Topless Fun

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By Tara Weingarten

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You might as well call that little black Sport button on the 645Ci's center console the car's very own jet pack. And when I pushed it, it felt like afterburners on the Batmobile kicked in; I was thrust back. And no wonder--it's the same big, 4.4-liter, 325-horsepower V-8 engine found on the heavier 7 Series. Cheap thrills? Not really; it is, after all, a BMW.

Bimmer fans have waited 15 years for the relaunch of the 6 Series, known to be the luxury sport model. With a shorter wheelbase than the 5 Series, and wearing more lightweight components, the 645Ci is deft and powerful, with balletlike handling. The back seat is roomy enough for two passengers, though maybe not for long trips. And trunk space is surprisingly generous. But all is not perfect. The convertible's design is an odd combination of bland and chunky, with large pieces of sheet metal contorted into inelegant configurations. And that nasty iDrive computer system makes it hard to program the radio stations--much less the air conditioning. But when that alluring low grumble emanates from the dual tailpipes, I smile and all is forgiven.

Tip: For a sleeker look, opt for the coupe and save $7,000.

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