When BMW launches its new Gran Turismo next year, it will be marketed for the first time under the 6 Series badge. A source told BMWBLOG that without a doubt the 5 Series GT name will disappear and the 6 Series GT will take its place. The idea behind the new Gran Turismo won’t be much different from the original model, but it will deliver a new and fresh design.
Improved Design
With a more sweeping roofline and more hatchback-like trunk, the 6 Series GT should be far better looking than the somewhat dumpy-looking 5 Series GT. Our sources say the overall look is much better balanced with some influences from the new 5 Series family as well.
In the back, the GT will retain the split-opening hatch and the upright look which allows for additional storage space. In order to make the design of the tailgate more pleasurable, the BMW designers focused on a clean and stretched rear end.
Despite the new name and the integration into the 6 series, the Gran Turismo is based on a similar concept as its predecessor. The BMW G38 5 Series version long wheelbase – which is sold exclusively in China as in previous generations – is the technical basis. The longer wheelbase provides additional space in the rear and contributes to the overall more stretched looks and therefore more elegant proportions of the BMW 6 Series GT.
Weight Loss
Just like the G30 5 Series, the G32 6 Series Gran Turismo has gone through a weight loss program. The Gran Turismo will be based off BMW’s CLAR (Cluster Architecture) modular platform, with a mixture of aluminum, steel and carbon fiber.
Powerplants
There will be the typical suite of BMW’s diesel and petrol engines, nearly identical to the G30 5 Series sedan offerings. For diesel power, there will be a BMW 620d, 630d and top-of-the-line M650d xDrive, the latter using BMW’s newest B57 quad-turbo engine. For petrol power, you can choose from the BMW 630i, 640i and M650i xDrive. The latter will get the same 4.4 liter twin-turbocharged V8 as the new G30 BMW M550i xDrive. At least one hybrid will be offered as well, under the iPerformance brand.
Launching In 2017
With the G31 5 Series Touring coming to the Geneva Motor Show, the G32 6 Series GT will likely be launched at a later date. We’re betting on either the New York Auto Show or BMW’s home show in Frankfurt.
