LA Auto Show: New BMW 6 Series Convertible

BMW chose the LA Auto Show to release pictures of the restyled 6 Series convertible it will show in the flesh at January's Detroit Auto Show.

The convertible is very much an evolution of the outgoing 6, with fresh exterior styling first shown on the four-door BMW Gran Coupe at the Beijing motor show last April. The car sports a roomier four-seat interior, as well as an advanced, multi-layered cloth roof developed with German-based roof specialist Edscha.

BMW claims the automatic roof structure will open in just 19 seconds and close in 24 seconds at the push of a console-mounted button. As with the outgoing model, a separate glass rear screen, mounted vertically, can be opened separately from the cloth hood.

At 192.6 inches in length, 74.5 inches in width and 53.5 inches in height, the new 6-series convertible is 2.9 inches longer, 1.5 inches wider and 0.4 inch lower than its predecessor launched in 2004. The wheelbase has been extended by 2.9 inches, to 112.4 inches.

The new 6-series convertible will be launched in North America next year with just one engine, in combination with either a standard six-speed manual or an optional eight-speed automatic gearbox. The 650i convertible runs a turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, delivering 400 hp and 450 lb-ft, sufficient, says BMW, for 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds and a 155-mph top speed. Other engines will follow, including a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 320 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque in a less-expensive 640i convertible.