whole new V8 for the RS6. Are there any acceleration times in the article you read Raymond?

regards,

Gerjan

raymondw

Hello Gerjan,

The sub 5 sec figures you mention are correct.

With best regards,

Raymond