Rarely Have Power and Precision Been This Elegant
11/01/2006
BMW
For first time ever, the scintillating performance of the BMW M6 can be experienced with the wind in your hair in the new BMW M6 Convertible.
Like its stablemate, the BMW M6 Coupe, it combines a 500 horsepower V10 and a seven-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox with Drivelogic to deliver true supercar performance: 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds and a top speed electronically limited to155mph.
The M6 Convertible also shares the styling cues that clearly identify it as the work of BMW M - the aggressive and functional front air dam, the light alloy, open 19-inch wheels that showcase large compound/cross-drilled brakes as well as a rear air diffuser and four round tailpipes. It combines performance and motorsports technology with the elegance and functionality of the 6 Series Convertible; luxurious 2+2 seating, the generous trunk and the multi-layered soft-top to provide the open-air driving enthusiast with one of the most unique experiences on the road.
The 500 hp, V10, 7-speed SMG, 2+2 Convertible
With a redline in excess of 8,000 rpm, BMW's 500 horsepower V10 engine delivers its power in a way that many observers likened to a turbine- smooth, effortless and seemingly limitless. With its 5.0-liter capacity, this normally aspirated engine, also found in the M5 Sedan, delivers 100 horsepower-per-liter, a power output that not that long ago was exclusively racecar territory. The engine features double-VANOS variable valve timing, a motorsports-inspired lubrication system to protect the engine from oil starvation during high-speed cornering, ten individual throttle butterflies and powerful engine management electronics developed for Formula 1 racing.
Undoubtedly, the M6 Convertible driver may not need all the power of the V10 in all situations. A push of the steering wheel-mounted "M" button is all that is required to manage available power. In city traffic or while commuting, for example, the comfort-oriented P400 might be appropriate. P400 is automatically activated when the engine is first started and offers, as its name implies, 400 horsepower. All the driver has to do to call up the full 500 horsepower is push the button and select P500. Additionally, a P500 Sport mode is available for even more dynamic response.
The M6 Convertible comes standard with a seven-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox with Drivelogic. The unique SMG not only enables the driver to take full advantage of the "droptop's" performance potential but offers maximum flexibility as well. It offers the flexibility of shifting from either the paddles mounted behind the steering wheel or the console-mounted shift lever. It also offers the flexibility, through Drivelogic, of 11 different shift modes - six for the manual function (S-mode) and five for the automated mode (D-mode). Drivelogic allows the driver to tailor the shifting characteristics to the driving situation of the moment.
BMW M engineers are currently working on a six-speed manual transmission for the U.S. market for the M6 Coupe and Convertible that will be available in mid 2007 as a no-cost option.
Variable M Differential Lock and DSC with M Dynamic mode
The variable, speed-sensing M Differential Lock gives the M6 Convertible outstanding traction in all driving conditions, especially when accelerating out of a corner. Even in the most demanding situations, this intelligent differential provides a decisive edge in traction. This is especially beneficial when accelerating with the drive wheels on surfaces of varying coefficients of friction. Here the M Differential Lock immediately builds locking force with the increasing difference in speed between the drive wheels. Power is then able to get to the drive wheel with greater traction.
The BMW M6 Convertible also features a special version of BMW's Dynamic Stability Control. In addition to the normal DSC mode, there is the M Dynamic Mode. M Dynamic Mode retains all the functionality of DSC but waits for a higher threshold of wheel slip before engaging. As with all BMWs, the driver has the option of switching the system off completely.
Electronic Damper Control: freedom of choice
Electronic Damper Control (EDC) provides electronic adjustment of the shock absorbers according to the driver's wishes, driving style and road conditions. Simply by pressing the MDrive button on the steering wheel, the driver is able to choose the characteristics of the suspension in three steps: Normal, Comfort and Sport. Compared with the BMW M6 Coupe, shock absorber adjustment is somewhat more oriented to driving comfort, thus reflecting the nature of the Convertible design for style and refinement on the road. On the other hand, in the Sport program, the suspension set-up and characteristics are almost the same as on the Coupe. Within each mode, EDC continuously adjusts shock absorber firmness to actual conditions.
Racing-inspired brakes
Reflecting the M6 Convertible's enormous performance potential, it comes equipped with large, 14.7-inch front and14.6-inch rear brakes that feature weight-optimized cross-drilled compound rotors. These racing-developed brakes not only ensure outstanding stopping performance but also offer greater resistance to the effects of heat under extreme conditions. Tests show stopping distances of just under118 feet from 62 mph and less than 460 feet from 124 mph.
