New BMW M6 2012

BMW has revealed the new 2012 M6 - which will be known as the 2013 model in the US - the hottest version of the 6 Series - in both coupe and convertible form. Using the same 560hp 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 as the BMW M5, it rushes from 0-60mph in 4.2 seconds.

Prices for the new M6, which will be offered as a coupe (BMW codename F13) and Convertible (codename F12) when UK sales begin on 15 September 2012, start from £93,795.

What has BMW done to the styling of the 6 Series to create the M6?
Visually, the new BMW M6 has been beefed up to both hone the aerodynamics and also ensure the twin turbos are fed with enough fresh air. It is much more muscular than the standard 6 Series.

What is different at the front of the BMW M6?
The air intakes in the front bumper have been enlarged to supply cool air to the engine and brakes, which sit above a new BMW M apron. There are Adaptive LED headlights and the kidney grille has been given the M treatment with black slats.

What is special about the profile of the BMW M6?
The front wings of the BMW M6 are wider, to accommodate a 30mm wider front track. Behind the front wheelarches are chrome-finish M gills.

What is special about the rear of the BMW M6?
Quad exhausts feature at the rear of the BMW M6, which are set either side of an aerodynamic diffuser: all part of BMW's 'pursuit of aerodynamic excellence', says the firm.

Has BMW used any special composites in building the M6?
The BMW M6 is made from a mix of steel, aluminium and composite. The doors and bonnet are aluminum; front wings are plastic; boot lid and Convertible roof cover are SMC fiberglass.

What is special about the twin-turbo V8 in the new M6?
The 560hp BMW M TwinPower Turbo engine has its two turbos mounted within the vee of the engine, for near-instant throttle response. It has direct fuel injection, Valvetronic variable valve timing and Double VANOS variable camshaft control. It can rev to 7,200rpm - 'unusually high for a turbocharged engine' says BMW.

What is the top speed of the new BMW M6?
BMW limits the top speed of the new M6 to 155mph, following German convention. Expect to see a model with a liberated top speed go on sale at some point: It seems a fair assumption the new M6 is easily capable of exceeding 190mph...

How flexible is the performance of the BMW M6?
The peak pulling power of the engine is spread from 1,500rpm to 5.750rpm, which means the new M6 is considerably more flexible than the old one.

How much more potent than the old BMW M6 is the new model?
The new M6 has 53hp more than the outgoing 5.0-litre V10 M6. With 502lb ft, the new car also has 30 per cent more pulling power than the old one - that's 153lb ft more! It reaches 60mph from rest 0.2 seconds faster than the old model.

Will there be a 2012 M6 Convertible?
BMW will sell an M6 Convertible alongside the coupe from launch. Despite being heavier, it is barely any slower: the top speed is an identical 155mph and 0-60mph takes just 0.1 seconds more.

How fuel-efficient is the BMW M6?
The new M6 is 30 per cent more fuel efficient than the old one. It can average 28.5mpg and emits 232g/km CO2. A larger 80-litre fuel tank also means the driving range is much larger than the old car.

Does the BMW M6 have any special green features?
BMW's EfficientDynamics programme sees the new M6 feature engine stop-start, brake energy regeneration and active aerodynamics. The twin-turbo V8 is also inherently more fuel-efficient than the old 5.0-litre V10.

What gearbox does the BMW M6 use?
The new BMW M6 uses a seven-speed M DCT double clutch gearbox that has three electronic shift programmes. It has near-seamless shifts that will be much smoother than the old M SMG gearbox. There is also a Launch Control function, and manual gearshifting via steering wheel paddles.

How does the BMW M6 put its power to the ground?
The BMW M6 is rear-wheel drive. To help these two big tyres deal with 560hp being channeled through them, BMW fits an M Differential - an electronically controlled limited slip differential. This has a locking range from 0-100 per cent to aid traction when cornering.

Interestingly however, four wheel drive is coming to the BMW 6 Series soon - but not in this particular model it seems.

What special controls does the BMW M6 driver have?
BMW fits two 'M' buttons on the steering wheel of the M6. Labeled M1 and M2, these buttons call up pre-programmed configurations for the steering, gearshift patterns, engine response, suspension dampers and DSC stability control.

Has the M division tuned the brakes?
Big 400mm front disc brakes are fitted as standard, with six-piston calipers marked out by a dark metallic blue finish. A new option is the availability of super-powerful lightweight carbon ceramic discs: gold brake calipers identify these.

How big are the wheels on the BMW M6?
As standard, the new BMW M6 comes with 19-inch forged alloys with seven double spokes. 20-inch wheels are optional: these can be identified by their five double-spoke design.

What has BMW done to the suspension of the M6?
BMW has redesigned the front axle of the M6 and bolted the rear axle directly to the body. Many parts have been replaced with forged aluminium components and electro-hydraulic dampers feature three-setting Variable Damper Control.

How long does it take to lower the roof of the BMW M6 Convertible?
The roof of the M6 Convertible can be lowered in 19 seconds - and the driver (or passenger, via the centre console button) can do it at speeds of up to 25mph. The roof comes in three colours: black, beige or Anthracite Silver fleck.

What is special about the roof of the BMW M6 coupe, then?
The new BMW M6 coupe has a carbonfibre-reinforced plastic roof panel. This is lighter than metal, so lowers the centre of gravity and thus improves the handling. It is also finished in exposed fibre weave, which BMW accentuates with dark metal trim around the side windows.

How has BMW transformed the interior of the M6?
Trademark M dials with red needles and white illumination feature within the M6: they also carry an illuminated M logo. The bespoke M head-up display has special graphics when in M mode, and the steering wheel has stitching finished in the three colours of the BMW M logo: blue, purple and red.

What has BMW done to the seats of the M6?
BMW has fitted lightweight M Sport seats to the new M6. These electrically-adjusted pews have pneumatic lumber adjust and an extendible under-thigh support. The seatbelts are built in and their amble side bolstering is clad in Merino leather, finished off with an M logo embossed in the shoulder area.

What standard equipment does the BMW M6 get?
The BMW M6 comes as standard with a full leather interior and M Sport seats, sat-nav with 10.2" colour screen, dual-zone climate control and a veritable array of buttons to control the various chassis, engine and gearbox settings.

How much does the BMW M6 cost?
The BMW M6 coupe costs £93,795 and the BMW M6 Convertible costs £98,996. Both models go on sale in the UK on 15 September 2012, after debuting at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2012. Join us on 6th March here at MSN Cars for full coverage of the official unveiling.