Classical proportions, the sporty yet elegant lines of the BMW 6-Series and the familiar design language of BMW M Automobiles form the foundations for the eloquent body design of the BMW M6 Coupe and BMW M6 Convertible. Powerfully taut surfaces and precise contours underline the athletic aura of the two models. In addition, a model-specific interpretation of hallmark M styling cues includes design details which are influenced directly by technical considerations - such as the cooling air required, chassis geometry and aerodynamics - and therefore further highlight the cars' outstanding performance attributes. This is a fine example of how the ultra-dynamic character which marks out these sportiest versions of the luxurious Coupe and exclusive Convertible is authentically expressed through their design.
Front view: large air intakes, newly designed M kidney grille.
Wide air intakes, stunningly contoured headlight units and large, smooth surfaces shape the front end of the new BMW M6 Coupe and the new BMW M6 Convertible. Another eye-catching element of the car's nose is its newly designed M kidney grille, which bears an "M6" badge. The grille's black, paired kidney grille slats take their cues from the characteristic double-spoke design of the M light-alloy wheels. The 30-millimetre increase in track width over the two cars' respective 6-Series stablemates is complemented by powerfully flared front wheel arches, which sit flush with the wheels. This extra width offers a clear nod to the optimised roadholding of these high-performance sports cars. The three-dimensional shaping of their air intakes and race-inspired flaps designed to optimise airflow to the outer air intakes likewise underline the cars' forward-surging, dynamic character.
An LED accent light cuts across the tops of the Adaptive LED Headlights fitted as standard on both models. Their bright white, three-dimensional LED light rings are levelled off to striking effect at the top and lower edges. Dipped beam and main beam use both light rings. Providing the light are LED units, which are placed on a horizontal rib running through the centre of the units and feed their light into the reflectors in front of them. This ensures that the distinctive appearance of the twin circular headlights comes across clearly in every situation. The direction indicators - in the form of horizontally arranged LED units - are integrated into the headlight units below the light rings.
Side view: athletically flared wheel arches, side gills, forged M light-alloy wheels.
The familiar M athleticism of both models is also clearly visible from the side. The front side sections of the car feature familiar M gills. Their threedimensional shaping, wide chrome frames and indicator bars - which also bear the M logo - give them an extremely deep-set look. In tune with the wider wheel arches, the character lines around the gills are suitably prominent. Eye-catching creases on the likewise model-specific side skirts sweep upwards, diverting the gaze to the rear wheels.
The new BMW M6 Coupe and the new BMW M6 Convertible are fitted with 19-inch M light-alloy wheels as standard. The forged wheels feature seven double-spokes in a two-tone finish. The optional 20-inch M light-alloy wheels, meanwhile, hint at reduced weight with their five intricate double spokes and allow a clear line of sight through to the powerful braking system.
Powerfully shaped rear, typical M twin exhaust tailpipes.
Broadening towards the road and incorporating horizontal lines and generous surfaces, the design of the rear end hints at the stable roadholding and powerful poise and assurance of the new BMW M6 Coupe and new BMW M6 Convertible. The reflectors, positioned immediately below the L-shaped rear lights, provide an individual expression of sportiness.
The clearest pointer to the unmistakable identity of the two high-performance sports cars are the familiar M twin exhaust tailpipes positioned to either side of the diffuser integrated into the rear apron. The outer air intakes reflect the design of the front apron in their format and the contours of their surrounds.
CFRP roof and soft-top in unmistakable design.
Like its predecessor, the roof of the new BMW M6 Coupe is made from carbon fibre-reinforced plastic as standard. The dark colouring of the roof gives the two-door car's silhouette an extremely elongated look, which is further emphasised by a dynamic recess in the centre of the roof. The use of the lightweight material for the roof allows the car's centre of gravity to be lowered, enhancing agility. BMW Individual High-gloss Shadow Line trim (standard) draws attention to this optimised weight balance, its dark colouring covering the side window borders (or the waistline in the case of the BMW M6 Convertible) and the base and lower section of the aerodynamically optimised M exterior mirror caps.
The exclusive looks of the new BMW 6-Series Convertible are underlined by the "fin" architecture of the high-quality soft-top roof. Projecting into the rear section, the fins accentuate the car's dynamically sweeping silhouette. The heated, vertical glass rear window, which is situated just behind the rear seats, retracts independently of the soft-top itself.
