BMW M6

As if the M5 saloon wasn't rapid enough, engineers have made the coupé even faster, more agile and extreme. At the heart of BMW's high-performance flagship is a 5.0-litre V10 producing 507bhp. The powerplant feeds 520Nm of torque through a seven-speed clutchless manual SMG gearbox. In the sharpest of the transmission's six modes, each gearchange takes only 65 milliseconds, and the results are breathtaking.

Those brave enough to use all available power will get to 62mph from rest in only 4.6 seconds, while the BMW is said to have an unrestricted top speed of 205mph. However, showroom models are limited to 155mph, while the driver can also reduce power to 394bhp at the push of a button for city driving.

It might seem a shame to strangle the BMW's performance, but the rear-wheel-drive coupé can be an intimidating car to drive. Turn off the traction control and the rear easily loses grip, resulting in big powerslides to keep track day fans entertained.

With a shorter wheelbase than the M5, the two-plus-two is far more agile, and offers superb handling and body control. This is partly down to the use of carbon fibre and other weight saving materials, and also due to BMW's highly adjustable electronic damper control system.

The brakes make up the final element in the M6's impressive armoury. The uprated discs and calipers provide brutal stopping power, and make the BMW a complete driver's car. Visually, the new flagship is set apart from the 6-Series range by a deep front bumper with large air intakes, side skirts and an aggressive rear dominated by four exhaust pipes. Inside, owners sit on figure-hugging leather seats and are reminded that they opted for the flagship 6-Series by lots of M badges in the cabin.

Exact prices are still to be confirmed, but the M6 is scheduled to go on sale in the UK in October, and is expected to cost around ΂£80,000.