FOURTEEN years after the last BMW 6-series coupe ceased production, the name is set to return at September's Frankfurt Motor Show.

The BMW 645Ci will be shown alongside the firm's Land Rover Freelander rival, the X3, and will be fitted with a 4.4-litre V8 Valvetronic engine and a choice of three different six-speed transmissions.

The engine produces 333bhp and 332lb-ft of torque, while the 645Ci will accelerate from 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds.

Dynamic Drive Control will be offered with a sport button to sharpen throttle response and steering feel. When fitted with the automatic transmission or sequential manual gearbox (SMG) it also changes up through the gears at higher revs.

The car will also include a head-up display from March 2004, three months after its UK on-sale date, which projects relevant information on to the windscreen, including satellite navigation directions and active cruise control display. Prices and specifications will be revealed closer to its launch.

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