The current Chris Bangle styled 6 series was introduced late in 2003 by BMW. The previous generation 6 series was indirectly replaced by the 8 series in 1989-90 so this new design from BMW was the first new 6 series in 14 years. Like all recent BMWs, the styling of the new 6 series tends to polarize opinion. Generally people tend to love or loathe the style pioneered by BMWs styling chief Bangle, as certain elements of his designs tend to be very bold indeed. A prominent boot lid (or "Bangle butt") is probably the least popular element of the design of this car, but overall I personally think it looks well proportioned and is the best looking new BMW for many years.
At the time of it's introduction, the two available engine options were a 4.4 litre petrol V8 in the 645Ci and a 3.0 litre straight six in the 630Ci. From 2005 the 645Ci was replaced by the 650i (which has a 4.8 litre V8) and the 630Ci was renamed the 630i. A 5.0 litre V10 powers the top of the range M6. All of the above engine options are/were available in the 6 series coupe and convertible.
Most 6 series are sold with automatic transmissions (at least in Ireland and the UK, the markets I'm most familiar with) but a manual transmission option is available. All 6's are rear wheel drive.
This particular 645Ci was used during the 2004 Moto GP season (the premier series of Gran Prix motorcycle racing) as one of the official safety cars. The numberplates on the car are marked "Medical Car" which indicates that it was the car that followed behind the field of race bikes on the warm up and first lap of the race with a medical team on board in order to have a doctor on scene as quickly as possible in the event of a first lap accident. Mercedes-Benz cars perform the same role in Formula One.
Kyosho make this model of the 2004 Moto GP Safety Car and overall it is an excellent 1:18th model. It has no major shortcomings in terms of detail and accuracy and makes for an interesting model for both motorcycle racing and BMW fans.
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