BMW's 6-shooter Blasts Back In With V10

By Mat Watson

14th December 2004

But it's not only the engine that's special about this car; it features a carbon fibre roof, electronically adjustable suspension and a jet fighter-style head-up display. Set to arrive in the UK late in 2005, a number of exterior changes mark it out from lesser 6-Series models.

At the front, there's a deeper bumper with air intakes for improved engine and brake cooling, while the aerodynamics are improved by contoured side sills and a new rear diffuser. Other features include unique M badging, quad exhaust pipes and huge 19-inch wheels.

In the cabin, sports seats are standard, while a head-up display is projected on the inside of the windscreen. Information such as speed and engine revs, plus a gearshift warning light, will be shown in the driver's line of vision.

But it's the awesome 5.0-litre V10 engine - lifted from the new M5 - which will be this supercoup΃©'s main selling point. With 507bhp and 520Nm of torque on tap, the M6 can cover the sprint from 0-60mph in only 4.6 seconds and goes on to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. However, BMW claims that if derestricted, the car could top 200mph. To keep the power under control, large-diameter ventilated disc brakes and double-piston calipers have been fitted. The newcomer also features beefed-up suspension, with electronically adjustable dampers that have three different settings.

This isn't the only feature on the M6 that can be changed from behind the wheel, though. There are two different modes for the traction control system, plus 11 for the Formula One-style SMG semi-automatic gearbox. The engine's power can also be altered, dropping the output down to 400bhp.

Control of these features has been brought together through the MDrive system, so the driver can select a unique character for the car by pressing one steering wheel-mounted button.