2011 BMW 6 Series Convertible Starts First Round of Nurburgring Testing

BMW's redesigned 2011 6 Series convertible has been spotted undergoing performance testing on Germany's famous Nürburgring.

While the psychedelic camouflage hides much of the exterior, it's clear that the new convertible is heavily influenced by the 7 Series and the new Z4. Key styling features seem to include a new front bumper with a massive air intake, reshaped headlights, a more prominent double kidney grille, and a redesigned rear end which eliminates the highly controversial "Bangle Butt".

Despite BMW's best efforts to convince us that new 6 Series will feature a soft top like the out going model, it seems rather obvious that poorly fitting fabric is nothing more than a disguise meant to throw off the causal observer. Although the switch to a folding metal roof will undoubtedly result in a more secure vehicle with better rearward visibility, due to its larger rear window, it also means that the convertible's trademark twin flying buttresses roof is no more.

Under the hood, we can expect many of the 6 Series current engines to carry over but the 4.8-liter V8 engine will be replaced by the new 400 horsepower twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 from the 750i. The top of the line M6 will likely adopt the X5 M and X6 M's new 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with 555 horsepower and 500 lb-ft (678Nm) of torque.