What happens when you take a twin turbocharged, 560 horsepower V8 powered sedan and hack off the last two doors? BMW asked that very question and found the answer with the upcoming M6 model line up. Like its predecessors – one from the 80’s and one from just a few years ago – the next generation hot-rod 6er will share so much technology from the M5 that it basically could be called a two door version of the ultimate Bavarian sedan. Given that, in order to justify the coupe and convertible’s existence, BMW has added a special something that the M5, though impressive, simply can not attain: sheer two door elegance and allure.
To prove that history repeats itself, BMW will release the two versions of the M6 at separate times. First up will be the drop top this summer followed a few months later by the coupe. Both versions will share identical running gear and suspensions and both versions will be street ripping terrors. Motivating the rear wheels is the same 4.4 liter, DOHC V8 found in the current F10 M5. Two turbochargers, dual VANOS variable valve timing, cross-bank exhaust manifolds and direct injection help the high-revving mill pump out 560 horsepower and 502 lb-ft of torque. Connected to the V8 will be BMW’s own seven speed dual clutch automated manual with launch control and various shift personalities. BMW has yet to confirm a manual transmission option, but hope shouldn’t be lost as the M5 will soon get a third pedal option. The M6 could follow suit but even with just two pedals, both the hard top and convertible versions will rocket to 62 mph from a standstill in just 4.2 and 4.3 seconds respectively. When equipped with option M Driver’s Package, top speed is raised to a still limited 189 mph.
Straight line speed isn’t the only thing in the world, so BMW engineers utilized a plethora of M chassis technology to make sure the M6 will stick to the road and or track. M-Specific Dynamic Dampers, M Servotronic steering and an Active M Differential further help separate the car from the base 6-Series. New dampers and steering are not the only things added to make the M6 as the body and chassis have been extensively stiffened. The entire rear subframe has been redone and the roof of the hard top is made from carbon fiber-reinforced plastic. Making sure the insane velocity can come to a halt when needed will be a BMW first: M carbon-ceramic brakes. With 16.1 inch front rotors, the system will not only save 40 lbs off the standard brakes, but should fade only never.
Dynamically, the M6 models will be more than competent but that won’t be their ultimate appeal. What will surely attract buyers is the car’s fluid but muscular body lines. Gone from the 2012 and 2013 Convertible and Coupe are the previous M6’s curvaceous bumpers and fenders, replaced with quintessential cuts and angles. The front bumper features lower and wider intake ducts and a massively aggressive lip. The hood slopes ever so slightly to the angular kidney grille and meshes just right with the wide fender flares. Featuring the same indented door sills as the 6 Series Gran Coupe, the M6’s profile looks downright tough. That strength continues on to the rear as a big and functioning diffuser drips over the big, dual exhaust tips. No longer overly flashy, the M6 is finally elegant where the previous car was a bit too extraverted.
Inside will be a myriad of M exclusive trim pieces to keep the theme alive. A new, M double spoke steering wheel, M seats, M guage cluster, M gear selector and M vehicle control knob will make sure the M6 is in fact a M car. The words “carbon” and “fiber” will be placed together for various trim pieces while illuminated door sills will add to the novelty. A heads up display made specific for the car’s output will ensure no shifts are missed and technology such as Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Control and around view cameras will make sure the M6 stays pretty and safe. Navigation and a Bang & Olufsen High- End premium sound system will be optional on both the convertible and coupe. BMW has yet to announce pricing, but it is safe to say that both hot-rod 6ers will not be cheap. Even still, they surely will be exciting, fast and beautiful for years to come.
Source: BMW
