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(From BMW's Press Release)
THE NEW BMW M6

After a 15 year absence the M6 is back

Woodcliff Lake, NJ, December 14, 2004… It has been 15 years since the M6 last graced these shores. With the new M6, which is based on the new 6 Series, the engineers from BMW M GmbH have created a truly awe inspiring sports coupe.

The new M6 shares its drivetrain with the recently introduced M5. The new V10 produces
507 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque by European measure. This new engine is mated to a seven-speed SMG transmission. In the tradition of BMW M, the chassis has been engineered to keep up with the power while the exterior treatment is subtle, yet distinctive. In the interest of improved responsiveness, the M6 takes the lightweight technology of the 645Ci to an even higher level.

Race inspired, high revving V10
This engine was engineered to rev, with a redline of 8,250. With 25 percent more power than the previous M5’s V8, this new engine offers 100 horsepower per liter of displacement, pure race car territory. The 90o V10 is designed for maximum stiffness and minimum vibration.

The new V10 features double-VANOS variable valve timing. Each cylinder has its own electronically controlled throttle butterfly. The new MS S65 engine management system uses the most powerful processors currently approved for use in automobiles. It has been designed specifically to deal with the V10’s high output and high revs as well as the comprehensive controls that are required.

Seven-speed SMG gearbox features Drivelogic
The driver of the new M6 is able to maximize the potential of the new V10 engine with a seven-speed SMG gearbox. Like other BMW SMG gearboxes shifts can be made from either the lever on the center console or the paddles on the steering wheel. Compared to the previous SMG, gear changes happen 20 percent faster with this latest generation SMG, making for smooth, crisp shifts.

With Drivelogic, at the driver’s disposal are eleven program options. This enables the SMG’s shift characteristics to be tailored to suit the driving situation and the mood. Six of these programs can be selected in the sequential manual gearbox mode (S mode). These programs adjust shifting speed and style because, in the S mode, the driver does all the shifting. In the Drive (D mode) the transmission shifts automatically, depending on which of the five programs is selected, the driving situation, the road speed and the position of the accelerator pedal.

Taken together the drivetrain of the new M6 provides truly awe inspiring performance. From rest 60 miles per hour will be reached in well under five seconds. The rush of acceleration never lets up until the electronically limited top speed of 155 miles per hour. The top speed may be limited but with the speedometer reaching all the way to 205 mph, the mind conjures intriguing possibilities.

The perfect blend of ride comfort and agility
The aluminum suspension on the M6 has been engineered to match its performance. The suspension is mated to 19-inch wheels with performance tires. Keeping power on the road is critical, so the M6 features the Variable M differential lock. By constantly monitoring and comparing the speed of the rear wheels, the Variable M differential lock can ensure that power gets to the drive wheel with the most traction even in extreme driving situations. Its benefits are particularly apparent when accelerating out of a corner.

The Dynamic Stability Control system in the M6 has been designed to suit its performance. Of course, the DSC can be deactivated at the push of a button. The M6’s DSC also offers the choice of two driving dynamics programs. One allows DSC to function the way it always has. At the touch of a button, the M Dynamic Mode is engaged which lets DSC facilitate more spirited driving.

To ensure that this level of handling does not compromise ride quality, the new M6 features Electronic Damping Control, with three program modes (comfort, normal, sport). EDC constantly adjusts the suspension to suit the driving conditions.

To complement its performance potential, the M6 is equipped with generously sized high performance brakes with perforated compound brake discs. The aluminum twin-piston brake calipers have been designed for minimum unsprung weight and maximum stiffness. They will haul the new M6 to a stop from 62 mph (100 km/h) in under 120 feet and from 124 mph (200 km/h) in just under 460 feet.

Styling is subtle but purposeful
In the tradition of BMW M, the exterior styling of the new M6 follows the “wolf in sheep’s clothing” philosophy. The casual observer may not, at first glance, recognize the M6’s performance potential. The less casual observer instantly will. The modified front spoiler and rear apron are instant giveaways. So too are the modified side sills. The wheel arches are more prominent in order to house the generous wheel and tire package. Following BMW M’s recent traditions, the new M6 has more aerodynamic exterior mirrors, four tailpipes and exclusive wheels.

The 6 Series already incorporates impressive lightweight technology with extensive use of aluminum as well as thermoplastics and sheet molded compound. In an effort to keep weight to a minimum, the M6 goes a step further with the addition of a carbon-fiber roof.

As a full 2+2 the M6 offers generous seating for four. The large trunk boasts plenty of room for luggage. The exclusive leather interior features sports seats. Other styling touches, from the instrument cluster to the center console and the steering wheel are all unique to the M6. Even the optional head-up display is M-specific.

The all-new BMW M6 combines the comfort and amenities one expects of a luxury coupe with the performance capability and driving experience that can be provided by few cars of any type. There is still no confirmed date for the launch of the M6 in the U.S., but typically M cars come to market two years after the launch of the core model, the 645Ci in this case which launched in the Spring of 2004.  

Or you could wait a year or two afterwards for the 600-pounds-lighter, $50,000 cheaper, and possibly faster V8 M3 to stomp it.  Unlike the M5, the M6 doesn't even hold the one advantage of more passenger room.
A speedboat, but a boat just the same.