Aluminum, Steel and Synthetics Make for Lightweight Coupe
Growing up with a European father, I was influenced to be partial to continental machinery. Sure I was taken aback in awe of big-block American power, especially the HEMI 'Cuda. But having witnessed tiny 4-cylinder cars walk away from brutish domestic GTs on road courses, I began to appreciate just how far a little finesse can go.
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| The powerful BMW 6-Series came onto the scene in 1976 and quickly captured the imagination and adoration of European car enthusiasts everywhere. (Photo: BMW AG) |
Among Lamborghinis, Ferraris and Porsches, that have captured the imaginations of every schoolboy for half a century, it was a BMW 3.0 CSi coupe that initially stole my heart (OK, there was my uncle's 1957 300 SL roadster too, if I'm going to be perfectly truthful). That was until the larger, sleeker and more powerful 630i came onto the scene in 1976. Like so many other BMW fans I quickly switched adorations to the newer, more sophisticated coupe, an affair that lasted more than a decade spurred on by the glorious M6.
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| BMW once again works its magic and revives a model from the past, the all-new 6-Series Coupe will debute at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. (Photo: BMW AG) |
While the 8-Series that followed pulled striking front fascia styling cues from the exotic mid-engine M1, and was arguably one of the best looking BMWs ever made from rear three quarter view, its gluttonous curb weight resulted in very un-BMW understeering tendencies causing an uncharacteristic plowing sensation into fast corners. A brand that had always produced proud sports GTs was now the maker of a rather rotund boulevardier, sensational at high speed but hardly nimble in an autocross. The 840i and 850i are now long in the past, superceded in performance and prestige by the stunning Z8 roadster, currently in its last year of production.
What's next? In its own 'Back to the Future' sequel BMW will bring its all-new 6-Series Coupe to the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, sporting revolutionary design, top-tier luxury and impressive performance.