New BMW M6 to Debut at 2012 Geneva Motor Show
 BMW M6 convertible |
By Henny Hemmes
Senior European Editor
The Auto Channel
 BMW M6 coupe |
THE HAGUE - February 14, 2012: In three weeks, both the BMW M6 Coupe and M6 Convertible will make their debut at the Salon de l’Automobile in Geneva, Switzerland. The pair will get the BMW M GmbH’s 4.4-liter V8 bi-turbo engine that has already proven its capabilities in the M5 and that sends its power to the rear wheels via a seven-speed M-DTC, double clutch transmission, and an active M-differential that divides the torque between both rear wheels.
• SEE ALSO: Exclusive PRESS PASS COVERAGE of the 2012 geneva Motor Show
 BMW M6 convertible |
The powerplant’s performance is the same with 412 kW/560 hp and 680 Nm, or 501 pound-feet of torque. Its fuel efficiency of the new M6, though, is 25 per cent better than of its predecessor: an average of 9.9 liter/100 km according to the European cycle (convertible: 10.3 l/100 km.
Additionally, the underpinnings, fine tuned at the race track, are the same as on the M5, but the new M6 will be available with a light weight brake system with carbon-ceramic brake discs that have a diameter of 15.7 inches and six calipers up front and 15.7 in. in the rear.
 BMW M6 coupe roof |
Another innovative feature of the new M6 is the roof, made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic. Similar light weight roof construction made its debut in the current M3.
The M6 gets Launch Control to help the M6 Coupe reaching 62 mph from a standing start in just 4.2 seconds. The Convertible does this in 4.3 s. The top speed is limited to 250 km/h, or 155 mph, but with the M Driver’s Package the M6 can reach 302 km/h, or 188 mph.
The BMW M6 will be easily recognizable by the new front fascia with three large air intakes that have taken the place of the fog lamps.
 BMW M6 wheel |
 BMW M6 dash |
The interior is marked by the M Design steering wheel, M instrument panel, M design sport seats and special Merino leather upholstery.
 BMW M6 convertible |
Prices have not been released. The M6 Convertible is expected to reach markets world wide in the summer. The Coupe will likely arrive in the second half of September.
New BMW M6 - At A Glance
 BMW M6 rear seat |
• New edition of the BMW M6 in Coupe and Convertible body variants; generous dose of M feeling combined with alluring design aesthetics, a luxurious aura, seating for four and innovative equipment features; high-performance sports car with superior performance attributes and extremely exclusive character; BMW M6 Coupe and BMW M6 Convertible both occupy a unique position in the premium segment of the executive class thanks to their blend of outstanding dynamics, hallmark M conceptual harmony and everyday usability; further development of both concepts breaks new ground with significantly improved efficiency, optimised controls for individualising the car set-up and a wider variety of driver assistance systems and infotainment functions available from BMW ConnectedDrive.
• Visually imposing body design with dynamically elegant lines and hallmark M athleticism provides an accurate visual showcase for the car’s high-performance properties; BMW M6 Coupe with strikingly contoured roof made from carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP); BMW M6 Convertible with high-quality soft-top boasting distinctive “fin” architecture.
• High-revving 4.4-litre V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology, consisting of Twin Scroll Twin Turbo technology, cross-bank exhaust manifold, High Precision Direct Petrol Injection and VALVETRONIC fully variable valve control; hallmark M power delivery headlined by instantaneous responsiveness and a sustained wave of thrust; highest output in the segment; 412 kW/560 hp at 6,000 – 7,000 rpm, maximum torque: 680 Newton metres (502 lb-ft) from 1,500 rpm; maximum engine speed: 7,200 rpm; engine output 10 per cent higher than predecessor models, maximum torque 30 per cent higher.
• Acceleration: 0–100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.2 seconds (BMW M6 Coupe) or 4.3 seconds (BMW M6 Convertible); 0–200 km/h (124 mph) in 12.6 (13.1) seconds; electronically governed top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph) or 305 km/h (189 mph) with M Driver’s Package.
• Extraordinarily fine balance between performance and fuel consumption represents major improvement on previous models; average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle: 9.9 litres per 100 km / 28.5 mpg imp (BMW M6 Coupe) and 10.3 litres per 100 km / 27.4 mpg imp (BMW M6 Convertible); Auto Start-Stop function and further Efficient Dynamics technology as standard; fuel consumption of the respective predecessor models cut by more than 30 per cent.
• Seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic; automatic gear selection tuned to deliver optimum traction, Launch Control and Low Speed Assistance; bespoke M gear selector; newly developed M leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles.
• Power sent to the rear wheels; Active M Differential ensures fully variable distribution of drive between the rear wheels. Result is optimised traction and directional stability during dynamic lane changes and when accelerating out of corners.
• High-performance characteristics with outstanding
dynamics and precisely controllable handling, thanks to hallmark
M harmony in the interplay of powertrain and chassis technology,
aerodynamics and weight balance; weight-to-power ratio
– BMW M6 Coupe: 3.3 kg/hp (7.3 lb/hp),
BMW
M6 Convertible: 3.5 kg/hp (7.7 lb/hp).
• M-specific chassis with bespoke front and rear
axle kinematics;
M-specific Dynamic Damper Control as standard;
DSC stability control incl. M Dynamic Mode; M Servotronic
steering; body strengthening using special panels; lightweight
compound high-performance braking system; available as an option are
newly developed, globally unique M carbon-ceramic brakes with
optimum resistance to fade and wear, and lower weight.
• Engine responses, M Servotronic mapping,
Drivelogic shift program,
DSC mode, damper characteristics and
information shown on the Head-Up Display can be programmed
individually; two M Drive buttons on the steering wheel can be
used to store and call up individually configured
car set-up options.
• Body design with classical BMW Coupe/Convertible proportions, customary sporty yet elegant BMW 6 Series looks and typical M sporting edge; special M design features provide an accurate visual representation of the car’s technical profile and performance; three-section, strikingly modelled lower air intake with aerodynamically optimised flaps; new M kidney grille with black double slats; flared wheel arches; hallmark M gills with integrated direction indicator bars; aerodynamically optimised exterior mirrors and side skirts; BMW Individual High-gloss Shadow Line; exposed reflectors below the rear lights; aerodynamically optimised rear apron with diffuser between the right and left-hand pair of twin exhaust tailpipes; 19-inch (standard) or 20-inch (optional) forged M light-alloy wheels, each with a distinctive interpretation of the familiar M double-spoke design.
• Luxurious, elegantly sweeping interior design with special M controls and styling features; newly developed M double-spoke leather steering wheel; M gear selector and car set-up controls on the model-specific centre console; exclusive M sports seats with integrated belt system (optional: M multifunction seats); Merino leather upholstery with extended features; exclusive carbon-fibre interior trim strips; illuminated door sill finishers with model lettering; M-specific instrument cluster with black-panel technology; 2-zone automatic climate control with extended features, ambient lighting.
• Adaptive LED Headlights fitted as standard, extensive range of BMW ConnectedDrive features, some unmatched by any rival: BMW Head-Up Display with M-specific information, High Beam Assistant, BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition, Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning, rear-view camera, Surround View, Speed Limit Info, internet access, extended integration of smartphones and music players, Real-Time Traffic Information and apps for receiving web radio and using Facebook and Twitter.
• Almost all BMW 6 Series equipment options available, including Comfort Access, active seats, heated steering wheel, doors with Soft Close Automatic function, Navigation system Professional, Bang & Olufsen High- End Surround Sound System.
Performance, fuel consumption and emissions data:
BMW M6 Coupe:
Acceleration
[0 – 100 km/h (62 mph)]: 4.2 seconds,
acceleration [0 – 200 km/h (124 mph)]:
12.6 seconds,
top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph), 305 km/h (189
mph) with
M Driver’s Package,
average fuel
consumption: 9.9 litres/100 kilometres (28.5 mpg imp),
CO2
emissions: 232 g/km, exhaust standard: EU5.
BMW M6 Convertible:
Acceleration
[0 – 100 km/h (62 mph)]: 4.3 seconds,
acceleration [0 – 200 km/h (mph)]:
13.1 seconds,
top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph), 305 km/h (189
mph) with M Driver’s Package),
average fuel consumption:
10.3 litres/100 kilometres (27.4 mpg imp),
CO2 emissions:
239 g/km, exhaust standard: EU5.
