BMW has pulled the wraps off its all-new M6. It’s been unveiled as both a convertible and coupe, and thanks to the latest M5’s monster twin-turbo V8 engine, both are predictably rapid.

The 4.4-litre unit boasts 552bhp and 501lb ft, up 52bhp and an impressive 117lb ft over the outgoing, 5-litre V10 powered M6. That’s enough to compensate for the new M6’s lardier 1.8-ton kerb weight; the coupe can hit 62mph in 4.2sec, the convertible one tenth slower, making the M6 as quick as the significantly lighter Audi R8 and Porsche 997 GT3. The top speed is, as usual for an M car, electronically limited to 155mph as standard. An option ‘M Driver’s Package’ yields a supercar-bating 189mph maximum, however.

Drive goes to the rear wheels via a seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox and the active differential seen on the F10 M5. The suspension is overhauled compared to a standard 6-series, too, with wider track widths and new dampers, springs and bushing to make sure the M6 is suitably more focused. A plethora of electronic adjustment is standard-fit, along with a more lenient M Dynamic Mode for the stability control. There’s a lightweight braking system fitted, while carbon ceramic stoppers are on the options list.

There’s even claims of decent economy, with the coupe capable of returning 28.5mpg (putting it close to hot hatchback territory) and emitting 232g/km of CO2. That still puts it in one of the highest tax bands, but it’s well over 100g/km healthier than the V10 M6 it replaces.

Looks wise, it’s a fairly subtle makeover compared to an M Sport-specced 6 Coupe, but M enthusiasts should still spot the new car with ease; telltales are the carbon roof, pumped-up alloys and quad exhaust pipes at the rear. The interior boasts some smart detailing, too, with the stubbier M Division gear selector in the middle and a new steering wheel, equipped with gearshift paddles.

The 2012 BMW M6 goes on sale in the UK in September, though you’d better get saving – the coupe starts at £93,795, the convertible £98,995. That’s up over £6000 compared to its predecessor, and over £20,000 more than its similarly quick but more practical M5 sibling.

 

Only new BMW I actually like.

 

My wife would love this. I am sending her the pictures right now.

 

Those front seats are super sexy. Motor trend released a photo of the upcoming m3 which also looks awesome.

 

Everybody's wife would like that! Lol

 

bad ****ing *** !!!

 

BMW needs to fire whomever they have working in their new model development department. The M3 is a great car. The new one is phenomenal, and it costs $60,000. That is a reasonable price. This car is as close as makes no difference to 3x that much. There is no way that it can be 3x as good. It just can't. I predict that the reviews will hail it as a great car and then promptly recommend that you buy the M3, instead.

If this is meant to compete with the C63 AMG Black, they missed the mark by a mile and then some.

 

how would the M6 be mean't to compete with the C63 AMG? C63 i believe is meant to compete with the m3.. something similar to the m6 would be a bigger mercedes model.

 

not that impressed, the front end looks like...well...like any M product they make, with the monstrous side air ducts. The car just looks heavy to me and very high tech for being a sports car, unless i am old school and i like my performance cars to be a lot simpler. I don't know but to me it looks just like any other M...BMW please step out of the box...oh yeah forgot to mention I do like the CF roof to keep the weight down.

 

Look at the price tag. They are similar.

 

The C63 AMG may very well be meant to compete with the M3. However, the Black series is the higher up model, which you are referring to. I had to double-check my post to make sure that I specified that. This car is similar in size to the M3 and C63. It has a monster price-tag and numbers which are nowhere near as insane as the Black. If you want a bonkers $130,000+ car, get the C63 Black (over this). Hell, a C6 Z06 Carbon costs, what, $140,000 or so? If BMW wanted to play with the big boys, they failed. All I can see are the numbers, and already I have a strong gut feeling about this. This car doesn't make the radar screen.