Braking safety is aided further by BMW's Adaptive Brakelight technology. Under hard braking, or whenever the ABS is engaged, the taillights illuminate in tandem with the brake lights and at the same intensity, giving following drivers a much bolder warning which helps them to react more quickly.
High-performance safety systems
The BMW M6 Convertible features state-of-the-art passenger protection systems, controlled by the Intelligent Safety and Information System (ISIS) that determines the intensity of a collision and activates the appropriate safety features quickly and precisely where they are needed. The three-point seat belts on all four seats are equipped with belt force limiters. The integrated restraint systems on the front seats feature belt latch tensioners, with two-stage front and side airbags to reduce the risk of injury.
Rollover protection is enhanced by a high-strength aluminum crossbar extending across almost the entire width of the car. Much like a roll cage in a racecar, the crossbar also increases body stiffness to provide superior handling. In the event of a rollover, the standard Rollover Protection System automatically deploys the rollbars within a fraction of a second.
Benefiting from its rigid body structure, the BMW M6 Convertible meets the highest standards in passive safety. The front structure is designed to give the car's occupants protection in a collision and the intelligent combination of high- and ultra-high-strength steel, aluminum and thermoplastics also enhances the car's safety qualities. As an example, the two V-shaped extrusion-pressed aluminum bars in the doors significantly reduce the risk and extent of intrusion in a side collision.
The windshield frame is designed to support maximum loads. Together with the high-strength steel A-pillars and the rollbars, stored in modules behind the rear headrests, it forms the basic structure to help provide a safe passenger compartment. The front and rear bulkheads, seat supports and body panels are reinforced to provide protection where loads and forces flow into the body in a collision.
A Tire Pressure Monitor system is standard equipment on the M6 Convertible and M6 Coupe.
Unique multi-layered, finned soft top provides a coupe profile
The M6 Convertible's soft top is made up of three layers. A special noise and heat insulating layer of polyurethane foam is held between the weather-proof outer layer and the interior roof lining. Its unique fin-look gives the M6 Convertible the same dynamic profile as the M6 Coupe. The C-pillar features the traditional BMW Hofmeister kink.
Although the roof covers a generous passenger compartment, it folds into compact dimensions. The vertical rear window requires very little storage space and can be raised or lowered independently of the roof. It can be lowered with the top up to provide additional ventilation and can be raised with the top down to act as a wind deflector. The roof can be raised or lowered if the car is traveling up to 20 mph. The top can be ordered in either black or grey.
A luxurious environment tailored to the driving enthusiast
The interior of the BMW M6 Convertible retains the luxurious look and feel of the 650i Convertible but has been enhanced with special touches that distinguish it as a BMW M product.
The exclusive seams on all the seats as well as the M logos on the headrests are immediately apparent, as are the shift paddles and shift lever unique to the Sequential Manual Gearbox. The white-on-black instruments feature the traditional BMW M red indicator needles.
The optional Head-Up Display presents essential information directly in the driver's field of vision, including directional information from the standard on-board navigation system. It also offers the choice of a special M display that includes road speed, transmission gear and an engine speed graphic.
Another unique element that will be instantly apparent to the driver is the steering wheel-mounted "M" button that allows the driver to adjust a variety of settings in the M6 Convertible including:
* Engine power: P400, P500 or P500 Sport
* SMG Drivelogic: One of six Sequential or five Drive modes
* Electronic Damping Control: Normal, Comfort or Sport
* Dynamic Stability Control: Normal, M Dynamic mode or off completely
* The Head-Up Display: Standard display or MView
Using iDrive, the driver can select a preferred setting for each of these in the MDrive display. Then with simple touch of the M button all the preferred settings are instantly engaged offering a custom-tailored driving experience.
The interior has been designed for easy access to the rear seats. In addition to room for passengers the M6 Convertible provides plenty of storage for their luggage. The flexible tray for the convertible top can be folded out of the way when the top is up to create additional luggage space. There is room for one large plus one small hard-shell case. Alternatively there is room for two 46-inch golf bags with enough room left for a medium-sized hard-shell case.
The BMW M6 Convertible is available in standard BMW colors such as Black Sapphire, Silver Gray Metallic, Monaco Blue and Stratus Gray. It is also offered in special M colors including Indianapolis Red, Interlagos Blue, Silverstone and Sepang Bronze. Elegant Merino Leather upholstery is offered in a choice of three colors: Black, Silverstone and Sepang Bronze. Full leather is available as an option in the three standard colors as well as Indianapolis Red and Portland Brown.
