BMW forthcoming Gran Coup� still unnamed

The head of R&D at BMW, Dr. Klaus Draeger has divulged that the forthcoming Gran Coup� 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 coup� will certainly make production sometime in 2012 but whether it will be pitched as a 6-Series 4dr coup� or an 8 Series was not established. The Gran Coup� will launch after the 6 Series Coup� next year.

The Gran Coup� 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 coup� 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 coup� rival, expect to see the Gran Coup� 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 Coup� 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 Coup� Concept. The Dutch designer pens the design of many MINI�s, Rolls-Royce cars and the BMW 6 Series & 3 Series coup�. Many believe Hooydonk enthused the �Bangle Butt� on some current BMW models.