| Hold onto your X6; it looks like BMW will have to make do with only one four-door coupe for the time being. We have word that the upcoming Gran Turismo is headed for the big tour in the sky.
 
The low-slung four-door 'coupe' was to be based on the new 7-series and modeled after the stunning Concept CS first shown at the 2007 Shanghai auto show. It would have become the company's flagship and gone on sale in 2010.
This is BMW's first casualty resulting from the weakened global economy. Company insiders say that all other projects are still on track, though the fate of a V-12–powered 760i replacement is questionable. The 7-series hybrid's audience may also be limited to the U.S. and Japan, as Europeans can instead opt for the diesel-powered 730d, which gets comparable fuel economy.
Sadly, one project that will live on is BMW's PAS. We would have happily traded the Gran Turismo for this odd-looking 'Progressive Activity Sedan'—yet another variation on the 5-series platform that splits hairs between the 5-series wagon and the niche-making X6.
With the Gran Turismo out of the picture, at least BMW won't have to fight with Maserati over the name. Better to stick to alphanumerics, anyway.
© Source: caranddriver |
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