Merino Leather is made with a particularly mild tanning process that highlights its natural character and retains its open pores. This keeps the surface area soft and supple and gives the interior an exclusive ambiance.
The interior may be further accented with the choice of either of two wood trims or optional carbon fiber trim.
Standard and optional features suit such an exclusive automobile
Befitting the exclusive nature of the M6 Convertible, the list of standard features includes auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors, Park Distance Control, On-board Navigation, Adaptive Xenon Headlights, Reat Time Traffic Information and Bluetooth hands-free phone interface.
Also included is BMW Assist for four full years and enrollment in an exclusive one-day M driver training course at the BMW Performance Center in Spartanburg, SC. The standard Logic7 sound system with surround sound simulation may be enhanced with optional Sirius Satellite Radio and High Definition Radio. The M6 Convertible owner may also travel with his or her complete music library thanks to the center-installed BMW Interface for iPod. Other options include the Head-up Display and BMW Comfort Access.
Confronting the convertible conundrum
Despite their undeniable good looks, convertibles have had the reputation of not providing a stable enough platform for crisp, precise handling, especially when combined with a high-horsepower engine. In fact, conventional automotive wisdom has long held that the more power a convertible has the more its handling suffers. That's because the very feature that was most appealing to open-air driving enthusiasts, the folding soft top, often sapped the chassis of the rigidity necessary for knife-edge driving dynamics.
So can a 500-horsepower convertible really deliver supercar-like performance?
BMW M engineers focused on this critical issue realizing full well that their credibility was on the line. In what must be considered the ultimate validation of their efforts, the M6 Convertible can lap the 12-mile Nordschleife (North Loop) of Germany's legendary Nürburgring racetrack nearly as fast as the M6 Coupe.
M6 Coupe: The 500-horsepower "Super Coupe"
The BMW M6 Coupe made its North American debut at the Los Angeles International Auto Show in January, 2006 and almost immediately earned the nickname "Super Coupe".
It had been more than 15 years since the last M6 was available in the U.S. market. Like that car, the all-new M6 Coupe features a motorsports-inspired engine, this time a 500-horsepower V10 powerplant it shares with the M5 Sedan and a seven-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox. The M6 Coupe is capable of extraordinary performance: 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds and an electronically limited top-speed of 155 mph within the elegant lines of the BMW 6 Series Coupe.
Motorsports-inspired drivetrain and suspension
The new M6 Coupe features a Formula 1-inspired, normally aspirated V10 engine. This 500-horsepower engine is capable of speeds in excess of 8,000 rpm, mated to a seven-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox featuring Drivelogic, literally putting 11 different shift programs (six Sequential or five Drive modes) at the driver's fingertips.
The M6 Coupe suspension features Electronic Damping Control (EDC) with three settings selected by the driver. The system has been tailored by BMW M to provide the right firmness when needed for enthusiastic driving while maintaining ride comfort for cruising. The M Variable Differential Lock enables the M6 Coupe to effectively put its considerable power to the ground, particularly when on slippery surfaces and when accelerating out of corners.
The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system has also been tailored to include the M Dynamic mode for those occasions when the driver wishes to have a higher level of wheel slip without disengaging the system. Of course, in true BMW fashion, DSC may be switched off completely when desired.
Innovative weight saving
The M6 Coupe builds on the intelligent weight saving innovations pioneered on the
6 Series Coupe and Convertible, such as an aluminum front structure, sheet-molded compound trunk lid and thermoplastic front fender liners.
Taking these concepts further, the M6 Coupe features one of the first carbon fiber roof panels on a production automobile. As with many of BMW's weight saving innovations, the lightweight roof pays double dividends. In addition to saving overall weight, it lowers the M6 Coupe's center of gravity, contributing to its agility. The front and rear bumper supports are also made of carbon fiber. The large front rear cross-drilled disc brakes are of a compound designed with an aluminum center hub which reduces unsprung weight for greater handling responsiveness.
Unique style offered with many exterior and interior choices
As is the case with the new M6 Convertible, the M6 Coupe features subtle functional design touches such as a unique front air dam designed to direct more airflow to the V10 engine and front brakes. The rear air diffuser, flanked by four round tailpipes, is designed to reduce rear lift for greater stability at higher speeds. Other styling touches include side gills in the front fenders, sculpted rocker panels, and M-style side view mirrors. The palette of seven exterior colors includes four exclusive to BMW M: Silverstone II, Interlagos Blue, Sepang Bronze and Indianapolis Red. The tailored interior is offered with eight upholstery choices, which include five full-leather options and a choice of three interior trim options.
