Happenings

BMW M6 Convertible Preview At The Singapore Yacht Show

BY Joel Tam

The new BMW M6 Convertible makes its first Asian preview at the Singapore Yacht Show 2012, its second public appearance after its global debut at the New York International Auto Show.

Photos: Joel Tam & Low Fai Ming

Sharing that awesome powerplant from its M5 saloon brother, the new BMW M6 Convertible comes with a high-revving V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology that can generate up to 560hp, a seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic, Active M Differential andmodel-specific chassis technology.

Normally an option is most markets, our local cars will come fitted with 20-inch M light-alloy wheels as standard. On the options list is the new carbon-fiber ceramic discs that are not only larger, they weigh 19 kg less than the standard cast-iron units, and are more resistant to fade and last longer than the regular brakes.

It's a sexy looking thing, and by far the best looking M model to date in our books, but we'll wait till we get behind the wheel to tell you more. In the meantime, look out for our story on the new M5 in the next issue of N.GINE!

Like the BMW 6 Series Convertible, the M6 drop-top has the “fin” architectured soft-top roof. It also features a heated, vertical glass rear window, which is situated just behind the rear seats, and retracts independently of the soft-top itself. The automatic opening and closing process for the roof can be activated both at a standstill and while on the move at speeds of up to 40 km/h using a button on the centre console.

The optional Comfort Access allows the roof to be opened or closed by pressing the remote control button on the car key. It takes the roof 19 seconds to open and 24 seconds to close again.

Newly developed M multifunctional seats feel comfortable and is adjustable so you get optimum lateral support and they also feel good enough to cover long distances. The lightweight seats with integrated belt system have an M-specific design headlined by well-cushioned head and backrest bolsters.

The seven speed DCT can now be shifted via the paddles mounted to the new, smaller-rimmed steering wheel. The shift action on the paddles feels nicely stiff and weighty. We can't wait to put this new wheel into action!