BMW M6 Gran Coupe To Bow At 2013 NAIAS in Detroit

By Henny Hemmes
Senior European Editor
The Auto Channel

MUNICH, December 13, 2012. We already know the BMW M6 Convertible and M6 Coupe and this fall it became clear that the third super sporty variant of the 6-Series was well on its way. In October, a barely camouflaged M6 Gran Coupe was spotted testing on the Nürburgring, while in the meantime a BMW dealer accidentally revealed the car on the internet.

Today, BMW released the official details and photos of the latest model of M GmbH, that will make its world debut at the Detroit auto show.

The M6 Gran Coupe gets the well-known high revving 4,4-liter V-8 engine, that produces 412 kW/560 hp and has 502 pound-feet of torque. It is teamed to the seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic, of which the electronic management system automatically selects the right gear for optimum traction. The driver gen depend on Launch Control for maximum acceleration and Low Speed Assistance for extra comfort. Start-stop should be beneficial for fuel efficiency.

The Active M Differential at the rear axle distributes the V8’s power between both wheels: its limited-slip differential works together with DSC, dynamic stability control, to make a quick and precise split, according to the situation.

It speaks for itself, that also this new M6 model has the upgraded chassis that enables real sporty driving. Standard is the M-specific version of the Dynamic Damper Control system and the hydraulic variable-ration steering with M Servotronic.

Drivers can chose their own set up of the car with the buttons on the center console and store these on one of the two M Drive buttons on the steering wheel.

The M6 Gran Coupe rolls on 20-inch M light alloy wheels with rubber in the size 265/35 R20 up front and 295/350 R20 in the rear. M carbon-ceramic brakes will be available as an option.

The standard equipment is much the same as that of the M6 Coupe with leather trim and BMW Professional radio with hi-fi speakers, 2-zone automatic climate control, while a 4-zone unit with control panel for passengers in the rear is optional.

The excellent head-up display, in this case M-specific, and a slew of comfort and safety times, such as Surround View and Night Vision with pedestrian recognition are also standard. Smartphones can be integrated into the car to use internet-based services.

The four-door M6 weighs 55 pounds more than the M6 and is three-quarters of an inch higher. It should take him just 4.6 seconds to reach 62 mph from stand still and reaches a top speed of 155 mph, or 189 mph in conjunction with the optional M Driver’s Package. The average fuel consumption is 23.8 mpg (EU cycle) with a CO2 emission of 232 g/km.

The M-variant of the Gran Coupe finds competitors such as the Mercedes CLS 63 AMG (518 hp/519 lb-ft), or the Porsche Panamera Turbo (500 hp/516 lb-ft) on its way.

Technical specifications BMW M6 Gran Coupe

Engine		V8 90º
Valves		4/cyl.
Capacity	4,395 cc
Technology	M Twin Power Turbo technology with cross-bank exhaust maniford, Twin
                        Scroll Twin Turbo technology, High Precision Direct Petrol Injection,
                        Valvetronic and Double-Vanos
Max output	412 kW/560 hp @6000-7000 rpm
Max torque	680 Nm/ 502 lb-ft @1500-5750 rpm
Transmission	7-speed M Double Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic