Weight reduction improves acceleration for the obvious power to weight reasons, while enhancing fuel economy and associated particulate emissions ratings. Of equal importance to BMW customers is the benefit to handling that comes from a lighter curb weight, causing the need to incorporate all-aluminum chassis and suspension components. The new 6-Series won't understeer to the extent of the old 8-Series, but rather oversteer slightly to provide the sporting feel reminiscent of classic BMWs. Of course any tendency to swap ends will quickly be brought into check via upgraded Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), also including Dynamic Traction Control (DTC). This almost magical combination allows just enough rear tire slip for excitement, with nearly imperceptible yaw and traction control intervention when things get out of hand.
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| The combination of Dynamic Stability Control, Dynamic Traction Control, and Dynamic Drive Suspension make the 6-Series very responsive and extremely safe. (Photo: BMW AG) |
Adding to its sporting character the 645 Ci will feature BMW's "intelligent" Dynamic Drive suspension, a technology that almost completely compensates for body lean during cornering. What's more BMW's optional Active Steering improves steering feel and reaction to input by delivering a more direct steering ratio at reduced speeds, and alternatively more indirect steering at highway speeds, eliminating the darty nervousness associated with some performance cars.
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| Further increasing the safety of the new 6 are features such as runflat tires and adaptive headlights. (Photo: BMW AG) |
Such active safety features can truly make a difference for accident avoidance, as can the coupe's standard runflat tires. Not only do runflats put an end to high-speed blowouts, but also make on-the-spot tire changes a thing of the past.
BMW will join Lexus by offering adaptive headlights that swivel to the side while going around a bend to increase visibility at night, a feature initially pioneered by automotive legend Preston Tucker and later put into larger scale production by France's Citroen.