The famous M badge returns to BMW's 6-Series range with the official unveiling of the new M6 Coupe and Convertible models ahead of their world premieres at the Geneva Salon in March and the New York Auto Show in April respectively.
Not surprisingly, at the heart of the M6 lies the same 4.4-liter V8 engine with two twin-scroll turbochargers found in the latest M5 sedan with the internal designation S63Tü.
Just as it does in the M5 saloon, the eight-cylinder unit produces an output of 560-horses (412kW) between 5,750 and 7,000 rpm, and a peak torque of 680Nm (502lb-ft) between 1,500 and 5,750 rpm. BMW also tells us that the rev limiter intervenes at 7,200 rpm.
All that power is transferred to the road through a standard 7-speed M-Double Clutch Transmission (M-DCT) and BMW's Active M Differential which optimizes power transfer between the rear wheels. Down the line, the Bavarian automaker may also offers a 6-speed manual gearbox in the United States like it did with the new M5.
In terms of performance, the 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint comes in 4.2 seconds for the M6 Coupe and 4.2 seconds for the Convertible, while the 200km/h (124mph) mark is reach in 12.6 seconds for the Coupe and 13.1 seconds for the Convertible. The top speed of both models is electronically limited to 155 mph (250 km/h), or 189mph (305km/h) with the extra M Driver's package.
Despite the improved performance over the previous V10 models (+10% power, +30% torque), BMW says the new V8-powered M6 models consume roughly 30% less fuel at 9.9 lt/100km (28.5 mpg UK / 23.8mpg US) for the Coupe, and 10.3lt/100km (27.4 mpg UK / 22.8mpg US) for the Convertible in the combined EU driving cycle.
BMW says it has applied several weight saving measures to compensate for the new M6's larger exterior dimensions. These include the Coupe's roof that's made from carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP), while the doors and bonnet of both modelss are made from aluminium, and the front side panels from thermoplastic. In addition, their boot lids, and in the case of the Convertible, the roof cover as well, are made from the glass-fibre composite material SMC (Sheet Moulding Compound).
Nonetheless, the M6 Coupe tips the scales at a hefty 1,850 kg (4,078lbs) and the Convertible, at an even worse 1,980kg (4,365 pounds).
BMW M engineers have honed the standard 6-Series chassis that gets a specially tuned suspension, an M-specific Servotronic speed-sensitive power steering with three settings and a more powerful braking system with 15.7 inches (400 mm) rotors and six piston calipers at the front and 15.6 inches (396 mm) at the rear.
For the first time ever, BMW will offer optional M Carbon-Ceramic brakes available exclusively with 20-inch wheels, which are said to be 42.8 lb (19.4 kg) lighter than the standard brakes.
The M6 models are fitted as standard with 19 inch M specific light alloy wheels shod in 265/40 R19 "ultra-high performance" summer tires in the front and 295/35 R 19 tires at the rear. 20-inch wheels are offered as an option.
On the outside, the M6 get a rather subtle aero package comprising new front and rear bumpers, side skirts, and a rear diffuser housing four chromed tailpipes. Up front, there's also a newly designed M kidney grille, which bears an “M6” badge as a homage to the first generation M6, while the 30 millimeter (1.2 inch) increase in track width is complemented by flared wheel arches.
Inside the cabin, BMW has equipped the flagship models of the 6-Series with M-specific sports seats, steering wheel, instrument panel gauges, gearbox lever and trim.
In the U.S., the Convertible will arrive first in June followed a couple of months later by the Coupe.
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