Could BMW have picked a more ideal location to launch its latest star? I can't think of one. And the new 6-Series Coupe and Convertible have star power, drawing as much attention from local passersby as Ben and J Lo in a bridal boutique.

Having just debuted in Detroit, the new BMW 6-Series convertible was simply gorgeous on the open road, or on this field of tall grass. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

And for good reason. BMW's new flagship coupe and convertible are gorgeous, the topless model especially. While I spent the better part of the morning in a couple of hardtops, one with a 6-speed manual and the other with the brand's velvety smooth 6-speed automatic with manual mode, these weren't the reason I was invited to take part in the event. I covered the coupe previously after a trip to Malaga, Spain. The convertible that just debuted in Detroit, however, is the biggest news.

It's been 45 years since BMW has built a large convertible, and the 6-Series model it a triumphant return. (Photo: Fiat Auto)

BMW hasn't built a large, 4-seat, volume convertible since the late '56 through '59 Albrecht Goertz designed 503, and even that model in fixed and removable roof form only combined to sell 418 units over its 4 year lifecycle.

Forty-five years is a long time for any premium manufacturer to go without such an important image car. But BMW isn't a "micro brewery" anymore, a term the car's head designer Adrian van Hooydonk chose to classify just how small a player the Bavarian brand was fifty or so years ago. It's now a major player in the sport-luxury scene, with vehicles in almost every vehicle segment and more on the way.