Happenings

BMW M6 Convertible - Now You Can Officially Have One

BY Azfar Hashim

Although it was already given a prior press review, BMW's hyper convertible can now be officially ordered for local buyers

BMW Asia has announced the launch of the new BMW M6 Convertible, which will be retailing exclusively at Munich Automobiles Pte Ltd – the world’s first dedicated BMW M dealer and authorized BMW service centre.

“Just two months after its Asian sneak preview at the Singapore Yacht Show 2012, the much-anticipated new BMW M6 Convertible has officially arrived at our shores. This latest rendition offers not only a high-performance sports car with superior performance attributes, but one with an extremely exclusive character as well,” said Mr Neil Fiorentinos, Managing Director of BMW Group Asia.

The new BMW M6 Convertible now comes with a high-revving V8 engine with BMW M TwinPower Turbo technology that can generate up to 560 hp (+10%) and up to 680 Nm (+30%) of torque, and the ability to complete the century sprint in just 4.3 seconds.

The new BMW M6 Convertible further sports classical proportions, bearing sporty yet elegant lines of the new BMW 6 Series and the familiar design language of BMW M Automobiles form the foundations for its eloquent body design. Powerfully taut surfaces and precise contours underline the athletic aura of the new model.

Additionally, a model-specific interpretation of hallmark BMW M styling cues includes design details which are influenced directly by technical considerations — such as the cooling air required, chassis geometry and aerodynamics — and therefore further highlight the car’s outstanding performance attributes. This is a fine example of how the ultra-dynamic character, which marks out this most focused version of the exclusive convertible, is accurately expressed through its design.

The exclusive look of the new BMW M6 Convertible is further underlined by the “fin” architecture of the high-quality soft-top roof. Projecting into the rear section, the fins accentuate the car’s dynamically sweeping silhouette. The heated, vertical glass rear window, which is situated just behind the rear seats, 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 40km/h using a button on the centre console. The optional Comfort Access, meanwhile, allows the roof to be opened (in 19 seconds) or closed (in 24 seconds) by pressing the remote control button on the car key. 

Another attribute unmatched by any rival is the leap forward in efficiency as the new BMW M6 Convertible records average fuel consumption of 10.3 litres / 100km and CO2 emissions of 239 grams per kilometers in the EU test cycle, which effectively translates to a 30 percent reduction compared to its predecessor thanks to the Efficient Dynamics technology, such as the standard-fitted Auto Start-Stop function, Brake Energy Regeneration and the volume-controlled oil pump.

Tuned seamlessly to the performance characteristics of the V8 engine, the M Double Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic converts the powerplant’s impressive thrust extremely effectively into rapid acceleration. This capability is underpinned by the DCT design principle, which effectively combines two gearboxes in-one housing — yet with virtually no size or weight penalty over a conventional manual transmission.

Inside the transmission, the torque is transferred via two oil-cooled wet clutches, which are engaged alternately. This allows zero interruption in the flow of power when the driver accelerates, even during gear changes.

M DCT Drivelogic offers the driver three different shift programs, both in automated mode (D) and manual mode (S). These programs alter the transmission’s shift characteristics in terms of efficiency, shift comfort and sportiness and can be activated using the rocker switch located behind the selector lever on the centre console. Added to which, the electronics also provide a Launch Control function ensuring unbeatable acceleration from a standing start, Low Speed Assistance for easier low-speed operation and the Auto Start-Stop function for increased efficiency.

The new BMW M6 Convertible also impresses by offering optimum traction in tricky road and weather conditions and under dynamic acceleration out of corners. Working behind the scenes to this end is an innovative variable locking differential in the rear differential.

The Active M Differential allows the engine’s power to be split precisely and quickly between the left and right rear wheel according to the requirements of the driving situation at any particular moment.