2012 BMW M6 COUPE AND CONVERTIBLE UNVEILED

The BMW M6 range has been officially unveiled to the world, ahead of its public debut at the 2012 Geneve International Motor Show. Both Coupe and Convertible are there to see, although launches for both will be on separate dates, with the Convertible up for launch first. The cars are based on the all-new 6 Series which was launched in Mzansi last year.

Because this is an M6, BMW has kept the same 4.4-litre twin turbo petrol V8 engine found in the M5 and other BMWs like the 650i. For the big M cars it’s tuned to 412kW between 6000rpm and 7000rpm, and 680Nm of torque from 1500rpm, dispersing the Coupe from 0 – 100km/h in 4.2 seconds when using Launch Control, and the slightly heavier Convertible in 4.3 seconds. The cars respect the German gentleman’s agreement of limiting cars to 250km/h, although an M Driver’s Package can be installed to liberate an extra 55km/h. BMW claims 9.9 litres in average fuel for the Coupe, and 10.3 litres per 100km from the Convertible.

Power and torque are sent to the rear wheels through a 7-speed double-clutch M-DCT gearbox, same one in the M5. There’s also the same Active M Differential which varies torque distribution between the rear wheels and ensures optimum traction at all times, especially when accelerating through corners with the DSC safety net on.

Convertible sticks to old tradition by not using tin for the roof, instead fitting an electronically-controlled canvass technology that raises/ closes in 19 seconds. Plausibly you can run the thing at up to 40km/h, which is very useful when driving down the freeway and being met with an unexpected downpour from the grey skies.

The M6 features different front bumpers from the run-of-the-mill 6 Series, LED headlights, a sportier front grille, M6 side gills, four mandatory round chrome pipes at the back, and 19-inch alloys. A bigger 20-inch type can also be ticked off. Passengers can also enjoy features like a strong but optional Bang & Olufsen sound system, infotainment with on-board Facebook and Twitter apps, head-up display, some carbon fibre trim and sports seats among others.

We should expect to see the all-new 2012 BMW M6 Convertible in South Africa during the second quarter, with the Coupe following by Q4.