ecarhq - Auto

Article and Photos by: BMW Motors
Date: 06.21.2006

In Depth: The New BMW M6 Convertible

CLICK ABOVE FOR MORE IMAGES

Here is the article you requested:

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – June 21, 2006… BMW M announces the arrival of the ultimate 2+2, open air driving experience – the new BMW M6 Convertible. Like its Coupe stablemate, the M6 Convertible combines a 500 horsepower V10 and the seven-speed Sequential M Gearbox with Drivelogic. It also combines the luxury and elegance of the 6 Series Convertible with true super-car performance – 0 – 60 mph in about 4.5 seconds and a top speed electronically limited to 155 mph. With production beginning this September, the 2007 M6 Convertible will begin arriving in U.S. showrooms this fall.

The M6 Convertible has all of the performance capabilities of the M6 Coupe in addition to the styling cues that clearly identify this car as the work of BMW M – the aggressive and functional front air dam, the light and open 19-inch wheels that showcase

the large compound/cross-drilled brakes as well as the tail-end treatment featuring air-diffuser and four round tailpipes. It combines it with the elegance and functionality of the 6 Series Convertible – the luxurious 2+2 seating, the generous trunk and the multi-layered soft-top. This rare combination will provide the open-air enthusiast with one of the most unique driving experiences on the road.

It is a true luxury car, but as a true product of BMW M, its reflexes were honed on the race track.

The 500 hp, V10, 7-speed SMG, 2+2 Convertible

The M6 Convertible takes full advantage of the high-revving, 500 hp BMW V10 engine. With a redline in excess of 8,000 rpm, this engine delivers its power in a way that feels like nothing else. With its 5.0-liter capacity, this normally aspirated engine delivers a genuine 100 hp/liter, once exclusive racecar territory. This engine combines state-of-the-art electronics, including double-VANOS variable valve timing, with technology straight from motorsports like ten individual throttle butterflies.

The driver may not need all the power of the V10 in all situations. In city traffic or while commuting, for example, the comfort-oriented P400 setting may suit. P400 is automatically activated when the engine is first started and offers, as the name implies, 400 horsepower. All the driver has to do to call up the full 500 hp is push the power button. A P500 sport mode is also available for even more dynamic response.

In order to take full advantage of the available power, the M6 Convertible comes standard with the seven-speed Sequential M

Gearbox with Drivelogic. The unique SMG not only enables the driver to take full advantage of the performance potential but it also offers maximum flexibility as well.

It offers the flexibility of shifting from either the paddles mounted behind the steering wheel or the console mounted shift lever. It also offers the flexibility, through Drivelogic, of 11 different shift modes – six for the manual function (S-mode) and five for the automated mode (D-mode). Drivelogic gives the driver the flexibility to tailor shifting characteristics to suit the driving style of the moment.

The result is 0 – 60 mph in about 4.5 seconds and a top-speed electronically limited to 155 mph. It is a true testament to the chassis engineers at BMW M that the M6 Convertible can lap the famous Nordschleife at the Nurburgring nearly as fast as the M6 Coupe. It accomplishes this without sacrificing comfort thanks to a specially tuned suspension featuring Electronic Damping Control. EDC not only offers the driver the choice of three settings ranging from Sport to Comfort, but it also constantly adjusts the shock-absorber firmness to the given driving conditions.

Variable M Differential Lock and DSC with M Dynamic mode

The variable, speed-sensing M Differential Lock gives the M6 Convertible outstanding traction in all driving conditions, particularly when accelerating out of a bend. Even in the most demanding situations, this intelligent differential provides a decisive edge in traction. This is especially beneficial when accelerating with the drive wheels on surfaces of varying coefficients of friction. Here, the M Differential Lock immediately builds locking force with the increasing difference in speed between the drive wheels. Power is then able to get to the drive wheel with greater traction.

Befitting its character the BMW M6 Convertible offers a special version of BMW’s Dynamic Stability Control. In addition to the normal DSC mode, there is the M Dynamic Mode. The M Dynamic Mode retains all the functionality of DSC but waits for a higher threshold of wheel slip before engaging. As with all BMWs, the driver has the option of switching it off completely.

Page 1 | 2