2012 BMW 650i Convertible: First Drive

2012 BMW 650i Convertible

So, summer's hit full swing. Temperatures are reaching the 100s and above and there's no end to the heatwave in sight, that is, until September or October arrive. So, if you're the business type with millions of dollars at your disposal and you're looking into a comfortable and fast sports car, what do you do? Well, luckily for you, I'm here to help, with a little something from BMW.

Car Meets Art

I'm probably one of the youngest ever to test drive a $100,000 convertible, and fortunately for the company and myself, that's never happening again. Anyway, this is the 650i Convertible, a redesigned, re-shaped, sports convertible for those who love just spending money and driving something relaxing. I got my first look into it at Open Road BMW in Edison. Even in the pictures you see here, you can tell that BMW has done a very good job with it. It, quite frankly, looks absolutely fantastic. What's even better is that it doesn't use as much fuel as the old 650i. The old one had a 4.8-liter 360 horsepower V8 that inhaled fuel ever quarter-inch. This one uses a much smaller 4.4-liter 400 horsepower Twin-Turbo V8 engine from the new 7-Series sedan. And, since it's a smaller engine with more power, it won't need as much fuel as the big 4.8, however I would advise you to bring a $100 bill if you're buying gas with this car, just in case. It will do 0 to 60 in 4.8 seconds and hit a limited top speed of 155 MPH. Now, you would imagine a big V8 like this one would sound like something out of a Chevy Camaro SS or, more relatively, the BMW M3 since it uses a non-turbo version of the same V8. But, strangely, it doesn't! It actually sounds like a Ferrari weirdly. I guess it's because the car features two turbos and a Ferrari sized engine.

Just Glorious

As a driver's car, this thing is fantastic. BMW has really spent some time working with the suspension and body to make this car as comfortable as anything. With the top down, this car is exciting. If you're a man, this is the perfect car to take your girly-friend out for a drive. As for technology, it borrows some from the Range Rover. For example, the new Range Rover line (including the Evoque) have cameras all around the car so that the driver can see if he's close to hitting a rock when he's off-roading. The 650i has this same system, only it's a bit different. There are two cameras on each side of the front bumper, a camera on each side mirror, and the traditional rear-view camera hidden behind the BMW badge at the back. Inside the car, you press a button allowing you to see what's coming out on each side of the road in the event that you're in a blind intersection. What's next? A car that uses cruise control, line radars, and bumper radars so that it basically drive itself? Yeah, I believe Mercedes is already working on that.

Glistening in the Sun

So, it handles well, it rides comfortable, has technology from the future, and looks beautiful. Any car with all these features must be quite expensive: and it is. The base price of this car stands at $90,500. The one I drove was available for $108,650. So, if you're a businessman or businesswoman, and like to get to places in a hurry, comfortably, and with the top down, the 650i Convertible is the car for you. Unfortunately, this is my last test drive of the summer, but don't worry. My next test drive: the new Ford Mustang GT 5.0.

Beameroyalty

2012 BMW 650i Convertible

How exciting is this? Thanks to this blog and my newfound love for BMW, Open Road BMW is allowing me to test their all-new 650i Convertible! I've been eyeing this car for some time now. It looks fantastic, so I hope drives just as well. My test drive takes place this July so I'll have the complete throwdown then.

Drop Top Golf (Part II)

2012 VW Golf R Cabriolet Concept

The Golf madness at Wörthersee continues. First there was the 500 horsepower Compact craze that was the Audi A1 Clubsport Quattro. Now, VW have brought out two new droptop concept cars, both of which are, you guessed it, Golfs. First up, there's the Golf R Cabriolet Concept that, if it gets the green light, will be the fastest droptop Golf of them all. Under the hood is the Golf R standard 2.0-liter turbo-4 engine producing 265 horsepower. Combine this with all-wheel drive and you'll have the car that will do 0 to 60 in less than 6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 155 MPH. I have to say that as a hatchback, the Golf R looked good, but as a convertible, it looks even better. No word on if this will reach the U.S. but there's a strong chance that it won't.

2012 VW Golf GTI Cabriolet Concept

Next up is the less powerful Golf GTI Cabriolet Concept that might make production as well. It gets the standard Golf GTI 2.0-liter turbo-4 engine producing 200+ horsepower. It will do 0 to 60 in about 6 seconds and hit a top speed of about 150 MPH. This one just looks like a straight brawler. Cabriolets beware! A new Golf is in town. Both these cars are on display at GTI-Wörthersee, so if you're there right now, go ahead and check them out.

