One look at the new M6 and you'll be hooked on the thought of driving one around this summer (June 2012 for the convertible, late summer for the coupe). There is a lot to get your mind racing when it comes to the latest ///M car from BMW.



Maybe it is the high-revving V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo Technology pumping out 560 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. Maybe it's the new aggressive and elegant styling that features a combination of lightweight materials including a Carbon Fiber Composite roof on the Coupe version. Or maybe it's the fact that BMW has found a way to combine power, elegance and luxury into this next generation M6 coupe and convertible.



Either way, we think the M6 is going to be a real winner for those who can take delivery of one. Here are some of the highlights of the car that you will want to know



BMW M6 Power and Performance

• The new engine is shared between the M5 and the M6 and has the highest output ever generated by an ///M car. The 4.4-liter V8 engine features M Twin Power technology and features a ton of power.
  Horsepower peaks out at 560 horsepower at 5,750 - 7,000 RPMs and 500 lb-ft of torque is available between 1,500 and 5,750 rpm
• Power output is up 10%, maximum torque is up 30% and the car consumes roughly 30% less fuel than it's E63/E64 predecessor
• 0 to 62 is achieved in 4.2 seconds in the coupe and 4.3 second in the convertible
• 0 to 124 takes 12.6 seconds for the coupe and 13.1 for the convertible
• Standard Front brakes measure in at 15.7 inches with the rear brakes just a hair smaller at 15.6 inches

7-Speed M Double Clutch (and possibly a 6-speed manual?)

• 7-Speed double-clutch transmission is specially designed to handle the extreme torque and high revving engine (now redlining at 7,200)
• Available modes include automatic (D) and manual (S). Shifting can be performed manually through the shift paddles on the M leather steering wheel if so desired
• M DCT with Drivelogic offers three shift programs for both automatic and manual shifting. D1 is standard and is designed for efficiency, D2 provides gear shifts based on engine revs and load. D3 delays gear changes until an ever higher rev range is achieved for a sportier feel. Manual modes include S1 for comfortable gear changes, S2 for faster shifts with a kick at higher revs and S3 is for maximum driving performance and is required when using launch control
• Launch control coupled with stability control being disabled allows the car to achieve maximum acceleration from a standstill
• Have no fear 6-speed fans. Our sources also indicate a 6-speed is under serious consideration inside BMW headquarters. Given the M5's 6-speed option, we are hoping that the M6 will follow suit

Active M Differential

• Electronically controlled multi-plate limited-slip differential
• Control unit is connected with the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system to cross check data collected with the DSC feedback and uses that information to calculate the locking force required to deliver optimum traction and stability
• Data is also collected from the position of the accelerator pedal, the rotational speed of the wheels and the car's yaw rate to handle each unique driving situation

M Carbon-Ceramic Brakes (Optional)

• The first BMW M cars to offer option M Carbon-Ceramic brakes (with 20-inch M light-alloy wheels) to offer unparalleled stopping power
• Front brakes measure in at 16.1 inches with the rear brakes at 15.6 inches
• Carbon fiber ceramic compound gives owners a 42.8 lb weight savings from stock while providing exceptional resistance to wear and extended operating life
• Six piston fixed radial calipers in the front teamed with single piston floating calipers in the rear
• M Carbon-Ceramic brakes are identified by special gold colored calipers

Design Highlights

• Newly designed M kidney grille bearing an M6 badge as an homage to the first generation M6 with paired kidney grille slates taking a design cue from traditional M double-spoke wheels
• Flared front wheel arches highlight the 1.2 inch increase in track width over non-M 6 series cars
• LED accent lights on top of the adaptive xenon headlights and three dimensional LED corona rings give a brilliant effect to the lights. Optional LED adaptive headlights are also available
• The lightweight dark colored carbon fiber roof on the coupe allows for a lower center of gravity and distinctive and aggressive look
• The M6 convertible features a high quality soft top roof that can be opened or closed using the comfort access system
• Available in a single non-metallic and eight metallic paint finishes - four of which are M exclusive. The soft top is available in Black, Beige or an optional Anthracite Silver effect

The M6 coupe will make it's world debut at the Geneva Auto Show this March and the M6 convertible will premiere at the New York Auto Show in April. The convertible version will be on sale in June 2012 and the coupe will be released in the late summer of 2012 as a 2013 model.

You can read the entire Press Release with many more pages of details at the following link:
All-New 3rd Generation BMW M6 Coupe and Convertible Press Release

Video of the M6 in motion



Are any of you running out to put a deposit on the car? Anyone care to guess the sticker price on a M6 coupe or convertible?