BMW M6 details emerge
GT cruiser coupé to house M5's 507 bhp V10
BMW's 6 Series coupé has just grown an M version, though BMW has yet to announce pricing and exact launch dates. The new M6 is similar to the M5 in that it's powered by the same 507-horsepower 5.0-litre V10, which means that it just nudges above the 100 bhp per litre benchmark. The car weighs 1,710Kg.
Using lightweight design solutions from the M3 CSL, BMW reckons the M6 is aimed at providing a GT experience with road presence and an ability "to comfortably crush kilometres on a cross-country cruise".
BMW sees it as a descendant of the legendary 1985 M635CSi. It has regularly clocked eight minutes lap times during tests at the Nürburgring -- faster than Clarkson in an S-Type Jag diesel -- and, if derestricted, it would be capable of a 200mph+ top speed, it's claimed.
Key features
- 5.0-litre 507 bhp V10 engine
- Seven-speed SMG (personally programmable)
- Lightweight body panels including carbon fibre roof
- 0 – 62 mph in 4.6 seconds / 62 – 0 in 36 metres
- 155 mph top speed (limited)
- MDrive Manager control settings
Engine
Peak power is developed at 7,750 rpm with the red line set at 8,250 rpm. Peak torque of 383 lb-ft is developed at 6,100 rpm of which 331 lb-ft is available from just 3,500 rpm.
The 90-degree V10 aluminium-silicon alloy engine block is light yet robust says BMW, claiming that it's the first V-arrangement engine to use a bedplate construction. The aluminium bedplate with cast-iron inlays ensures the engine’s rigidity throughout the rev range, but the complete unit still weighs just 240Kg. Combined EU fuel consumption figures are 19.0mpg with a CO2 rating of 357g/km.
As the M6 permits lateral acceleration in excess of 1G, the V10 features a lateral force-controlled oil supply that, from 0.6g of lateral movement, activates one of two electronic oil pumps to draw oil from the cylinder head and delivers it back into the sump to ensure perfect lubrication even in the most extreme situations. Similarly, it uses a semi-dry sump lubrication system with an oil reservoir on each side of the front subframe.
Transmission
As in the M5, the M6 uses BMW’s new third-generation seven speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) with Drivelogic. Drivelogic offers the choice of 11 different change patterns, depending on the speed of change required. Six change patterns are available in the manual mode and five in the ‘automatic’ mode, in which the gearbox will automatically select the most appropriate gear depending on driving conditions.
The new SMG gearbox also offers safety benefits when downshifting on slippery surfaces. If it detects the rear wheels locking up, the clutch opens for a fraction of a second to ensure traction is maintained. Hill Detection is another SMG feature. In automatic mode, the SMG gearbox recognises that the car is travelling on an incline and holds gears uphill to maintain acceleration and selects lower gears when progressing downhill to make the most of the available engine braking.
Based on the standard 645Ci geometry, the double-arm spring strut front axle is all aluminium apart from components such as tie bars, wheel mounts and bearings. The U-shaped front subframe houses the rack and pinion steering assembly, anti-roll bar and track control arms.
The Integral IV rear axle assembly is also made from aluminium to reduce unsprung masses. In addition, the new M6 features BMW’s variable, speed-sensing M Differential Lock. Featured on all current BMW M models, the M Differential Lock builds up locking action whenever one of the rear wheels begins to spin, channelling drive to the wheel with the most grip to improve handling and stability.
Electronic control
The MS S65 control unit coordinates all engine functions using three 32-bit processors that BMW says can handle over 200 million operations per second from over 50 incoming signals. Each of the 10 cylinders has its own throttle butterfly, with its position being monitored 200 times per second. Reacting to changes in throttle position, the butterfly can move from closed to fully open in a 120 milliseconds -- some three times faster than the blink of an eye.