Such a Mistake

2011 BMW 550i GT

It's taken them a while now, but I think it's gotten through their heads. BMW has officially deemed their least-selling car, 5-Series GT, a mistake. I don't blame them. Look at it, it's ugly! They might've taken inspiration from the Panamera. It doesn't matter now because that car has claimed the title as the fastest saloon car in the world. As for the 5 GT, all it has claimed is a rotten trophy for being a piece of crap. Get this. BMW set a goal to sell 4,000 to 8,000 5 GTs in the U.S. annually. Last year, they only sold 2,180 of them, and have currently sold 2,160 of them this year. It's gotten so bad that dealerships have stopped ordering 5 GTs because people just don't want them. It seems that the manufacturer has learned its lesson and will apply it in the new 3-Series GT that they will bring next year. As for the regular 5-door station wagon, it seems like it's too late to bring that over here, although they do consider bringing it, when the development for the next-gen 5 begins. So, here's a Transporter top tip: if you want a fast, luxurious Grand Tourer from BMW, you have two choices: 1. the 2012 BMW 550i X-drive M-Sport sedan, or 2. the 2012 BMW 650i Convertible/Coupe. And, if someone offers you a BMW 5 GT, take your right hand and slap across the face, because he's stupid for even buying one in the first place.

Transforming Muscle

2012 Chevy Camaro ZL1 Bumblebee (Courtesy of Jalopnik)

When it comes to saving the world from the Decepticons, no manufacturer does it better than Chevrolet. Bumblebee and Sideswipe are back for Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon, and both cars were on display in Royal Oak, Michigan undisguised. Bumblebee's taken a more ZL1-ish look with the new bumpers, hood vents, massive rims, and rear spoiler. He's ready to pound some medal into some Decepticons.

2012 Chevy Corvette Stingray Convertible Sideswipe Concept (Courtesy of Jalopnik)

Sideswipe, on the other hand, has taken a much more relaxed stance, but he still looks quite as aggressive. He's received some new headlights, a carbon fiber wing, and some 21-inch KMC chrome wheels. Not to mention, he took his top off, so even when he's smashing Decepticon heads, he's enjoying the summertime. So there you are: the autobot muscle cars are ready for battle. Will they be victorious? Find out July 1 when Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon races into theaters.

[Source: Jalopnik]

Droptop Summer

2006 Ford GTX1 Roadster

Summer's just around the corner. In fact, it's here actually with temperatures rising to the 70's and 80's. Now you may enjoy this weather by taking a summer drive in your car with the windows down and the sunroof open, but let's be realistic. Summer driving is more enjoyable in a car with no roof. There are lots of convertibles and roadsters out there, but here are 5 good ones you should look into if you're getting ready for the summer.

2011 Chevy Camaro Convertible

1. Chevy Camaro Convertible

If you're in for something affordable, don't go out and buy a Chrysler 200 Convertible, because you'll regret doing it. Why not go for the Camaro convertible. It has 312 horsepower from Chevy's new 3.6-liter V6 engine and starts at $29,150. I know the Mustang starts at a much cheaper price, but with the Camaro, you'll get more stuff for less. And, let's be honest. The Camaro's back and it's never looked better. And now that it's available as a droptop, it looks even better. Another awesome thing with this car is the amount of money you'll save at the pump. Even with a powerful engine, the Camaro gets V6 fuel economy (20 MPG City, 29 MPG Highway, 25 MPG Average). So, it's just win win with this car. It's cheap, it's powerful, it's green, and it's a sports car: a perfect convertible for the summer.

2011 BMW 335is Convertible

2. BMW 335is Convertible

But, say you're into something German, and with a Turbocharger. BMW is your best bet, especially the 335is Convertible. It is quite expensive though: $59,650. But once you buy it and drive it, you'll immediately be happy you made the right choice. Unlike the regular 335i, the 335is gets an extra 20 horsepower to its already powerful 300 horsepower 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo Inline-6 engine. It will do 0 to 60 in 5.2 seconds and hit a limited top speed of 150 MPH. This car also comes with excellent grip, a metal-folding roof, and the distinct presence that any summer driver would love. This is ideally one great convertible.

