2013 BMW M6 Convertible

Exterior

The new M6 has received a powerfully taut surfaces and precise contours that further distinguish it from the other 6-Series models. Up front you will immediately recognize the newly designed M kidney grille, which bears an "M6" badge – an homage to the first generation M6. The grille’s black, paired kidney grille slats take their cues from the characteristic double-spoke design of the M light-alloy wheels. The car has also increased by 1.2 inches in track width and gets by powerfully flared front wheel arches, which sit flush with the wheels. The three-dimensional shaping of their air intakes and race-inspired flaps designed to control airflow to the outer air intakes also underlines the cars’ forward-surging, dynamic character.

The side profile is streamlined and slick as you’d expect. The three-dimensional front fenders feature familiar M gills, wide chrome frames and indicator bars with the M logo. Next you will notice some wider wheel arches and of course the 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in seven double-spokes in a two-tone finish. As an option you can also get 20-inch M light-alloy wheels in five slender double-spokes.

At the rear there are L-shaped rear lights and reflectors positioned immediately below them and of course the familiar M quad exhaust tailpipes positioned on either side of the diffuser integrated into the lower area of the rear fascia.

The Convertible’s roof will be made from natural color Carbon Fiber Composite. it comes painted in dark color in order to offer a better contrast with the rest of the body. BMW has opted for this lightweight material in order to lower the car’s center of gravity. The roof can be operated at speeds of up to 25 mph and takes 19 seconds to open and 24 seconds to close again. The heated, vertical glass rear window, which is situated just behind the rear seats, retracts independently of the soft-top itself.

Interior

The M6’s interior gets newly developed M sports seats, Merino extended leather upholstery, door sills with "M6" lettering, an M driver’s footrest, exclusive carbon fiber interior trim and the BMW Individual roof liner in Anthracite and an iDrive control system with a 10.2-inch Control Display.

The wheel has been equipped two M Drive buttons which can be used to call up a pre-configured setup for the car. For example, the driver can save a sporty configuration on the "M1" button and a track focused setup (with all driver aids shut off) on the "M2" button. The set-up selected will remain activated until it is either cancelled by pressing the button again or the driver switches to another M Drive setting. Once the system has been switched off – as when the engine is started – it reverts back to a default configuration focusing on efficiency and ride comfort.

Engine

For the current generation M6 BMW has dropped the car’s usual V10 engine in favor of a new 4.4 liter V8 engine first used in the M5. The engine is equipped with M TwinPower Turbo Technology and in the M6 the engine delivers a total of 560 HP at 5,750 – 7,000 rpm (versus 555 hp at 6,000 rpm for the previous generation) and a maximum torque of 500 lb-ft tap between 1,500 and 5,750 rpm (versus 500 lb-ft from 1,500 to 5650 rpm). The engine is mated to a a newly developed 7-speed double-clutch transmission designed to handle the high torque and high revving nature of the engine.

With the extra power the engine will sprint the car from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds, while unfortunately top speed is limited to 155 mph. While the engine’s output has increased by around 10% and maximum torque is up by more than 30%, the new BMW M6 models consume roughly 30% less fuel and have substantially higher range than their predecessors. However, official numbers will be announced at a later date.

The engine has been equipped an Active M Differential that helps the car working with high precision and speed. Its control unit is connected with the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system via FlexRay high-speed data transfer technology and constantly cross-checks the data collected by its sensors with the feedback from DSC. It then uses this information to calculate the locking force required to deliver optimum traction and stability. The data recorded by DSC sensors is also passed on if the stability control system is in MDM mode or is switched off. The locking force within the differential can be varied continuously between 0 and 100%. The ABS system retains full functionality in all situations.

Prices

The BMW M6 Convertible will be the first of the three new M cars to arrive in US BMW Center showrooms. It will go on sale in June 2012 and will be priced at $113,995 (including $895 Destination and Handling).

Competition

When it comes about competition the Porsche 911 Turbo Convertible is the most obvious one, but models like Audi R8 Convertible of Jaguar XKR will also put the car in lots of trouble. The 911 Turbo Convertible hasn’t made its official debut just yet, but it will be powered by a 3.8L turbocharged flat six engine that will deliver up to 530 HP in the S version. The R8 Spyder is powered by a 5.2 Liter FSI V10 engine with 525 HP. The XK-R is powered by a V8 engine with 510 HP.