These are some of the best spy shots yet of the new BMW 6 Series. Our man with the long lens not only snagged a couple of convertible prototypes with different color tops and much less camouflage than before.

Being based on the latest generation of the 5 Series, it comes to no surprise that the styling of the instrument panel, center console and even the steering wheel on the 6 Series are shared with BMW’s premium sedan model. Elegant as it may be, we can’t say we agree with BMW’s one style fits all mentality, especially when it concerns a premium sports coupe/cabrio like the 6 Series.

On the outside, the Bavarian automaker’s designers continue to tone down the controversial flame surfaced styling of the Bangle era BMWs, with the new 6er sporting a sharper and less complicated look with styling cues lifted directly from the four door Concept Gran Coupe. The convertible model seen here will continue to use a traditional soft top.

Look under the body and you’ll find chassis componentry and an engine line up straight from the new 5 Series. Powertrain options for both the coupe and convertible models are likely to include a 3.0 liter turbocharged straight six petrol with 306HP for the 635i and a 407HP twin turbocharged 4.4 liter V8 petrol for the 650i. At least in Europe, buyers will also be able to opt for the company’s 3.0 liter twin turbocharged diesel. Depending on the engine, there will be a choice of a six speed manual gearbox or a 8 speed automatic transmission.

The 2+2 coupe and convertible versions of the new 6 Series will be launched onto the market in Spring of 2011. According to the grapevine, the production version of the four door Concept Gran Coupe, which is designed to rival the Mercedes Benz CLS and Audi A7 Sportback and is due in 2012, will also carry the 6 Series badge.

By CarScoop

The German carmaker has released today a new set of images of the BMW M3 GTS, just as rumors are starting to surface regarding its Nurburgring lap time. Apparently, the BMW M3 GTS recently managed to set a Nurburgring lap time record of 7 minutes and 48 seconds, which makes it the fastest production BMW on the Nordschleife. Here are the specs: the power of the BMW M3 GTS comes from the 4.4 liter engine that has been tuned up to 450 hp and 440 Nm of torque. The power is sent to the rear wheel via the company’s trick M Dual Clutch Drivelogic 7 speed transmission.

The BMW M3 GTS has been fitted with bigger brakes and a new suspension system that reduces the ride height by 16 mm on the front axle and 12 mm on the rear one. The top speed of the BMW M3 GTS is officially rated at 305 km/h and the 0 to 100 km/h sprint time at 4.4 seconds. The BMW M3 GTS price and availability have not been announced yet.

By ZerCustoms