The new BMW M6
The new BMW M6. Contents. 1. World Debut of the new BMW M6. (Short Version) 2. The new V10 Power Unit in the BMW M6: A Masterpiece in Engine Construction 3. The Seven-Speed SMG Gearbox: Shifting Gears like in Formula 1 4. The Chassis and Suspension of the BMW M6: Agile, Fast, Safe 5. Body, Design, Equipment: Light and Safe, Sporting and Luxurious 6. Production of the BMW M6: High-Tech and Individual Style in One 7. Positioning of the new BMW M6 8. Heritage of the BMW M6: Its Predecessors are already Legends: The BMW M635CSi and the BMW M1 9. Specifications 10.Exterior and Interior Dimensions 11.Output and Torque Diagram
World Debut of the new BMW M6
(Short Version)
Launching the new M6, BMW M GmbH is proudly presenting the most dynamic and
sporting rendition of the 6 Series Luxury Coupé. This makes BMW's large Coupé
in the guise of the M6 one of the most beautiful cars in the world - and at the
same time the most sophisticated and powerful 6 Series there has ever been:
five litres engine capacity, 10 cylinders, 507 bhp (373 kW), 520 Newton-metres
(383 lb-ft) maximum torque, and engine speed beyond the 8,000 rpm limit.
Together with the outstanding, uncompromising suspension designed and built
exclusively for sporting performance, this supreme power unit gives the BMW M6
all the qualities of a thoroughbred supersports. But unlike its competitors
usually offering only two seats, the BMW M6 comes with all the space and
comfort of a typical 2+2-seater, plus the luxurious features of a typical
luxury performance BMW.
The success principle: True power in a discreet package:
The BMW M6 shares its supreme power unit with the BMW M5. Ever since being
introduced in the M5, this engine has been acknowledged as the absolute
benchmark, just as the M5 is the very epitome of the Sports Saloon.
Now, introducing even more superior performance data, the BMW M6 sets a new
standard in the segment of high-performance 2+2-seater luxury sports cars.
Creating this unique model, the engineers at BMW M GmbH have focused not only
on the sheer power of the engine, but also on the weight of the body and, as a
result, the mass to be accelerated as quickly as possible on the road. Reducing
weight to a sensible minimum, the M6 comes with all the driving dynamics
required for the race track, while in terms of motoring comfort and equipment
it is simply ideal for all roads the world over. Not least, the body design of
the BMW M6 modified only discreetly versus the elegant look of the BMW Coupé
comes with all the understatement so characteristic of all M Models as their
elementary feature.
Interacting with the seven-speed SMG transmission, the magnificent chassis and
suspension, the elegant body in innovative lightweight technology, as well as
the wide range of luxury equipment, the ten-cylinder high-speed engine gives
the customer a brand-new dimension in motoring performance. It is indeed
difficult to find any genuine competitors to the M6, since all other more or
less comparable cars are either all-out supersports or sports saloons far
inferior in terms of agility. So given the car's innovative drive concept, a
power-to-weight ratio even better than on the M5, as well as unique handling -
and all this with all the everyday driving qualities of a large coupé ? the
engineers at BMW M GmbH rightly claim that the new BMW M6 truly comes in a
class of its own.
V10 power unit running at racing speeds.:
Sharing BMW's V10 power unit, the M5 and M6 come with one of the rare
high-speed engines in regular saloon and coupé production. Within the entire
BMW family, the V10 is indeed the most demanding engine in technical terms and,
without doubt, the top performer in every respect.
Power and performance, however, are not everything. Rather, what really counts
is a car's acceleration and driving dynamics on the road. And this depends,
first, on the weight of a car and, second, on the thrust and power which
actually goes to the drive wheels - which, in turn, is a result of engine
torque and the overall transmission ratio. BMW's high-speed engine concept
allows an optimum gearbox and final drive transmission ratio in all cases, thus
guaranteeing impressive thrust and momentum on the road at all times.
