(continued from the previous page)
Twin-Turbo V-8 Engine
The 4.4-liter V-8 engine develops a
maximum 400 hp between 5,500 and 6,400 rpm, and makes peak torque of 450 lb-ft
between 1,750 and 4,500 rpm. This unique "reverse-flow" engine, whose two
turbochargers are positioned in the V-area between the cylinder banks, produces
an instantaneous and sustained wave of power, making it a delight for the
enthusiast driver. The engine can be paired with either BMW's new 8-speed Sport
Automatic gearbox or BMW's traditional 6-speed manual transmission, quite
popular with North American enthusiasts.
This engine also boasts
extraordinary efficiency for a model in its output class.
8-Speed
Sport Automatic Transmission
The 8-speed Sport Automatic transmission
in the new BMW 650i Coupe boasts a perfect combination of speed, flexibility,
sportiness, and efficiency. What sets it apart are its minimal torque converter
slip and rapid gear changes. An innovative gear set configuration allows this
transmission to offer eight gears, maximizing acceleration at any road speed yet
allowing the driver to conserve fuel by cruising at low revs. Befitting the
Coupe's sporting character, the driver can choose to select gears manually via
shift paddles on the standard Sport leather steering wheel.
In addition
to the efficiency of the engine and 8-speed Sport Automatic transmission, an
extensive range of BMW EfficientDynamics measures contribute to reducing fuel
consumption and emissions. Brake Energy Regeneration, on-demand operation of
ancillary components, intelligent lightweight construction and extensive
aerodynamic refinement collaborate to ensure maximum efficiency.
High-End Technology Solutions
Part of the features that set the new
car apart from its rivals are the BMW ConnectedDrive driver assistance systems
and mobility services. The rear-view camera, Surround View, Parking Assistant,
BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition, Lane Departure Warning System and
Lane Change Warning System are joined on the list of available equipment items
by the new generation of the BMW Head-Up-Display. The latest incarnation of the
system uses a full spectrum of colors to display the information projected onto
the windshield. The standard BMW iDrive control system, is the operating portal
for the navigation, communications and infotainment functions. The high
definition, trans-reflective technology Control Display is centrally mount high
on the sweeping dash and emulates a freestanding flatscreen. Finally, the
optional Bang & Olufsen High-End Surround Sound System provides a feast of aural
pleasure seldom experienced inside a car. The all-new third generation 650i
Coupe will join the 650i Convertible in the US market this fall as a 2012 model.
Bang & Olufsen High-End Surround
Sound System
When it comes to delivering audio pleasure of the
highest order, the Bang & Olufsen High-End Surround Sound System designed
especially for the new BMW 650i Coupe hits all the right notes. Jointly
developed by the Danish audio specialists and BMW, this system produces an
exceptionally natural sound from 16 speakers distributed around the cabin. It is
a fully active system featuring digital signal processing, which means the two
bass speakers, seven mid-range speakers and seven tweeters all have individual
amplifiers. This technology enables the targeted modification of any sound
reflections inside the vehicle. The Bang & Olufsen High-End Surround Sound
System uses Dirac Dimensions technology to recreate the acoustics of a
reference listening room in the passenger compartment. All vehicle occupants
therefore enjoy the same high-quality sound stage wherever they are sitting.
Industry Leading New-Generation Head-Up Display
Like its
predecessor, the new BMW 650i Coupe is the only vehicle in its class with an
optional Head-Up Display system. By projecting important information onto the
windshield, directly in the driver's line of sight, the Head-Up Display
minimizes distraction from the road and traffic. The new-generation system
brings a further improvement in display quality: the symbols are projected as
three-dimensional graphics and in ultra-clear resolution onto the windshield.
Full-color capability makes the road sign symbols even more realistic. At the
same time the Head-Up Display is now able to present a wider range of
information. Depending on vehicle specification, guidance information supplied
by the Navigation system, Check Control messages, status messages from the Lane
Departure Warning System and warnings from the BMW Night Vision system can all
be shown in the Head-Up Display. The positioning of the messages on the
windshield is highly ergonomic, so that drivers are aware of them without having
to refocus or take their eyes off the road.
Chassis Management and
Optional Integral Active Steering
Cutting-edge chassis technology
gives the 2012 650i Coupe the tools to provide both sporty handling and
exceptional comfort. The double wishbone front axle and the multi-link rear axle
are made predominantly from aluminum. The chassis is geared to the requirements
of drivers with sporting intentions, although the dampers also respond
sensitively to bumps in the road surface under high lateral acceleration. The
optional Active Roll Stabilization combines with the standard Dynamic Damper
Control to offer the driver even more precise responses and perfectly flat
cornering ability. The electronically controlled shock absorbers adapt to the
road surface and the driver's style to perfectly control the car's body motions.
The electronically controlled damper system in the new BMW 6 Series Coupe
adjusts compression and rebound settings continuously and independently. For
example, a stiff chassis setting can be combined with comfortable responses to
unevenness in the road surface.
The optional Active Roll Stabilization
feature reduces body roll in corners and in sudden changes of direction, or
transitions. Sensors calculate the amount of body roll based on the driving
situation at hand, and this is then counteracted quickly and precisely by
hydraulic rotary actuators in the front and rear anti-roll bars.
The new
BMW 650i Coupe is the first car in its class available with Integral Active
Steering. This system combines the Active Steering system for the front axle
(available on the previous generation 6 Series Coupe) with a new, steerable rear
axle. Precisely harmonized steering angle movements at both axles create a
virtual lengthening or shortening of the vehicle's wheelbase, which fosters
greater high-speed stability and enhanced maneuverability for parking and city
use.
Brakes, Wheels, and Tires
The lightweight floating-caliper
brakes with vented discs are easy to use with precision, and their effectiveness
is reinforced by Dynamic Stability Control. DSC brings together technology such
as the Anti-lock Braking System, Dynamic Traction Control, Cornering Brake
Control, Dynamic Brake Control, the Start-off Assistant, the automatic Brake
Drying function and Brake Fade Compensation. Standard equipment also includes
8.5 x19-inch light-alloy wheels, with all-season runflat tires (size 245/40 R19)
and a tire pressure monitoring system.
Driving Dynamics Control
With standard Driving Dynamics Control, the dominant virtues of athletic
driving sportiness and ride comfort can be chosen by the driver as situations
demand. The driver can choose settings of COMFORT, NORMAL, SPORT and SPORT+
modes using the large rocker switch on the center console. Affected parameters
include the tuning of the throttle response, power steering boost assistance,
shock absorbers, automatic transmission shift characteristics and - if equipped
- roll stabilization and Integral Active Steering. In SPORT+ mode, the Dynamic
Traction Control mode of the standard Dynamic Stability Control system is
activated, raising the thresholds for stability intervention in the most
sport-oriented driving circumstances.
The BMW 650i Coupe:
Production in Dingolfing, Germany
The 2012 BMW 650i Coupe is built at
the BMW plant in Dingolfing, Germany. Also rolling off the assembly line at the
BMW Group's largest production plant are the BMW 7 Series and BMW 5 Series
models. The flexible and efficient processes at the plant combine
state-of-the-art production technology with a standard of quality defined by
meticulous craftsmanship in the manufacture of premium cars configured to
customer requirements.
BMW 650i Coupe: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications