BMW, over the weekend, has taken the wraps off its newest entrant to the lineup of cars. Not only is it a new car in general for the brand but it is a new ‘M’ car at that, the BMW M6 Coupe and Convertible. The M6 has never really been a big hit for the brand among consumers or enthusiasts alike. Often seen as a big, heavy, overweight and overpriced alternative to an M3, BMW is going to change that this time around.
The first way they are doing that is by addressing the ‘overweight’ issue of its predecessor. By moving from a 5.0L V10 producing 500 hp to a Twin-Turbocharged 4.4L V8 producing 560 hp they are able to save some much needed weight over the front wheels. Just to note that this is the same engine from the new 2013 M5 as well as the X5M and X6M high performance cross-overs.
BMW says that this new motor will be able to perform 0-60 in 4.2 seconds for the coupe and 4.3 seconds for the convertible when mated to the only-offered DCT 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission. The previous model, with 500 hp, had been clocked reaching 60 mph in 4.1 seconds so expect the more powerful and lighter F13 M6 to be even quicker still. My guess is in the 3.6-3.8 second range.
BMW says that unlike the M5, there will be no optional for a manual transmission in the M6 but it is going to have several different drive modes to custom tailor the experience to the drivers needs. Such is life as this, for better or worse, is becoming the norm for cars these days. DCT’s can simply perform better than manual transmission in every measureable way. I doubt the manual will be missed by many.
Making sure the 560 hp makes it to the ground effectively, BMW has fitted the new M6 with an Active M limited slip rear difference and a much more taut suspension from the lesser 6-Series cars. And in addition to all of the other performance goodies typically found on ‘M’ badged cars, BMW says it will offer carbon-ceramic brakes as an option. This is a first for the brand on a production car.
Inside is much the same as what we have already seen on the F13 6-Series BMW but with a few cues to let you know that this is no ordinary 6-Series. A unique steering wheel with silver accents and standard-issue ‘M’ badge at 6-o’clock are there. Also added are 22-way adaptive sport seats, carbon fiber trim, alcantara headliner, and aluminum sport pedals.
The convertible will go on sale first in June of 2012 with the coupe to follow sometime later in the summer. Pricing hasn’t been announced for either car but expect a base price of a bit more than $100,000 for the coupe and right about $110,000 for the convertible. Watch out for the official launch of the production BMW M6 at next months’ Geneva Motor show.
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