Customers can choose from one non-metallic and eight metallic shades (including four exclusive M finishes) for the exterior paintwork of both models. The soft-top for the new BMW M6 Convertible is available in Black and Beige, or - as an option - in Anthracite Silver effect.
Drivetrain: Power and character.
The new BMW M6 Coupe and new BMW M6 Convertible showcase their individual style with a raft of unique styling touches and tweaks to the character of the driving experience. But they draw the output required to serve up their inspirational performance from the same source: a high-revving V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology, longitudinally mounted at the front of the car, whose power is channelled to the rear wheels via a sevenspeed M Double Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic.
This powertrain combines construction features taken directly from motor sport with innovations developed under the banner of Efficient Dynamics. Its globally unparalleled package of technology comprises two turbochargers working according to the twin-scroll principle (including a cross-bank exhaust manifold), High Precision Direct Petrol Injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve timing and Double-Vanos continuously variable camshaft control. The engine is also served by an extremely powerful cooling system and a wet sump oil supply optimised to work under high lateral forces.
Output increased by 10 per cent, peak torque boosted by 30 per cent, fuel consumption and emissions cut by more than 30 per cent.
The unmistakable, typically M performance characteristics of the 4.4-litre powerplant are defined by its lightning-quick responses and forceful, linear power delivery maintained into the higher reaches of the rev range. Indeed, peak torque of 680 Newton metres (502 lb-ft) is on tap between 1,500 and 5,750 rpm. The V8 achieves its maximum output of 412 kW/560 hp between 6,000 and 7,000 rpm and can spin on to 7,200 rpm. All of which means the rev band available in the new models to generate maximum performance is almost three times wider than that of the engine powering their predecessors.
This instantaneous and sustained power delivery is the key to unlocking the cars' intoxicating acceleration. The new BMW M6 Coupe dashes from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.2 seconds, while the new BMW M6 Convertible reaches the same speed just 0.1 seconds later. The top speed of both models is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph). Specifying the optional M Driver's Package raises this barrier to 305 km/h (189 mph).
The advances in engine development enshrined in M TwinPower Turbo technology are also reflected in the two new models' significantly greater efficiency compared to their predecessors. The high operating effectiveness of the engine, the standard-fitted Auto Start-Stop function and other examples of Efficient Dynamics technology, such as Brake Energy Regeneration and the volume-controlled oil pump, help to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by some 30 per cent. The new BMW M6 Coupe cards average fuel consumption of 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres (28.5 mpg imp) in the EU test cycle and CO2 emissions of 232 grams per kilometre. The corresponding values for the new BMW M6 Convertible are 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres (27.4 mpg imp) and 239 grams per kilometre.
Harnessing the high output to dynamic effect: the seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic.
Tuned seamlessly to the performance characteristics of the V8 engine, the M Double Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic converts the powerplant's impressive thrust extremely effectively into rapid acceleration. This capability is underpinned by the DCT design principle, which effectively combines two gearboxes in one housing - yet with virtually no size or weight penalty over a conventional manual transmission. Inside the transmission, the torque is transferred via two oil-cooled wet clutches, which are engaged alternately. This allows zero interruption in the flow of power when the driver accelerates, even during gear changes.
M DCT Drivelogic offers the driver three different shift programs, both in automated mode (D) and in manual mode (S). These programs alter the transmission's shift characteristics in terms of efficiency, shift comfort and sportiness and can be activated using the rocker switch located behind the selector lever on the centre console. Added to which, the electronics also provide a Launch Control function ensuring unbeatable acceleration from a standing start, Low Speed Assistance for easier low-speed operation, and the Auto Start-Stop function for increased efficiency.
The special M gear selector is used for selecting D and S modes and for engaging reverse gear. In S mode the driver changes gears manually in a sequential format. The new BMW M6 Coupe and Convertible are also equipped as standard with a newly developed M leather steering wheel, complete with multifunction buttons and fixed gearshift paddles. In typical M configuration, the driver pulls the right-hand paddle to shift up and the lefthand paddle to shift down.
Chassis: Supreme precision in any situation.
The motor sport technology in the new BMW M6 Coupe and new BMW M6 Convertible paves the way for imposing performance on the race track, but also treats the driver to a captivating driving experience on everyday journeys from A to B. The dynamic character of both models is defined not only by their acceleration from standstill but also by their mid-range agility, the precision of their turn-in and traction when accelerating out of corners, their precisely controllable handling under intense lateral forces and their stopping capability. Paving the way for this is the model-specific chassis technology in conjunction with the Active M Differential, an ideal weight balance and optimised aerodynamic properties.
