The new BMW M6 Gran Coupe
16/12/2012
The new BMW M6 Gran Coupé becomes the third distinctive design to be added to the M6 model range. The newest member of the M6 family brings together M performance characteristics with extra luxury and aesthetic appeal. Hallmark M design features directly influence this car’s technical considerations and provide a window into its performance capabilities. Air cooling, chassis geometry, weight balance and aerodynamics have all dictated the striking muscular form of the car. Meanwhile, under its bonnet a high-revving 560hp V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology propel the BMW M6 Gran Coupé in true supercar performance style.
The front of the BMW M6 Gran Coupé is dominated by its large air intakes, standard Adaptive LED headlights and an M Chrome fronted kidney grille designed specifically for this model. From the side, the first four-door Coupé from BMW M GmbH is clearly distinguishable from the BMW M6 Coupé thanks to its rear doors and longer wheelbase. The low roofline flows smoothly into the rear, the side line – which takes in the door openers – and side windows extend well into the C-pillars accentuating the dynamically stretched silhouette.
Prominently flared wheel arches draw the eye to a wide track width specific to the BMW M6 Gran Coupé. The characteristic M gills, aerodynamically optimised exterior mirrors, High-gloss Shadow Line and exclusive 20-inch M light-alloy wheels underline the car’s distinctive appearance, as does another M signature – twin exhaust tailpipes positioned on the outer edges of the rear apron. Also integrated into the rear apron is a diffuser made from Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic which optimises airflow along the car’s underbody.
This lightweight, strong high-tech material is used in the roof as well. The visible carbon structure provides an eye-catching feature, as does a dynamic recess in the centre of the roof. Inside and the double curve roof profile is mirrored with an anthracite-coloured Alcantara headlining separated by a central section in leather. M Sport seats for the driver and passenger come as standard as does extended Merino leather upholstery. The rear seats, comprising two adult seats and one occasional use seat, have backrests that can split and fold down in a ratio of 40:60 to increase boot capacity from 460 litres to as much as 1,265 litres.
M – The most powerful letter in the world
The powertrain technology under the skin of the BMW M6 Gran Coupé guarantees renowned M performance. The V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology produces 560hp. It includes a pair of twin-scroll turbochargers, a cross-bank exhaust manifold, High Precision Direct Petrol Injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve timing and Double-Vanos continuously variable camshaft control. The 4,395cc unit keeps peak torque of 680Nm on tap between 1,500 and 5,750rpm, while maximum output is developed between 6,000 and 7,000rpm. The engine revs to a maximum of 7,200rpm. The BMW M6 Gran Coupé sprints from zero to 62mph in 4.2 seconds on the way to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. Average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle stands at 28.5mpg and CO2 emissions are 232g/km.
Taking care of power transfer is a seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission with DRIVELOGIC. The transmission’s electronic management system ensures the right gear is selected for optimum traction. It also offers the driver a Launch Control function for maximum acceleration, Low Speed Assistance for extra comfort and the Auto Start-Stop function to enhance efficiency.
Chassis
Under particularly dynamic acceleration out of corners, as well as in tricky road and weather conditions, the Active M Differential at the rear axle distributes the engine’s power between the individual wheels to maximum traction. Its electronically controlled multi-disc limited-slip differential works together with the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system and splits drive between the right and left rear wheels quickly and precisely according to the situation at hand.
The chassis in the BMW M6 Gran Coupé is geared to harnessing the car’s sporting potential in cases of supreme performance. Like the integral rear axle, the double-wishbone front axle has specific kinematics and components made from forged aluminium. Large panel chassis mountings ensure dynamic forces are passed evenly through to the body. The BMW M6 Gran Coupé comes as standard with an M-specific version of the Variable Damper Control (VDC) system and hydraulic variable-ratio rack-and-pinion steering with M Servotronic.
As an alternative to the standard high-performance compound braking system, the BMW M6 Gran Coupé can also be ordered with optional M Carbon ceramic brakes.Made from carbon-fibre compound ceramic, the discs boast even greater resistance to heat, lower weight and exceptional resistance to wear. Arranged around the gearshift lever on the centre console are the buttons used to configure the adjustable powertrain and chassis functions. The DSC mode, engine performance characteristics, Variable Damper Control mapping, M Servotronic responses and M DCT DRIVELOGIC shift program can be selected independently of each other. This allows the driver to put together a detailed set-up and store these settings on one of the two M Drive buttons on the multi-function steering wheel.
The standard equipment fitted to the BMW M6 Gran Coupé includes 20-inch M light-alloy wheels, leather trim, heated driver and front passenger seats, automatically dimming rear-view and exterior mirrors, BMW Professional Multimedia Navigation system and BMW Professional radio. Available as an alternative to the standard two-zone automatic climate control is a four-zone system with a control panel in the rear. Among the other highlights of the options list are M Multi-function seats, heated rear seats, Comfort Access, a heated steering wheel, the Soft Close Automatic function for the doors, electrically operated sun blinds and a Bang & Olufsen Advanced Audio system.
The BMW M6 Gran Coupé also comes with a variety of BMW ConnectedDrive features such as an M-specific BMW Head-up Display and Park Distance Control as standard. A rear-view camera, High Beam Assistant, Speed Limit Info, Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Surround View and BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition are optionally available. Customers can also integrate their Apple iPhone or other smartphones into the car and make use of internet-based services while on board.
The BMW M6 Gran Coupé will go on sale from 25 May, 2013, priced from £97,490 OTR.
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