A driver-tailored driving experience
Like the M5 Sedan, the M6 Coupe offers its driver the ability to tailor the driving experience. The driver can choose three engine programs- P400, P500 and P500 Sport. Drivelogic puts 11 shift programs (six Sequential or five Drive modes) for the seven-speed SMG at the driver's fingertips. Electronic Damping Control offers three levels of shock absorber firmness- Normal, Comfort and Sport. Even the Dynamic Stability Control system offers a choice of standard and M Dynamic modes as well as the option of switching off the system. These combine for a total of 279 settings. The MDrive feature allows the driver to custom-tailor each of these settings into one program, which can be instantly selected with a touch of the steering wheel-mounted M button.
The M6 tradition
As their predecessor did nearly two decades ago, the BMW M6 Convertible and Coupe combine the style of the BMW 6 Series with the best performance that the BMW M engineers have to offer.
BMW Ultimate ServiceTM:
providing owners with incredible value and peace of mind
For Model year 2007, BMW announces BMW Ultimate ServiceTM, a suite of services that includes the BMW Maintenance Program (formerly called Full Maintenance), Roadside Assistance, the New Vehicle Limited Warranty and BMW AssistTM with Teleservice.
BMW Ultimate ServiceTM includes:
The BMW Maintenance Program is the only no-cost maintenance program in the industry that covers wear and tear items like brake pads and rotors for 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. BMW owners pay nothing for all scheduled inspections, oil changes, brake pads, wiper blade inserts and other wear-and-tear items.
BMW Roadside Assistance is one of the industry's most comprehensive plans available. Not only is it no-charge for the first 4 years, but there is no mileage limit. BMW drivers enjoy the assurance of on-the-road help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, anywhere in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. This includes everything from flat tire changes, emergency gasoline and lock-out assistance, to towing, alternative transportation and even trip-interruption benefits. This service also includes valuable trip routing advice.
BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty: All 2007 BMW passenger vehicles are covered by BMW's excellent Limited Warranty, which includes:
- New-vehicle warranty - 4-year/50,000-mile coverage of the vehicle.
- Rust-perforation warranty - 12-year/unlimited-mileage coverage.
BMW AssistTM provides the driver with services that enhance on-the-road security and convenience, for added peace of mind. BMW AssistTM is available as a stand-alone option and is included in the Premium Package. Starting with MY 2007 vehicles, BMW is the only manufacturer that will offer this service for 4 years. Most other services only cover 1 year of service.
The in-vehicle equipment for BMW Assist includes GPS technology and SOS/Assist functions in the front overhead console. Vehicle occupants may request emergency or other services simply by pressing a button; the BMW Assist system then transmits the location and vehicle information to the BMW Assist Response Center. A response specialist will then speak with the occupants to coordinate dispatch, notify emergency contacts on file, and link BMW Roadside Assistance or emergency services as needed and requested. Deployment of an airbag automatically activates BMW Assist as well.
A four-year subscription to the BMW Assist Safety Plan is included with the option. In addition to the safety-related benefits, subscribers to the BMW Assist Convenience Plan (available at extra cost) can call a toll-free 800 number to avail themselves of many BMW Assist Concierge services, from travel planning to dining reservations, shopping assistance and event tickets, as well as directions, and traffic and weather information. As before, included with BMW AssistTM is Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity which includes hands-free access to your phonebook.
TeleService automatically notifies the BMW center when a vehicle needs service. This feature allows the Service Advisor to proactively set up a customer appointment and have the needed parts ready. TeleService is Included with the BMW Assist Safety Plan.
Performance with a conscience
BMW strives to produce its motor vehicles and other products with the utmost attention to environmental compatibility and protection. Integrated into the design and development of BMW automobiles are such criteria as resource efficiency and emission control in production; environmentally responsible selection of materials; recyclability during production and within the vehicle; elimination of CFCs and hazardous materials in production; and continuing research into environmentally friendly automotive power sources. Tangible results of these efforts include the recycling of bumper cladding into other vehicle components; water-based paint color coats and powder clear coats; near-future availability of hydrogen-powered models; and various design and engineering elements that help make BMWs easier to dismantle at the end of their service life.