The perfect choice: High-revving concept:
A compact, high-revving normal-aspiration engine is the best of all strategies
in generating maximum engine output: Revving up to speed of 8,250 rpm, the V10
reaches a speed range reserved until recently to purebred racing cars alone. As
a result, the engine easily outperforms the magical limit of 100 bhp per litre,
again achieving specific output of a standard otherwise only found in
motorsport.
The two five-cylinder banks in the V10 are arranged at an angle of 90° in order
to optimise the standard of vibration control and motoring comfort offered by
full mass compensation on the crankdrive. Taking the substantial forces of the
combustion process, high engine speeds and vibrations into account, the
crankcase comes in bedplate design. The extremely stiff crankshaft, in turn,
runs in six bearings.
Variable dual-VANOS camshaft control ensures an optimum cylinder charge cycle
in the interest of extremely fast valve timing. On the road this means even
more performance, an improved torque curve, optimum responsiveness, lower fuel
consumption, and emissions reduced to a minimum. Again reflecting the typical
features of motorsport, each cylinder comes with its own throttle butterfly
masterminded fully electronically for each row of cylinders.
Twin-chamber exhaust system made of stainless steel:
Made of stainless steel without any connecting seams, the exhaust system comes
in twin-chamber configuration all the way to the silencers, before exhaust
emissions leave the car through the four tailpipes so characteristic of every
BMW M Car. It almost goes without saying that exhaust emissions meet the
European EU4 and, respectively, the US LEV2 standards, the M6 standing out from
the M5 also through its even more powerful and sporting sound.
This outstanding performance and emission management is ensured and
masterminded by the central engine management unit featuring the most powerful
processors currently to be found in any car anywhere, since the demands made of
the management system are obviously particularly stringent due to the very high
engine speed and the sum total of all control and management functions.
A particular highlight of the engine control unit is ionic current technology
serving to detect any tendency of the engine to knock, misfire and suffer
mis-combustion. This intelligent control unit is able to sense any tendency to
knock via the spark plug in each cylinder, checking the correct ignition
setting and recognising any tendency to misfire and thus allowing the engine to
run as closely as possible to its theoretical limits, developing optimum power
and performance in the process. The spark plug serves both as an actuator for
the ignition and as a sensor observing the combustion process.
Seven-speed SMG transmission conveying M Power to the road:
To develop all its qualities and assets, a high-speed power unit must be
combined with the right transmission. This is the only way, given the right
transmission ratios, for the drivetrain to develop all the power and torque
provided by the engine in giving the car optimum thrust and forward motion.
BMW's seven-speed SMG transmission is precisely the right manual gearbox for
conveying the power of the V10 via the drivetrain to the rear wheels. This
gearbox from BMW M is indeed the world's only sequential transmission with
seven gears and Drivelogic. With qualities even greater than on a six-speed SMG
gearbox, this transmission allows manual selection of gears with extremely
short gearshift times as well as comfortable cruising qualities thanks to the
automatic gear selection function. And at the same time the additional gear
keeps the increments between engine speed and torque even smaller, ensuring an
absolutely smooth process of one gear 'flowing' into the other.
The driver shifts gears in the SMG transmission either from the selector
lever or via paddles in the steering wheel. Compared with conventional SMG
transmission, the new generation of SMG technology performs the entire
gearshift process 20 per cent faster, gears merging directly into one another.
As a result, any interruption of the flow of power inevitable when shifting
gears now becomes hardly perceptible, the BMW M6 accelerating virtually without
the slightest jolt or interruption from a standstill all the way to top speed.
Drivelogic: The driver determines how SMG shifts gears:
Featuring its special Drivelogic function, SMG on the BMW M6 offers the driver
a total of 11 gearshift options allowing him to individually adjust the
gearshift characteristics of the SMG transmission to his personal style of
motoring.
Six of these driving programs come in the sequential manual function (S-mode),
ranging from smooth but dynamic all the way to supersports. Driving in the
S-mode, the driver shifts all gears manually. But thanks to the launch control
function SMG Drivelogic shifts gears automatically shortly before the engine
reaches its maximum speed, ensuring an optimum gearshift process with optimum
spin control all the way to the top speed of the BMW M6.