Electronic Damper Control is standard on the M6. Offering three suspension settings – Comfort, Normal and Sport -- drivers can select the most appropriate setting for their driving style or road conditions. The new BMW M6 also features a BMW M version of Servotronic steering with two specific settings corresponding to the Electronic Damper Control settings, Sport or Comfort.
BMW’s DSC stability control system has been adapted for the M6. Featuring M Dynamic Mode (first seen on the new M5), BMW says that "drivers can take their cars to the limit of the laws of physics, allowing considerable angles of controllable oversteer when circumstances allow."
Again like the M5, you get a power button in the centre console. Initially the car pre-selects the P400 setting, delivering 400bhp for town or city driving, for example. Engaging the Power button modifies the response of the throttle and swaps to the P500 setting and delivers the V10's full 507 bhp.
Control of all of these features has been brought together using the M6’s MDrive Manager, which allows you to pre-select specific settings for the power button, SMG gearbox, DSC, EDC and head-up display.
With a prod of the steering wheel-mounted button, says BMW, the driver selects his or her chosen character. For example, the car can be set up for an exciting 30 mile A-road drive to and from work or, on the other hand, for a city commute. More extreme settings can be pre-programmed for track use.
Tyres and brakes
Using aluminium double piston callipers and cross-drilled disc brakes, BMW claims a stopping distance of 36 metres from 62 mph, and from 124 mph in only 140 metres – equivalent to 1.3g deceleration. Specially developed tyres help transmit these forces to the tarmac. Measuring 255/40ZR19 on the front and 285/35ZR19 on the rear, the tyres are mounted on lightweight five-spoke 19-inch forged aluminium wheels, each weighing 1.8kg less than a normal cast alloy wheel.
Bodywork
Like other 6 Series models, the new BMW M6 uses a hybrid construction of aluminium, thermoplastics and SMC (Sheet Moulding Compound). This mixture of materials delivers an extremely rigid, yet light, body structure. The front wings are made of thermoplastics, the doors and bonnet of aluminium and the boot lid, SMC. Like the M3 CSL but unlike the 630i and 645Ci, the new M6's roof panel is made from weight-saving carbon fibre, which BMW says saves nearly 5Kg.
Visually, the new M6 differentiates itself from the 6 Series by a deeper front valance with air intakes for the engine and brakes, more contoured sills and rear valance that includes a diffuser to increase aerodynamic efficiency. Under the rear valance protrude the M’s tell-tale quad rear exhaust pipes. The new M6 is available in four exclusive M colours – Indianapolis Red, Sepang Bronze, Interlagos Blue and Silverstone alongside three other 6 Series colours.
Interior
You get fully adjustable M sports seats that include lumbar support and an adjustable backrest width as standard. Covered in extended Merino leather, with the owner able to choose between Black, Silverstone or Sepang, you can option full Merino leather in Indianapolis Red and Portland Natural Brown alongside the other three colours, including a leather covered dashboard and Alcantara headlining.
The new BMW M6 also features BMW M’s version of the new Head-up Display system. Unlike the standard Head-up Display available on 5 and 6 Series models that offers navigation instructions and cruise control information, the system on the M6 projects driver-focussed information such as engine speed, gear selected and road speed directly into the driver’s view, obviating the need for the driver to take his or her eyes off the road ahead.
The new M6 will go on sale towards the end of 2005. Dates and prices have yet to be announced.
dazren said:
you are looking at a price of approx £72k. Which is £40k less than a DB9 so hardly comparing like with like
Ok, I guess you're right, but still for that kind of money there are a few alternatives that are faster, nimbler and (above all) better looking. I mean look at that rump, djeez.
Gimlet said:
I wonder how the proposed Alpina variant will differ ?
slower and more expensive but more exclusive I guess - like most Alpinas (never se the point of them to be honest)
at £72k I'd much rather have a loaded 997S and a few grand for insurance even though I quite like the exterior of the 6
the 997S would be quicker in the real world too
>> Edited by Adam B on Wednesday 15th December 14:41
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