2013 BMW M6 Revealed, Australian Debut Second Half 2012
BMW's brand-new 6 Series now also has its sledgehammer models in place with the unveiling this week of the top-shelf M6 in Coupe and Cabriolet form. Their unveiling follows the Australian launch last week of the new M5 sedan.
The new M6 enters
BMW's brand-new 6 Series now also has its sledgehammer models in place with the unveiling this week of the top-shelf M6 in Coupe and Cabriolet form. Their unveiling follows the Australian launch last week of the new M5 sedan.
The new M6 enters the range above the flagship in the 'regular' 6 Series range, the 300kW/600Nm 650i. It also replaces the tough-as-nails E63/E64 380kW/520Nm V10 M6, retired back in 2010.
In the new M6, you'll find BMW's trusty twin-turbo 4.4 litre V8 engine, producing 412kW at 5750rpm, and 680Nm of torque between 1500 and 5750rpm, with the rev limiter raising its hand at 7200rpm.
Yes, that's the same engine that drives the new M5, and the M versions of the X5 and X6 SUVs.
BMW says the new M6 will hit 100km/h in 4.2 seconds - about on par with the old V10-powered model - for the Coupe, and 4.3 seconds for the Convertible.
The 200km/h mark will fly past in 12.6 seconds (Convertible 13.1), and the top speed of both is electronically limited to 250km/h - or 305km/h if you tick the M Driver option at the dealer.
With a smaller displacement, two fewer cylinders and newer technology, the new M6's turbo V8 delivers a 30 percent improvement in fuel consumption, listed at 9.9 l/100km in Coupe form and 10.3 l/100km for the heavier Convertible.
Speaking of heft, the new M6 tips the scales at 1850kg for the Coupe, and 1980kg for the Convertible. That's nearly 100kg lighter in both cases, despite the new model's generally larger proportions. For this you can thank a greater use of lightweight materials.
The bonnet and doors of both bodystyles are aluminium, boot lids are sheet-moulded fibre glass, and the Coupe's roof is made of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic.
As with all M cars, the new M6 sits on specialised sports suspension and BMW's driver-selectable speed-sensitive Servotronic steering.
Braking is managed by 400mm discs and six-piston calipers up front, and 396mm discs at the rear. Carbon-Ceramic brakes are also available as an option - a first for the M range - but only if you option the larger 20-inch wheels.
If you stick with the regular brakes, you'll get 19-inch light-alloy wheels wrapped in 265/40 rubber up front and wide 295/35 at the rear.
Australia
Timing for the new M6's Australian launch has yet to be announced. Speaking with TMR today however, BMW Australia's Scott Croaker confirmed a second-half debut is expected.
"More specific, we're expecting it here at the end of the third quarter or the start of the fourth quarter," Mr Croaker said. "Obviously we want it on the road as quickly as possible. Delivery times and that sort of thing will dictate when we can release it."
As for the order of debut, he said that the goal is to launch both cars together, but plans can't be confirmed at this point.
Mr Croaker also confirmed that the big four-door 6 Series Gran Coupe will hit Australia around the start of the third quarter - possibly as early as July.
Watch this space.
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Video: ‘Top Gear Australia’ first preview and release date
