The New 6 Series Coupe
Published: 25th October 2003
Active Steering also incorporates yaw rate control and is networked with the DSC system, thus allowing the driver to intervene quickly and efficiently for extra stability on the road by slightly correcting the steering angle of the front wheels. This, in turn, reduces any noticeable intervention of DSC in the low response range, Active Steering and DSC forming a prefect team in the process.
Most advanced control systems assisting the excellent chassis
and suspension
Equipped with BMW's most advanced and sophisticated chassis control
systems, the new BMW coupé offers the driver all of BMW's
major chassis assistance functions, improving the truly outstanding
chassis and suspension of the 645Ci to an even higher standard.
The first example is DSC Dynamic Stability Control interacting with
ABS anti-lock brakes and CBC Cornering Brake Control slowing down
individual wheels as required on slippery surfaces in order to prevent
the car from swerving out of control. Then there is the 'intelligent'
Dynamic Drive chassis control system almost completely eliminating
any sway or roll of the body even in fast bends.
Consistent lightweight technology for an even higher standard
of dynamic performance
Lightweight technology and engineering applied consistently in BMW's
large coupé makes a significant contribution to the car's
excellent driving comfort combined with thrilling dynamism. Particular
highlights of this lightweight technology are the innovative aluminium/steel
structure of the car's body, the Weight-Reduced Aluminium Front
(WRAF) much lighter than steel, the rear lid made of SMC sheet moulding
compound composite glass fibre, the side panels made of thermoplastics
at the front, as well as the front lid and doors made of aluminium,
together with a wide range of other detailed improvements serving
to reduce weight, all of which make the new BMW 645Ci a very light
car for a vehicle of this size and calibre, weighing in at just
1,615 kg or 3,560 lb, with axle load distribution of almost 50:50
typical of BMW. This gives the all-aluminium suspension of BMW's
large coupé an excellent starting point for driving characteristics
and qualities far superior to the general standard even in this
class, particularly when it comes to the car's precise steering
response.
Adaptive Headlights for even greater safety
Adaptive Headlights available as an option significantly improve
the very good bi-xenon headlights featured as standard on the 645Ci
from the start. Swivelling as required, these headlights follow
the course of the road and therefore illuminate both the road ahead
and the surroundings up to 90 per cent clearer and more brightly
than conventional headlights. To provide this function, the control
unit for the high and low beams is fed with an ongoing stream of
data on the car's steering angle, yaw rate and road speed through
the on-board network, an electric motor serving to swivel the bi-xenon
headlight modules in either direction - that is to the left or to
the right - as the car proceeds. In practice, this ensures a far
higher standard of safety when driving down winding country roads
at night.
Head-Up Display giving the driver the most important information
directly in his line of vision
BMW's innovative Head-Up Display projects important information
relevant to the driver directly into his line of vision while on
the road. Inter alia, this includes the current speed of the car,
navigation instructions, speed limit data, and information from
the Check/Control. The virtual picture generated in this way appears
in front of the driver on the road ahead, ensuring even safer motoring
free of fatigue, also because the driver is no longer required to
take his eyes off the road at any time.