The precise interplay of the powertrain, chassis and body has been honed in detail as part of extensive testing on the NürburgringNordschleife. The upshot is an unmistakable M feeling of a particularly intense kind. As the latest innovation to optimise handling in ultra-dynamic driving situations, the optional M carbon-ceramic brake system marks its debut in the new BMW M6 Coupe and new BMW M6 Convertible.
M-specific chassis technology, Dynamic Damper Control, M Servotronic, DSC with M Dynamic Mode.
The chassis of the new BMW M6 Coupe and new BMW M6 Convertible has been developed to M specification and therefore combines outstanding performance attributes with the comfort-enhancing features drivers appreciate on an everyday basis. Like the integral rear axle, whose subframes are bolted rigidly to the body, the double-wishbone front axle boasts specific kinematics and newly developed components made from forged aluminium. Chassis mountings using large panels at the front and rear axle ensure dynamic forces are passed evenly through to the body, making for highly precise wheel control.
The standard equipment of both models also includes electronically controlled dampers. The M-specific Dynamic Damper Control system adjusts damping force electrohydraulically to provide the required responses for the driving situation at hand and fulfil the wishes of the driver. A choice of three settings allows drivers to adjust the damper characteristics to their needs and preferences.
The hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering ensures unbeatable precision and a high degree of comfort. This system has a variable ratio, which enhances straightline stability and reduces the number of steering wheel turns required when parking and turning off a road. The likewise standard Servotronic speedsensitive power assistance is specially tuned to M specification and allows drivers to choose a personal configuration with the help of three set-up options.
In addition to applying brake impulses and reducing engine output to stabilise the car, the DSC stability control system of the two high-performance sports cars also employs the services of the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Cornering Brake Control (CBC) and Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), along with a Brake Assistant, the Brake Drying function and Start-Off Assistant. M Dynamic Mode (MDM) can be activated to override the basic setting by pressing the DSC button. By raising the intervention thresholds of DSC, this mode makes it easier to move off on snow or loose sand with slightly spinning driven wheels. MDM mode also paves the way for the familiar M self-steering response. "DSC Off" mode can likewise be activated at the touch of a button.
Active M Differential delivers outstanding traction in dynamic driving situations.
The new BMW M6 Coupe and new BMW M6 Convertible also impress by offering optimum traction in tricky road and weather conditions and under dynamic acceleration out of corners. Working behind the scenes to this end is an innovative variable locking differential in the rear differential. The Active M Differential allows the engine's power to be split precisely and quickly between the left and right rear wheel according to the requirements of the driving situation at any particular moment.
An electronically controlled multi-plate limited-slip differential helps to reduce the rotational speed differences between the rear wheels, which is needed to optimise traction. The Active M Differential control unit is linked up to the DSC stability control system, allowing every driving situation to be precisely analysed and a loss of traction at one wheel to be detected at an early stage. The locking effect generated in response can be varied between 0 and 100 per cent, enabling wheel spin to be prevented on slippery surfaces, in instances where the left and right rear wheel have widely differing friction coefficients, in tight bends and when changing direction extremely dynamically.
An innovation for precise handling: M carbon-ceramic brakes.
The latest version of the compound high-performance braking system helps give the new BMW M6 Coupe and new BMW M6 Convertible outstanding stopping power. Its stand-out features include even lower weight, excellent feel and fade-free performance even under heavy loads. The diameter of the inner-vented and perforated brake discs is 400 millimetres at the front and 396 millimetres at the rear. The six-piston fixed-calliper brakes at the front axle - painted dark blue metallic and complete with the M logo - are radially bolted to the pivot bearing.
The M carbon-ceramic brakes available for the first time for the new BMW M6 Coupe and new BMW M6 Convertible (in conjunction with 20-inch M light-alloy wheels) take the cars' stopping power to another new level. The brake discs measure 410 millimetres in diameter at the front axle and 396 millimetres at the rear. Made from a new type of carbon-fibre compound ceramic, the discs boast even greater resistance to heat and combine this with significantly reduced rotating masses. The M carbon-ceramic brakes are 19.4 kg lighter than the standard-fitted items, yet the innovative material also displays exceptional resistance to wear, and the operating life of the discs is many times that of conventional equivalents. The optional M carbon-ceramic system also sees six-piston fixed-calliper brakes at the front teaming up with single-piston floating-calliper brakes at the rear. The callipers can be identified by their special gold-coloured paint finish.
