December 10, 2012

BMW presents the BMW Concept 4-series Coupe

The latest generation of the BMW 3-series Coupe and Convertible leads the way worldwide in the premium mid-range coupe and convertible market. Indeed few, if any, rivals have made such a defining impact on this segment in terms of design, dynamics and efficiency.

Now,
with the unveiling of the BMW Concept 4-series Coupe, BMW is looking ahead to the fourth-generation of its sporty mid-range coupe - and reasserting its global leadership credentials in the process.

The '4' - a sign of greater exclusivity and presence
The BMW Concept 4-series Coupe adds a new dimension to the qualities of the BMW 3-series Coupe in terms of aesthetics, dynamics and elegance. The '4' doesn't just mark the start of a new cycle, it represents the zenith of a development curve. BMW has given the new model its own individual character and a standalone design - and, in so doing, has turned '4' into segment shorthand for aesthetic and dynamic appeal. The latest addition to a nomenclature that sees BMW building on the fine tradition of its large BMW 6-series and BMW 8-series Coupes, the '4' stands for greater sportiness, greater exclusivity and even clearer differentiation from the BMW 3-series range.

The design: A development curve reaches its zenith
The BMW Concept 4-series Coupe allows the driver to experience the essence of this new, sporting and elegant generation of car in the lap of contemporary luxury. An array of high-quality details provide an exclusive showcase for the car's perfectly balanced coupe proportions. Inside, the expertise of BMW Individual, skilled handcraftsmanship and carefully selected materials combine to create a supreme interior. The role of BMW Individual in the BMW Concept 4-series Coupe's development clearly underlines the brand's commitment to challenging itself constantly in pursuit of perfection.

Lower and wider stance sharpens dynamics before a wheel is turned
The dimensions of the BMW Concept 4-series Coupe imbue the car with a dynamic presence even when it is standing still. The wheelbase (2,810 mm) is 50 mm longer than that of the existing 3-series Coupe, while 45 mm has been added to the front track (1,545 mm) and 80 mm to the rear track (1,593 mm). At 1,826 mm wide, the BMW Concept 4-series Coupe is 44 mm broader than its predecessor, its roof line is 16 mm lower (1,362 mm) and it is also longer (4,641 mm) - all of which makes for exceptionally dynamic proportions.

Perfection in proportions
A BMW Coupe is surrounded by a halo of fascination, and one glance tells the observer all he needs to know about the driving experience on offer. The elegant lines and athletic surface interplay of the BMW Concept 4-series Coupe embody the qualities and expertise of BMW design and shine out through its sporting silhouette. The car's proportions also fit the familiar BMW template: its long wheelbase, long sweeping bonnet, set-back passenger compartment and short overhangs propel the BMW Concept 4-series Coupe forwards even before its engine stirs into life. At the same time, its stretched proportions exude a very athletic elegance - the rear wheel arches mark the widest point of the car, emphasising the point - and taut lines and surfaces etch emotion and precision into the body. The Coupe's sophisticated detailing also captures the imagination on closer inspection. Functional elements such as air intakes and vents, door openers and exterior mirrors are given a stylistic lift by classy satin-finish aluminium accents. The exceptional dedication of the designers in achieving the right look for each particular function is evident in every one of these details.

Precision and sportiness in the front seats
Precise contours and multifaceted surfaces define the striking face of the BMW Concept 4-series Coupe. The hallmark BMW front-end features, notably the kidney grille and twin circular headlights, have a slim, sporty design and ensure the BMW Concept 4-series Coupe is immediately recognisable as a BMW. The front-end design displays a clear link with the BMW 3-series family, but its sporting take on the theme accentuates the dynamic leanings of the BMW Concept 4-series Coupe.

The new concept car lavishes both front-end design icons with meticulous detail and three-dimensional depth. The kidney grille is closed off in the interests of optimising aerodynamics and keeping fuel consumption low, and the areas between the elaborately designed, satin-finish grille slats are blanked off by dark surfaces.

The full-LED headlights are a hexagonal, extremely technical-looking take on the customary BMW twin circular design. The dynamically chiselled, slimmer interpretation of this iconic design cue integrates seamlessly into the front end. The design of the headlights adopts the link between the lights and kidney grille familiar from the BMW 3-series and takes it to the next level, rendering this connection visible in darkness as well. An optical fibre leads out from the inner headlight tube and forms a visual link between the inner headlight and the kidney grille. In so doing, it gives the front end of the Coupe an even broader look.

The most eye-catching feature of the car's nose beyond the familiar BMW kidney grille and twin circular headlights is the large air intake in the front apron. Its wide opening hints at the extra air required by the powerful engines and guides the eye around to the muscular flared wheel arches. The two vent surrounds on either side of the intake replicate the contours of the hexagonal headlight graphics to lend the front end an even wider and more sporting look. Three strikingly sculptured, satin-finish aluminium trim elements in the intake provide added presence. Eye-catching and extremely width-accentuating, they give the aperture a sporty three-way split. The sides of the two flanking vents are of differing thickness and lend the front end a particularly dynamic appearance. At the same time, they mark off specific areas of the intake for brake and oil cooling and for the Air Curtain. This EfficientDynamics feature channels the incoming air around the outside of the wheels, ensuring the airflow 'hugs' the wheel arches and fuel consumption is noticeably reduced as a consequence.


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