After the M6 Convertible and Coupe, BMW officially unveiled today the all-new M6 Gran Coupe. As expected, the car is powered by the same engine found on the coupe and cabriolet versions of the M6, which means a 4.4-liter V8 with M TwinPower Turbo technology, capable to deliver 560 hp and 680 Newton metres (502 lb-ft) of torque.
For those who don’t know, same engine is found also on the 2012 Bmw M5. The V8 can push the M6 Gran Coupe from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.2 seconds and has a top speed electronically limited to 250 km/h/155 mph (305 km/h/189 mph if the optional M Driver’s Package is specified). This means that the M6 Gran Coupe is as fast as the convertible and coupe versions and faster than the M5.
Still, the fuel consumption remains low and in the EU test cycle it stands at 9.9 litres per 100 km (28.5 mpg imp) and CO2 emissions are 232 grams per kilometre. The engine is bolted to a seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic, which offers a Launch Control function for maximum acceleration and Low Speed Assistance for extra comfort as well as the Auto Start-Stop function.
And because it is an M car, the chassis has also been geared to harnessing the car’s sporting potential. Regarding the design, we can’t say we are surprised by something, as many of you saw the leaked photos. The M6 Gran Coupe is just an M6 Coupe with two extra doors. The 20-inch M light-alloy wheels are new and we must admit that they look impressive. Pricing starts at 128,800 euros in Germany, including 19% VAT. The new Bmw M6 Gran Coupe will hit the market in May 2013.
BMW M6 Gran Coupe’s chassis technology is also meant to harness the vehicle's sport possibilities to perform excellently. The integral rear axle and the double-wishbone front axle have special kinetics and parts produced from forged aluminium. Large panelled chassis mountings make sure that the energy forces pass evenly across the body. The M6 Gran Coupe comes with standard M-specific Dynamic Damper Control system version and a hydraulic variable-ratio rack-and-pinion steering with the M Servotronic functionality.
Instead of the high-performing standard compound brake system, the M6 Gran Coupe can be also ordered with brakes made of M carbon-ceramic. Manufactured from a new carbon-fibre compound ceramic, the discs have even more heat resistance, less weight, and excellent wear resistance.
Configured around the centre console’s gearshift lever of the M6 Gran Coupe are the buttons for customising all the adjustable powertrain and chassis functionalities. The DSC mode, engine characteristics, Dynamic Damper Control mapping, M Servotronic responses, and M DCT Drivelogic shift programmes can be chosen separately from all the others. This means that the driver can create a finely tuned set-up that is stored in one of two M Drive buttons on the multi-use steering wheel.