BMW forthcoming Gran Coupé still unnamed

The head of R&D at BMW, Dr. Klaus Draeger has divulged that the forthcoming Gran Coupé will be placed along with the 6 Series with regard to technology and pricing, however, no actual nameplate has been confirmed for production.

Dr. Draeger said that the upscale coupé will certainly make production sometime in 2012 but whether it will be pitched as a 6-Series 4dr coupé or an 8 Series was not established. The Gran Coupé will launch after the 6 Series Coupé next year.

The Gran Coupé Concept has been designed to blend the knack of a grand tourer and a sports car. The roofline is 100mm shorter than that of a 7 Series sedan.

The basics of the upcoming coupé will be shared with the new 5 Series and 7 Series cars. That’ll mean a huge engine variety; a fusion of 6 & 8 cylinder petrol and diesel engines, mated to an 8 speed automatic gearbox. Dr. Draeger even said there is a possibility of a hybrid variant.

“We are in position to bring out an additional hybrid version since we are using the same powertrain architecture as the 5-, 6- or 7 Series,” he said.

In addition to testing a Audi A7 coupé rival, expect to see the Gran Coupé Concept’s long wheelbase, arched bonnet, shark nose, backward set glasshouse, low outline and short front overhang become part of BMW’s trademark design language, as well as its uneven kidney grille, wide front air intake and frameless doors.

“It’s true that the Gran Coupé points to a specific model, a saloon with the presence and elegance of a 7 Series but a more dynamic, sporty character: much more of a driver’s car,” said BMW design chief Adrian van Hooydonk at the car's launch in China earlier this year. “We’re convinced that we should make a car like this.”

In related news, BMW could also be debuting a 6-Series GT concept at the Paris motor show. Dr. Klaus Draeger accidently exposed that a shooting-brake 6 Series has already been created.

The 6 Series shooting brake was design by chief of design, Adrian Van Hooydonk. The styling also hints at the Gran Coupé Concept. The Dutch designer pens the design of many MINI’s, Rolls-Royce cars and the BMW 6 Series & 3 Series coupé. Many believe Hooydonk enthused the ‘Bangle Butt’ on some current BMW models.