Rumorville: BMW Gran Coupé Concept Coming with 6-Series Badge in 2012

An unnamed BMW source has allegedly told British car magazine Autocar that the Bavarian firm's Gran Coupé sports sedan concept will enter production in the second quarter of 2012. Furthermore, the BMW insider said that the production model will most likely carry a 6-series badge.

If true, we're guessing that the sedan will also bear a second moniker in the likes of the 5-Series GT to avoid confusing with the two-door coupe and convertible models of the 6-Series.

The five-meter long Gran Coupé Concept sports sedan was revealed on the sidelines of the Beijing Auto Show in April, in almost production-ready form. It's BMW's proposal in the increasingly popular "four-door coupe" market with rivals such as the Porsche Panamera, Mercedes-Benz CLS and the forthcoming Audi A7.

If you dislike the term "four-door coupe" think of the 6-Series GT or whatever else BMW decides to call it as a sharper-looking 5-Series with a slopping roof.

Since the Gran Coupé shares the same platform with the standard 5-Series there shouldn't be any surprises under the hood if it enters production, so expect the same range of straight-six and V8 petrol and diesel engines.

Jeff Koons' BMW M3 GT2 Art Car Racer Unveiled Ahead of 24hrs of Le Mans

For the past 35 years, BMW has been working with artists from all over the world who turn its vehicles into mobile-art and this here is the Bavarian firm's 17th Art Car that was officially unveiled at a special event last night at the Centre Pompidou in Paris, France.

Designed by American artist Jeff Koons, it is based on the BMW M3 GT2 racer that took first place at this year's Nurburgring 24 Hours. It will compete with this unique and expressive livery at the famed 24 Hours of Le Man that runs from June 12 to 13.

"These race cars are like life, they are powerful and there is a lot of energy," said Koons. "You can participate with it, add to it and let yourself transcend with its energy. There is a lot of power under that hood and I want to let my ideas transcend with the car – it's really to connect with that power".

The M3 GT2 makes use of a 4.0-liter V8 engine with a maximum output of 500 bhp while an upgraded chassis, racing-caliber brakes, and extensive use of lightweight materials are also part of the racing package.

For the Comeback at 24hrs Le Mans, the BMW M3 GT2 will be driven by Andy Priaulx, Dirk Müller and Dirk Werner.

Akrym Adds Some Carbon Fiber to BMW M3 Coupe

Sometimes, less is more and judging by these pictures, this seems to be the case with Akrym's new AeroRace bodykit for the latest generation of the BMW M3 Coupe. The California-based tuning company has designed a carbon-fiber boot with an integrated CLS-style spoiler and a new hood with functional air-vents made from the same lightweight material.

Both parts are available from 'Pyspeed' with pricing set at $1,999 for the single-side carbon hood (add $500 for the double) and at $1,249 for the single-side carbon boot (plus $450 for the double) .

Via: BMWblog , Link: Pyspeed