BMW M6 E63
Hot on the heels of the new M5, and taking lightweight design solutions from the M3 CSL, the new BMW M6 E63 combines supercar presence with Grand Touring potential. Joining an exclusive club, the fourth new M car of the decade sets a new performance benchmark for a production car.
Hitting the Tarmac:
Like its predecessor - the legendary 1985 M635CSi - the new BMW M6 E63 resets the sports GT benchmark, with supercar performance, dispatching the zero to 62 mph sprint in 4.6 seconds and achieving a limited top speed of 155mph. If derestricted, the M6 would be capable of a 200 mph (or more) top speed. During tests at the famous Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit, the new M6 regularly clocked eight minutes lap times.
The suspension of the new M6 is based on the 'standard' 645Ci geometry. With the exception of components such as tie bars, wheel mounts and bearings, the double-arm spring strut front axle is made completely of aluminum. The U-shaped front subframe houses the rack and pinion steering assembly, anti-roll bar and track control arms. The Integral IV rear axle assembly is also made from aluminum to reduce unsprung masses. In addition, the new M6 features BMW's variable, speed-sensing M Differential Lock. Featured on all current BMW M models, the M Differential Lock builds up locking action whenever one of the rear wheels begins to spin, channeling drive to the wheel with the most grip to improve handling and stability.
Mechanics:
It shares the same 5.0 L V10 S85 engine and SMG III gearbox with the E60 M5 Peak power is developed at 7,750 rpm with the red line set at 8,250rpm. The 90-degree V10 aluminum-silicon alloy engine block is extremely light yet robust and is the first V-arrangement engine to use a bedplate construction. The aluminum bedplate with cast-iron inlays ensures the engine's rigidity throughout the rev range.
Masterminding all the M6's engine electronics is one of the most advanced engine control systems ever developed. The MS S65 control unit coordinates all engine functions using three 32-bit processors that handle more than 200 million operations per second from over 50 incoming signals. Each of the 10 cylinders has its own throttle butterfly, with its position being monitored 200 times per second. Reacting to changes in throttle position, the butterfly can move from closed to fully open in a mere 120 milliseconds (approximately three times faster than the blink of an eye).
Like the M5, the new M6 also uses BMW's new third-generation seven speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) with Drivelogic. Drivelogic offers the choice of 11 different change patterns, depending on the speed of change required. Six change patterns are available in the manual mode and five in the 'automatic' mode, in which the gearbox will automatically select the most appropriate gear depending on driving conditions.
The suspension of the new BMW M6 E63 is based on the 'standard' 645Ci geometry. With the exception of components such as tie bars, wheel mounts and bearings, the double-arm spring strut front axle is made completely of aluminum. The U-shaped front subframe houses the rack and pinion steering assembly, anti-roll bar and track control arms. The Integral IV rear axle assembly is also made from aluminum to reduce unsprung masses. In addition, the new M6 features BMW's variable, speed-sensing M Differential Lock. Featured on all current BMW M models, the M Differential Lock builds up locking action whenever one of the rear wheels begins to spin, channeling drive to the wheel with the most grip to improve handling and stability.
Styling:
Like other 6-Series models, the new BMW M6 E63 uses a hybrid construction of aluminum, thermoplastics and SMC (Sheet Moulding Compound). This mixture of materials delivers an extremely rigid, yet light, body structure. The front wings are made of thermoplastics, the doors and bonnet of aluminum and the boot lid, SMC. Like the legendary M3 CSL, but unlike the 630i and 645Ci, the new BMW M6 also uses carbon fiber in the construction of the roof panel to reduce the weight yet further.
Visually, the new M6 differentiates itself from the 6-Series by a deeper front valance with air intakes for the engine and brakes, more contoured sills and rear valance that includes a diffuser to increase aerodynamic efficiency. Nestling under the rear valance are BMW M's telltale four rear exhaust pipes. To complement the changes in body styling, the new M6 is available in four exclusive M colors: Indianapolis Red, Sepang Bronze, Interlagos Blue and Silverstone alongside three other 6 Series colors.
It is currently available as a coupe and a cabriolet. A lightweight CSL version of the M6 was expected to be released in the near future, however, BMW has since officially stated that no such version of the M6 will be built, as there is currently no market for such a model.
Interior:
Inside, the new BMW M6 E63 comes with fully adjustable M sports seats that include lumbar support and an adjustable backrest width as standard. They are covered in extended Merino leather, with the owner able to choose between Black, Silverstone or Sepang. As an option, full Merino leather can be specified in Indianapolis Red and Portland Natural Brown alongside the other three colors that includes a leather covered dashboard and Alcantara headlining.