Designer of Gran Coupe Brings Flow to BMW 6 Series
Mr. Faghihzadeh equated the sedan to a species of speed boat or road yacht. “The movement of water inspired the forms,” he said. “There is a certain movement of lines and surfaces.” The ideal of water crested by a bow was supported by a collection of photos of water and waves Mr. Faghihzadeh gathered and pinned in the studio to keep designers and modelers focused on the goal.
Born in Tehran, Mr. Faghihzadeh, 36, moved to Germany at age 5. He studied design at Pforzheim, a leading source of design talent for German car makers. He has worked on several recent BMWs, including the 2012 6 Series coupe and convertible, as well as the interior of the 7 Series. He said he looked back to the BMW CS models , known internally as the E9, for the spirit of sport and independence he wanted to convey with the Gran Coupe.
The four-door car, to be badged as a 6 Series, would debut late in 2012 following the debut of the sister two-door coupe next year.
Early next year is the earliest that the new 2012 BMW 6 Series Coupe and convertible can come to the showrooms.