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 Roadster

3. Mercedes-Benz SLK350 Roadster

But, say you're one for the two seater and just wants to run away into the countryside with the top down with your wife or girlfriend. The SLK350 is perfect for you then. Comparing this car to the Z4, I think this one has it beat. Price wise, they are about the same ($53,000), but while the Z4 uses one TwinPower turbocharger to get it's 3.0-liter Inline-6 engine up to 300 horsepower, the SLK350 uses an advanced 3.5-liter V6 engine, which produces 302 horsepower, no turbos or other forms of induction needed. And if you're a man who's thinking about this car, that's good. You might it's strange because the SLK has always been a girly car. But, now with it's aggressive SLS front nose and powerful engine, it's giving somewhat of a test to the men.

2012 BMW 650i Convertible

4. BMW 650i Convertible

But, if you're one for luxury at an extreme price, well BMW has it again with the all new 650i Convertible. I only got the chance to sit in one at Open Road BMW and already I thought, "Yeah! This'll work!" Comparing this to the Jaguar XK, the 6 comes out on top. Why? It looks much better than it did before, it's more powerful, and it's just more exciting. BMW's new 4.4-liter Twin-Turbocharged V8 producing 400 horsepower powers this car from 0 to 60 in 4.8 seconds and to a limited top speed of 155 MPH. Add a load of awesome technological/luxury features and you've got yourself a true Transporter's car.

2012 Aston Martin Virage Volante

5. Aston Martin Virage Volante

But, what if you're the one who has it all: the fame, the fortune, the driving skill, everything that you've ever wanted. But, you just got a girlfriend and want to impress her with something fast and sexy? Look no further than to Aston Martin. There are three good convertibles they have in store that will sort your and her needs, especially the all-new Virage Volante. This car is basically a DBS Volante and and DB9 Volante fused together with a 6.0-liter 490 horsepower V12 engine, a 0 to 60 of 4.5 seconds, and a top speed of 187 MPH. This is the perfect car for a weekend, just-the-two-of-you getaway. While you're driving, you can watch aimlessly as her long blonde her floats through the breeze at highway speed. Just make sure you're in safe distance, though. With prices starting at about $190,000, this makes it perfect if you're the sort of chap who loves to jet set.

So, there's my list of awesome convertibles. Hopefully I've helped you find the perfect one! Have a good summer!!

2011 NYIAS (New York International Auto Show) - Next 10 Photos

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Lucky 6's

2012 BMW 650i Coupe

The 2012 BMW 6-series is now complete, thanks to the unveiling of the all new 650i Coupe. It's everything you loved about the convertible, only with a sunroof, a hardtop, and some whale-tail styling. It still has the same 4.4-liter 400 horsepower Twin-Turbocharged V8 engine, 4.8 sec. 0 to 60 time, and 155 MPH limited top speed, you'll just be enjoying all of this with the sunroof open and the windows down. The new 6 will be offered with a 6-speed manual shifter or BMW's new 8-speed automatic. Both transmissions deliver the same output. As far as gizmos and gadgets go, the new 6 will feature a 10.2-inch screen which will be "iPad", in essence, of the visual information system. Then, there's the available Lane Departure Warning system, the Active Blind Spot detection system, rear and top view cameras, a Parking Assistance system, and a 3D heads-up display. Prices have not been announced yet, but since the convertible starts at $90,500, expect this to be a little bit cheaper. By the way, I will be testing a special BMW this April. Stay tuned for that.

Ice King

2011 Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible Ice Speed Record

Once again, an automotive world record has been achieved from the manufacturer you least expect. Bentley recently tuned their big and powerful Continental Supersports Convertible to be more aerodynamic than usual. It still has that big 6.0-liter Twin-Turbocharged W12 engine with 631 horsepower, but with a lighter body and more aerodynamic styling, this car was able to set a world speed record, on ice. Yep! Bentley still produces the fastest snow cars on earth. This one reached a top speed of 205.10 MPH! That's fast anywhere, but even faster on snow. This was such a triumph, Bentley even plan to produce a special edition to this car. Obviously it won't look like this with no headlights, mirrors, or actual wheels, but it will have the same Twin-Turbocharged engine, will come in three unique arctic colors, and, as usual, will have all the drinks-globe luxury you need. Only 100 will be made. Prices have not been announced yet, but they might be at Geneva, where this car will be on display.

Build a Beemer Workshop

2012 BMW 650i Convertible

If I had the money and the garage space, this is what my BMW 650i would look like: a pure grand-touring sports car. But this is just my customization. You can customize your own 6 as well. BMW of America has officially launched their 650i Convertible Configurator. So now, you can customize your 6-series the way you want it. Who knows, if you have enough money, your 6-series convertible could become real. Get started here.