Paris Show 2010 Highlights: BMW 6 Series Concept

Sleek, sporty and oozing style – that’s the promise of BMW’s new 6-Series, which was officially unveiled at the Paris Motor Show.

The newcomer displays classic coupé proportions, with its long bonnet, short front overhang and low-slung silhouette. Smooth lines mimic the design cues first seen on the latest 5-Series and 7-Series.

A shark-like nose features glass inserts at the top of the grille bars for a modern look, while the distinctive headlights are, for the first time, entirely LED, producing a dazzling white light and reducing energy use. Adaptive light technology also means they swivel according to the steering angle and speed of the car, while the daytime running lights are in BMW’s familiar ring design.

At the rear, twin trapezoid exhaust tips create an aggressive look, while LED light strips inside the rear clusters ensure the 6 even has a distinctive appearance at night. Unique 20-inch alloy wheels, each milled from a solid piece of aluminium, finish off the handsome exterior design. The elegant new 2+2 cabin has a full-length glass roof to flood the interior with light, and a tilted centre console to put the emphasis on the driver. Two individual leather-lined rear seats have enough room to accommodate a pair of adults.

There’s a wealth of technology, too. Taking pride of place is a huge 26cm flatscreen displaying the audio, climate and sat-nav menus. A head-up display and digital panel, in place of traditional dials, show a range of information, while a Bang & Olufsen stereo with 16 speakers, including one that rises from the top of the dash, delivers superb sound quality.

The engine range is likely to match the current line-up, with straight-six and V8 petrol offerings. But since the diesel 635d accounted for around 70 per cent of sales, a new range-topping 306bhp 640d is expected to scoop up the majority of buyers.

Still officially a concept, the BMW Concept 6-Series Coupé, to use its full name, could receive some minor tweaks before it arrives in showrooms. But essentially this is the car that will make production.

Despite the coupé breaking cover, it will be the convertible that arrives first in March. The hard-top follows in September 2011. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

Paris Show 2010 Highlights: 2011 Bentley Continental GT

Bentley has made a splash at the Paris show with its all-new Continental GT. The super-coupe made a dramatic entrance at the VW Group's pre-show party when hi-tech water jets spelt out the newcomer's name.

The Crewe firm has also now confirmed that the luxury coupe will cost from £135,760 when its reaches dealerships in the first quarter of 2011. The price includes the new 20 per cent VAT rate that comes into force in January and adds up to an increase of almost £10,000 on the current car's £126,500 price.

To get the full story on the new Continental GT, Auto Express was granted exclusive access to the car ahead of the show with Bentley’s head of exterior design, Raul Pires.

“We had three key goals for this car - to improve the proportions, to make the signature lines more contemporary and to give the car a more bespoke, handmade feel,” Pires explained. Get up close, and the Continental’s sharp new look is immediately noticeable - every panel is new except the wing mirrors, which are borrowed from the Mulsanne.

Thanks to a new cutting-edge process known as aluminium super forming, the muscular bodywork has been given a sharper edge. All the major feature lines, especially the trademark rear wheel arches are crisper and more defined, smartening up the coupe’s appearance. Whereas before the GT featured a steel bonnet and plastic bumper arrangement, now the entire front wing is made from one single sheet of metal.

“This proces is more expensive and more time consuming, but with a low-volume car like this it’s possible to try new things.” said Pires.

The imposing front grille now sits more upright and 40mm lower, allowing the sculpted bonnet to fit snugly between the bulging front wheel arches. The four headlight layout is familiar, but now each of the lamps features jewel-like LEDs surrounding the main bulb. A wider track, front and rear, as well as the double-elipse LED taillights that wrap around the corners of car add to the GT’s already impressive width, while the height and length remain roughly the same. And for the first time 21-inch wheels are offered as an option, in either ‘Elegant’ or split-rim ‘Sports’ design.

As with all Bentleys the devil is in the detail, and Pires was keen to point out some of the car’s finer points: “This car has the least amount of chrome detailing of any model in the range, but it all has a function. The rubbing strips on the side of the car are now protruding, to help prevent stone chips on the rear wheel arch.” Other clever touches include headlight washers incorporated into the light assembly and no shut lines running through the rear lights - both to create a less-cluttered surface. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express