The M6 is BMW’s high-performance version of its 6 Series sports car. It has more aggressive, M-specific styling cues and is powered by a turbocharged V-8 engine that’s rated at 560 horsepower. The M6 convertible arrives in June 2012 as a 2012 model while the M6 coupe comes in late summer as a 2013 model. Competitors include the Porsche 911, Audi R8 and Jaguar XKR.
Exterior The M6’s starting point was the recently redesigned 6 Series, which saw the return of some classic BMW styling themes to the car. The transformation to the M6 includes a number of changes to the body, including a different treatment for BMW’s signature twin-kidney grille, an aggressive lower front bumper with gaping intakes and revised rear bumper styling with quad exhaust tips. The convertible features a soft-top, and when raised the top keeps the graceful roofline of the coupe. Exterior features include:
19-inch light-alloy wheels; 20-inch light-alloy wheels available
Lightweight carbon fiber roof lowers coupe’s center of gravity
Twin-kidney grille has black slats
M-style appliques in the front fenders
Adaptive xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights with LED accents
Available adaptive LED headlights
Convertible top takes 19 seconds to open, 24 seconds to close, according to BMW
Soft-top can be operated at speeds up to 25 mph
Interior The cabin retains BMW’s familiar driver-centric dashboard design, which features at its center a 10.2-inch screen that serves as the display for the standard iDrive system. The M6 can seat up to four people, and the front bucket seats have an M-specific design and aggressive side bolstering, integrated active head restraints and an embossed M logo. Interior features include:
Extended leather upholstery
Carbon fiber trim
M6 lettering on the doorsills
Two customizable M Drive buttons on the steering wheel
M Drive can alter the characteristics of the engine, steering, transmission shift program and stability system, among others
Available head-up display
Under the Hood The previous-generation M6 featured V-10 power, but the new version gets a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 engine that makes more power but is also more fuel efficient. It generates 560 hp at 5,750 rpm and 500 pounds-feet of torque at 1,500 rpm. Engine speed is limited to 7,200 rpm. Mechanical features include:
Seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with steering-wheel shift paddles and launch-control function
Maximum turbo boost pressure is 21.7 psi
Fuel-saving stop/start engine technology
Electronically controlled limited-slip Active M Differential
Adaptive dampers and adjustable power-steering assistance
Available carbon ceramic brakes with 16.1-inch front rotors and 15.6-inch rear rotors
Acceleration from zero to 62 mph in 4.2 (coupe) or 4.3 (convertible) seconds, according to BMW
Top speed electronically limited to 155 mph
Safety Standard safety features include:
Antilock brakes
Electronic stability system with deactivation setting
Side-impact airbags
Side curtain airbags (coupe)
Pop-up aluminum roll bars behind rear head restraints (convertible)
