BMW M6 2012

BMW M6 2012

BMW has released first official pictures of the M6 Coupe and Convertible. Both cars are fitted with a 552bhp 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8.

The engine and seven-speed double-clutch gearbox are lifted straight from the M5 saloon. They fire the lighter M6 Coupe from 0-62mph in 4.2 seconds – two-tenths faster than the M5 and on par with the XKR-S – and from 0-124mph (200kph) in 12.6 seconds. The Convertible takes 4.3 and 13.1 seconds.

Thanks to the addition of direct-injection, turbocharging and stop-start, the Coupe and Convertible claim a huge 30 per cent improvement in efficiency over the old 5.0-litre V10 M6. BMW says they return 28.5mpg and 27.4mpg respectively.

The 6 Series’ styling is beefed up with a lower and more angular bodykit, flared wheelarches and optional 20-inch alloys. Four tailpipes poke out either side of the rear diffuser, and M-branded gills double up as indicators.

The Coupe has a unique, stepped, carbon fibre roof, while both cars have aluminium doors and bonnets, front side panels made of thermoplastic and fibreglass bootlids to save weight.

There’s even an element of practicality, with usable rear seats, while the boot provides 460 litres of space in the Coupe and 350 litres in the Convertible (or 300 litres with the roof down).

Inside, there’s carbon fibre trim, a specially designed steering wheel and sports seats to match the aggressive exterior. Plus, the handling is boosted by three-mode adaptive dampers and a mechanical limited-slip diff on the rear axle.

Two M buttons on the wheel can be used to store favourite settings for suspension, steering, stability control and gearbox response, while carbon-ceramic brakes will be an option.