MUNICH, GERMANY - The current generation BMW 6 Series is being offered in the U.S. with an eight-cylinder engine only. The BMW 650i is powered by a 360 horsepower and 360 pound-feet of torque 4.8L V-8. Both the coupe and convertible variants use the engine, but for the next generation 6 Series due out in 2011, BMW plans to introduce a new model for the North American market, according to BMWBlog.com.

Using the 640i badge, the new model uses a six-cylinder powerplant and comes in both coupe and convertible form. While the full details are yet to be revealed, the 640i will most likely be using the six-cylinder twin-turbo engine found in the 740, N54 twin turbo inline-6, tuned to produce 315 hp and 330 lb.-ft. of torque.

The information came through a bulletin issued to BMW dealerships in the U.S. which also revealed further information

The first 2011 6 Series model to debut in March of next year is the BMW 650i Convertible, followed in July 2011 by the 650 Coupe. Later in September of 2011, the BMW 640 Coupe and Convertible will launch, along with the xDrive variant of the 650.

BMW plans to offer a complete and diversified 6 series lineup, therefore an ActiveHybrid 6 Coupe is being considered, most likely featuring a similar setup as the X6 or 7 hybrids.