Bimmer Pilot
09-05-2007, 10:18 AM
2007 Shanghai Auto Show: BMW Concept CS
By Matt DeLorenzo
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Contrary to rampant speculation that BMW (http://autos.yahoo.com/bmw/) would unveil a mid-engine super car at the Shanghai Motor Show, the Bavarian automaker confounded observers by unveiling a 4-door executive class sedan (http://autos.yahoo.com/sedans/) with coupe styling, positioned upmarket from the midsize Mercedes-Benz CLS (http://autos.yahoo.com/mercedes_benz_cls_class/) and Jaguar C-XF (http://autos.yahoo.com/articles/detroit_auto_show_2007/16/Jaguar-C-XF-Concept/) concept.
The CS, which would be properly viewed as more of a competitor for the upcoming Porsche (http://autos.yahoo.com/porsche/) Panamera and Aston Martin (http://autos.yahoo.com/aston_martin/) Rapide, measures 200.8 in. in overall length and is a further refinement of chief designer Chris Bangle's “flame” surfacing that features strong character lines and sculpted body panels. The most noticeable elements in the car's profile are its long hood and generous dash-to-axle ratio, which contribute greatly to the car's coupelike proportions. The car's athletic looks are further enhanced by sweeping lines that form coved sides balanced by an upswept rear haunch, a line similar to that seen on Pininfarina-designed Ferraris. At the front, the concept sports BMW (http://autos.yahoo.com/bmw/)'s traditional twin kidney grille treatment, but has a much more aggressive sharklike nose flanked by hooded LED headlamps.
The low roofline is accentuated by a steeply raked rear window, and the tail treatment has an integrated ducktail spoiler. The Concept CS measures just 53.5 in. in height.
Inside, the cabin is closely coupled with seating for four. The interior is bisected by a large console, and the dash is canted toward the driver for a cockpit effect. Another design element is the layered leather-clad surfaces that overlap the cowl and console, which give the CS an air of opulence. And there is the use of folding leather “collars” atop the front bucket seats that can be left down or extended up to cosset the headrest, a simple touch that customize the look of the interior.
BMW (http://autos.yahoo.com/bmw/) was mum on the powerplant and production plans for the CS, insisting that the concept is primarily a styling exercise showcasing future design themes for the automaker. However, its likely that the CS will see production as a sporty alternative to the more stodgy 7 Series (http://autos.yahoo.com/bmw_7_series/) flagship.
http://f3.yahoofs.com/ymg/autos_content_landing_pages/autos_content_landing_pages-850971766-1177093299.jpg?ym0ipX9C2z1NHpVk
http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=15&article_id=5215
By Matt DeLorenzo
provided by:
http://sec.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/aut/lgs/rt_logo_120x30.gif
http://f3.yahoofs.com/ymg/autos_content_landing_pages/autos_content_landing_pages-461533843-1177093297.jpg?ymyipX9C72XYFjDn
Contrary to rampant speculation that BMW (http://autos.yahoo.com/bmw/) would unveil a mid-engine super car at the Shanghai Motor Show, the Bavarian automaker confounded observers by unveiling a 4-door executive class sedan (http://autos.yahoo.com/sedans/) with coupe styling, positioned upmarket from the midsize Mercedes-Benz CLS (http://autos.yahoo.com/mercedes_benz_cls_class/) and Jaguar C-XF (http://autos.yahoo.com/articles/detroit_auto_show_2007/16/Jaguar-C-XF-Concept/) concept.
The CS, which would be properly viewed as more of a competitor for the upcoming Porsche (http://autos.yahoo.com/porsche/) Panamera and Aston Martin (http://autos.yahoo.com/aston_martin/) Rapide, measures 200.8 in. in overall length and is a further refinement of chief designer Chris Bangle's “flame” surfacing that features strong character lines and sculpted body panels. The most noticeable elements in the car's profile are its long hood and generous dash-to-axle ratio, which contribute greatly to the car's coupelike proportions. The car's athletic looks are further enhanced by sweeping lines that form coved sides balanced by an upswept rear haunch, a line similar to that seen on Pininfarina-designed Ferraris. At the front, the concept sports BMW (http://autos.yahoo.com/bmw/)'s traditional twin kidney grille treatment, but has a much more aggressive sharklike nose flanked by hooded LED headlamps.
The low roofline is accentuated by a steeply raked rear window, and the tail treatment has an integrated ducktail spoiler. The Concept CS measures just 53.5 in. in height.
Inside, the cabin is closely coupled with seating for four. The interior is bisected by a large console, and the dash is canted toward the driver for a cockpit effect. Another design element is the layered leather-clad surfaces that overlap the cowl and console, which give the CS an air of opulence. And there is the use of folding leather “collars” atop the front bucket seats that can be left down or extended up to cosset the headrest, a simple touch that customize the look of the interior.
BMW (http://autos.yahoo.com/bmw/) was mum on the powerplant and production plans for the CS, insisting that the concept is primarily a styling exercise showcasing future design themes for the automaker. However, its likely that the CS will see production as a sporty alternative to the more stodgy 7 Series (http://autos.yahoo.com/bmw_7_series/) flagship.
http://f3.yahoofs.com/ymg/autos_content_landing_pages/autos_content_landing_pages-850971766-1177093299.jpg?ym0ipX9C2z1NHpVk
http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=15&article_id=5215