In the automatic shift mode (Drive = D-mode), the transmission shifts the seven
gears automatically as a function of the driving program currently in use, the
driving situation, road speed, and the position of the gas pedal.
SMG for even greater safety and motoring comfort:
Seven-speed SMG supports the driver not only in achieving and enjoying the
highest standard of performance comparable to genuine motorsport. Rather,
it also comes with many safety features opening up the clutch within fractions
of a second in a critical situation - for example when shifting down on a
slippery surface - in order to keep the car stable and free of excessive engine
forces acting on the drive wheels. A further special function is hill detection
adjusting the gearshift points on uphill and downhill gradients. Driving
uphill, this avoids the common phenomenon of the gears constantly shifting up
and down ('pendulum gearshift'), driving downhill the hill detection mode holds
lower gears in mesh longer than usual in order to capitalise on the engine's
braking effect.
Last but not least, SMG also enhances the particular sound effect of the V10
power unit: To quote a specialist commenting on this special sound, that
'brief, roaring rumble' is simply fantastic when the electronic control unit
responsible for the engine briefly gives intermediate gas in the process of
shifting down.
Maximum driving pleasure:
Interaction of the V10 power unit and seven-speed SMG gives the driver of the
BMW M6 Coupé driving pleasure of the highest calibre: Acceleration from
0-100 km/h comes in 4.6 seconds and the M6 reaches 200 km/h or 124 mph in just
about 14 seconds. Then, at a speed of 250 km/h or 155 mph, the electronic speed
governor ends the car's irresistible surge of power, while the speedometer
gives you an idea where the engine would take you without such electronic speed
control: the speedometer goes all the way to 330 km/h or 205 mph.
Lapping the Northern Circuit of Nürburgring in 8 minutes:
The world-famous Nordschleife, the Northern Circuit of the legendary
Nürburgring Race Track, is the perfect benchmark for measuring driving
dynamics. For it is here, on the world's most demanding race track, that the
exceptional stand out from the mediocre in terms of supreme driving dynamics.
Nowhere else is the interaction of all a car's components as clear as here,
when driving to the absolute limit. Lapping the Northern Circuit in around 8
minutes, the BMW M6 easily matches the most thoroughbred sports cars, clearly
beating the competition.
M Suspension: The icing on the cake of the BMW 6 Series:
Lap times of this kind clearly bear testimony to the M6' driving qualities.
Which is actually no surprise, considering that the chassis and suspension
already outstanding on the BMW 6 Series as such, as well as the modern
assistance systems, have been specially adapted on the M6 for truly
unparalleled M Performance. Compared with the M5, in turn, the wheelbase is
shorter and the car comes with a lower centre of gravity for extra agility on
the road. In terms of both chassis equipment and set-up, the M6 is therefore a
unique car in every respect.
Variable M Differential Lock:
The variable, speed-sensing M Differential Lock gives the M6 superior driving
stability and optimum traction particularly when accelerating out of a bend.
Even in very demanding driving situations, the differential offers crucial
advantages in terms of traction, for example with the drive wheels running on
very different surfaces with a wide range of different frictional coefficients.
A further advantage is the locking action immediately built up when necessary
to compensate any difference in speed between the drive wheels, thus ensuring
smooth and powerful drive forces at all times.
DSC with two dynamic driving programs available on demand:
The BMW M6 boasts a brand-new generation of DSC Dynamic Stability Control. With
the first stage of DSC being conceived for maximum driving safety, the M
Dynamic mode, as on the M5, is tailored to the sporting driver. And pressing a
button on the selector lever cover, the driver is able to switch off DSC
whenever he wishes.
EDC: From firm and taut all the way to comfortable and extra-smooth:
EDC Electronic Damper Control on the BMW M6 offers the driver the choice of
three programs available on demand: Comfort, Normal, and Sports, with the car's
chassis and suspension ranging from sporting and firm all the way to -
relatively - smooth and comfortable. The driver operates EDC via the MDrive
button on the steering wheel or the push button next to the SMG selector lever.
