SPY PICS: Hard hat for 6 Series BMW?

The profile looks familiar, but there's a lot about BMW's next 6 Series that is new.

For example, there are the initial impressions that the convertible version of the current 6 Series will continue with a fabric roof.

But a good look at the uninterrupted, flowing roof shapes of the test mule that seem to avoid the normally unavoidable ridges of a steel-framed fabric roof -- as well as a larger boot lid wrapping lower down the sides than today's car -- suggest something else. A retractable steel hardtop maybe?

This would be no surprise as it has happened before, with the latest BMW Z4 first revealed by CarPoint in September 2007, well before the official overseas launch in December 2008.

That, for the 6 Series -- once again like the Z4 -- is not all.

There are number of other things indicating the next big coupe and convertible models from BMW will get at least an all-new skin.

These things are indicated in areas like the junction of the A pillars with the lower side windows, different bonnet shut lines and evidence of an entirely new shape for the bootlid that swings up to swallow the roof.

BMW's now-traditional paisley disguise cladding does a pretty good job of confusing the eye when looking for details, but it will be interesting to see, if BMW is indeed working on a 6 Series CC, what will happen to the current convertible's flying buttress C-pillars.

The obviously false sloping rear glass conspires to mislead onlookers, but a close look reveals bumps and bulges suggesting a base for extended C-pillars framing the inset rear window as in the current model. There's definitely something going on that the camouflaged car is not about to reveal.

As for the chassis and powertrains, don't be surprised if those reflect the current coupe and convertible models which use various engines ranging from V8s to V10s (and diesels on markets other than Australia). You'd expect that the new 300kW twin-turbo V8 seen in the X6 SAC (Sports Activity Coupe) would be a likely contender too.

An artist's impression of the how the new 6 Series will look is published here for comparison purposes.

It is expected the new 6 Series will be unveiled some time in the latter part of 2010.

-- with Carparazzi