The all-new BMW M6 will be the most powerful super-coupé in BMW’s history when it goes on sale this summer. The M6 gets the twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 from the M5, which is good for 552bhp and 502lb ft.
The M6’s rear-drive chassis has been tuned extensively at the Nürburgring and BMW insiders claim that it has the dynamic proficiency to cope with prodigious power outputs.
Although the previous M6, with its cutting-edge construction and V10 engine, was radical when it was launched in 2005, the new model will take things even further. It will again feature a carbonfibre roof and other carbonfibre body panels but will also get carbon-ceramic brake discs and lightweight alloy wheels to boost stopping power and reduce unsprung mass.
A BMW M insider, speaking to Autocar at the Detroit motor show, insisted that its new range-topper would be just as capable a grand tourer as before, despite its sharper focus.
“It’s still a car for daily use,” the insider said. “It’s just as at home on the autobahn as it is at the Nürburgring.”
However, despite the M6’s new-found hard edge, our insider insisted that it should not be compared with a pure sports car such as the Porsche 911. Instead, M is pushing BMW to be given licence to develop its own supercar in the mould of the AMG-developed Mercedes-Benz SLS.
“M wants to build its own car,” said our insider. “BMW has a great heritage of super-coupés and the M6 is the latest part of that. But we also want to do something that we can call a ‘super sports car’.”
The comments are the latest of M division’s attempts to ramp up pressure on BMW to be given the go-ahead to develop its own bespoke model.
Albert Biermann, BMW M’s development chief, told Autocar last year that BMW and M were struggling to find a business case for the supercar.
“We have the skills and we’d love to do it,” he said. “We’ve discussed it several times but we’ve never been able to make the business case. Everything we do has to make money.”
Our insider confirmed that the M6 coupé will be launched at the Geneva show in March. A cabrio is likely to follow by the end of 2012.
Join the debate
Add your comment
Re: Most powerful BMW M6 on its way
Giom37 - on the contrary, get over yourself. I don't hate BMW - I own one. But the new 6 series is a patently pipe and slippers car - a nice one for uncle or granddad. I stand by my opinion that a new M6 is an utterly pointless car, and also that the previous 6 coupe is a far better looking car than this dullard.
Re: Most powerful BMW M6 on its way
If you can call the new 6 series ugly, you need to get your eyes checked, cause, ugly, it aint!
I've always wanted the M6 to be a bit more hard core... my wishes just came treu - I hope!
Finally, I also wish ppl would get over the 'there is no point to the _____ BMW.' It's getting really lame!
Re: Most powerful BMW M6 on its way
Never been a fan of this car as I find it ugly and an oddity. Clearly not the only one going by the residuals. It does look better than its predessor though.