Power button activating special engine characteristics on demand:
In many situations the driver does not need all the power and agility of the
BMW M6 - for example in city traffic. So when the driver starts the engine, the
BMW M6 automatically sets off in its comfort-oriented P400 performance program
with 400 bhp engine output. But then all the driver has to do is press the
power button on the selector lever cover in order to use all the muscle and
dynamic performance of the supreme ten-cylinder. This also changes the response
of the engine, making it even more direct and responsive, both the P400 program
and the even more dynamic P500 sports program giving free rein to the driver's
wish for uncompromising motorsport performance.
High-performance brakes like in motorsport:
Reflecting its truly outstanding power and performance, the BMW M6 naturally
features extra-large high-performance brakes complete with cross-drilled
extra-low-weight compound brake discs. The double-piston swing callipers made
of aluminium, in turn, optimised for both weight and stiffness, ensure stopping
distances shorter than ever before: Applying the brakes from a speed of 100
km/h, the driver of the BMW M6 comes to a standstill after just 36 metres and
takes less than 140 metres to reach a stop from a speed of 200 km/h (124 mph).
High-performance athlete in a beautiful body:
With the BMW 6 Series already acknowledged as a strikingly beautiful car, the
M6 enhances this impression to an even higher standard, special design features
making this unique Coupé look even more powerful and dynamic, while remaining
discreet and unpretentious all the same.
The most eye-catching feature is the truly impressive front air dam. And like
all design features on a BMW M Car, this particular element focuses once again
primarily on its specific function: The V10 power unit requires roughly twice
as much cooling air as the V8 in the BMW 645Ci. Large secondary intake openings
to the left and right of the front air dam thus give the engine of the M6 even
more air to breathe and cool the brakes at the same time. Through their design
alone, finally, these air openings accentuate the sporting character of the car.
Lightweight engineering and beautiful design in perfect harmony:
Beneath the doors the side-sills powerfully contoured for aerodynamic reasons
again emphasise the dynamic impression of this sports coupé. At the same time
the side-sills stretch the car for an even sleeker look, making the BMW M6 even
lower and more dynamic in its appearance. The 19-inch forged aluminium wheels
developed especially for the M6, together with their five filigree double
spokes, are extremely light and provide a very good view of the large brake
discs. Compared with comparable wheels, the weight saving is 1.8 kilos per
wheel.
The M model logo in the ornamental slats at the side tells the connoisseur
right away that this car is one of the outstanding athletes within the BMW M
Family. And like on all M Models, the exterior mirrors come in their very own,
sporting look.
The rear air dam with its characteristic diffuser opening again serves first
and foremost to provide an aerodynamic function. But at the same time it adds
an even more sporting look to the car, the particular design of the diffuser
improving the flow of air along the underfloor and reducing lift forces. The
four tailpipes on the twin-chamber exhaust system bordering the diffuser
opening in pairs on either side are one of the signs of distinction so typical
of a BMW M Car.
First-ever carbon roof in series production:
The first car to feature a roof made of carbon was the BMW M3 CSL. Now,
following that special model built in small, strictly limited series, BMW M
GmbH is introducing a carbon roof on the M6 Coupé, thus raising this concept of
intelligent lightweight technology to a new dimension in series production.
Offering the same stability and crash safety as a steel roof, this carbon-fibre
material derived from motorsport is significantly lighter than aluminium, let
alone steel. The result is a significant reduction in weight and mass lowering
the car's centre of gravity and requiring less forces for acceleration or
coming to a stop.
Inside, the M6 stands out from the 'basic' model also through its even more
sophisticated Merino leather upholstery with a choice of three different
colours or - at extra cost - with full leather upholstery leaving absolutely
nothing to be desired.
A sports car for everyday motoring:
Despite its simply shuttering performance, the BMW M6 does not make any
compromises in terms of adequate roominess as well as active and passive safety
of the highest standard. Even the level of motoring comfort is virtually the
same as in the 'regular' model. And when it comes to both fuel economy and
environmental compatibility, the M6 again lives up the exemplary standard of
all BMWs.
