BMW Reveals M6 Gran Coupe

By AutoConception Staff

Posted: December 12, 2012

A third body variant of the BMW M6 sports car is set to be presented for the first time as the BMW M6 Gran Coupe joins the existing Coupe and Convertible models in the line-up. The new member of the M6 family includes customary M performance characteristics. The V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology and 412 kW/560 hp propels the BMW M6 Gran Coupe from 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.2 seconds. And the lines of the four-door Coupe are complemented by bespoke features, such as the carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof.

Hallmark M design features influenced by technical considerations – such as cooling air requirements, chassis geometry, weight balance and aerodynamics – open a window into the performance capability of the BMW M6 Gran Coupe. The front of the car is dominated by its large air intakes, standard Adaptive LED Headlights and an M kidney grille designed especially for this model. From the side, the first four-door Coupe in the BMW M GmbH ranks is distinguishable from the BMW M6 Coupe thanks to its rear doors and 113-millimetre longer wheelbase. The low roofline flowing into the rear, the swage line – which takes in the door openers – and side windows extending well into the C-pillars accentuate the stretched silhouette.

Flared wheel arches draw the eye to a track width specific to the BMW M6 Gran Coupe. The characteristic M gills, aerodynamically optimised exterior mirrors, standard BMW Individual High-gloss Shadow Line package and 20-inch M light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design underline the car’s appearance, as does another M signature – twin exhaust tailpipes positioned on the outer edges of the rear apron. Also integrated into the rear apron, and charged with the task of optimising airflow along the car’s underbody, is a diffuser made from CFRP.

This lightweight yet strong material is used in the construction of the roof as well. Here, the visible carbon structure provides an additional detail, as does a recess in the centre of the roof. This recess is referenced stylistically inside the car, the anthracite-coloured Alcantara roof liner gaining a central section in leather.

On the inside, the rear compartment offers two or three seats, the backrests of which can split and fold down in a ratio of 40:60 to increase boot capacity from 460 to as much as 1,265 litres.

The powertrain technology under the skin of the BMW M6 Gran Coupe offers the performance characteristics for which M Automobiles are well known. The V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology produces 412 kW/560 hp. It includes a pair of twin-scroll turbochargers, a cross-bank exhaust manifold, Direct Petrol Injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve timing and Double-Vanos continuously variable camshaft control. The 4,395 cc unit keeps peak torque of 680 Newton metres (502 lb-ft) on tap between 1,500 and 5,750 rpm, while maximum output is developed between 6,000 and 7,000 rpm. The engine revs to a maximum of 7,200 rpm. The BMW M6 Gran Coupe goes from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.2 seconds on the way to an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h/155 mph (305 km/h/189 mph if the optional M Driver’s Package is specified). Average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle stands at 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres (28.5 mpg imp) and CO2 emissions are 232 grams per kilometre.

Taking care of power transfer is a seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic.

The chassis of the BMW M6 Gran Coupe is also geared to harnessing the car’s sporting potential. Like the integral rear axle, the double-wishbone front axle has specific kinematics and components made from forged aluminium. Chassis mountings using large panels ensure dynamic forces are passed evenly through to the body. The BMW M6 Gran Coupe comes as standard with an M-specific version of the Dynamic Damper Control system and hydraulic variable-ratio rack-and-pinion steering with the M Servotronic function.

Arranged around the gearshift lever on the centre console of the BMW M6 Gran Coupe are the buttons used to configure all the adjustable powertrain and chassis functions to personal tastes. The DSC mode, engine performance characteristics, Dynamic Damper Control mapping, M Servotronic responses and M DCT Drivelogic shift program can be selected independently of each other. All of which means the driver can put together a detailed set-up and store those settings on one of the two M Drive buttons on the multifunction steering wheel.