The BMW M lineup expands with two new models.

Richmond Hill, ON. The iconic M6 returns from a two year hiatus more powerful, more athletic, more focused, more luxurious and more efficient than ever before. Since the “M6” badge was first placed on a BMW in 1987, this iconic model has exemplified the luxury and daily usability of a top range BMW Coupé combined with true super-car performance.  Now, in its 3rd generation, the all-new BMW M6 will again be offered as a 4-seat Coupé and Cabriolet.

The new 2012 BMW M6 Cabriolet will be the first to arrive in Canada in June 2012. The BMW M6 Coupé will arrive in Canada in the late Summer of 2012 as a 2013 model. Pricing, technical specifications, fuel consumption ratings, standard and optional equipment will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

Like their M5 Sedan sibling, the new M6 models are high-performance sports cars whose exceptional dynamic potential is geared squarely towards the demands of track use. At the same time, the M6 sets new benchmarks in daily driving comfort, innovative features and fuel efficiency.

In order to achieve these lofty performance goals, the new BMW M6 Coupé and Cabriolet share the most powerful engine ever fitted in a series-produced model from BMW M GmbH mated to a high-torque 7-speed M-Double Clutch Transmission (M-DCT).  An innovative Active M Differential optimizes power transfer between the rear wheels. This drivetrain, combined with extensive chassis and suspension upgrades ensure that the engine’s performance can be transferred to the ground. 

The engine: High-Revving V8 Engine with M TwinPower Turbo Technology.

The new engine shared by the BMW M5 and M6 has the highest output ever generated by a series-production BMW M car, and at the same time provides the most efficient balance between performance and fuel consumption. It is characterized by immediate throttle response, a linear power band and an unusually high and flat torque curve. The new engine produces over12% more power than the V10 engine of its predecessors and torque is up by over 30%. At the same time, fuel consumption is expected to be reduced by over 30%.

To achieve the performance levels demanded by the M6, the engineers at BMW M started with the proven BMW M developed V8 engine from the BMW X5 M - X6 M and further developed it for its duty in the latest M5 and M6 models. This new engine uses similar M Twin Power technology combined with the reverse flow V8 layout. The result is that the high-revving V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo Technology lends a whole new intensity to the powerful thrust at higher rev ranges for which M cars are known. The 4.4-liter engine develops a peak output of 560 hp at 5,750 – 7,000 rpm, while its maximum torque of 500 lb-ft is on tap between 1,500 and 5,750 rpm . The rev limiter intervenes at 7,200 rpm. The rev band, which offers extremely dynamic acceleration between peak torque and the availability of maximum output, is therefore almost three times as wide as that of the V10 engine in the previous generation M6.

The engine’s exhilarating thrust gives the new BMW M6 models impressive acceleration. The instant power delivery and sustained thrust of the engine results in an acceleration of 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds for the Coupé and 4.3 seconds for the Cabriolet. The sprint from 0-200 km/h takes only 12.6 seconds for the Coupé and 13.1 for the Cabriolet. While the engine’s output has increased by over12% and maximum torque is up by more than 30%, the new BMW M6 models are expected to consume roughly 30% less fuel and have substantially higher range than their predecessors.

BMW Group in Canada

BMW Group Canada, based in Richmond Hill, Ontario, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BMW AG and is responsible for the distribution of BMW luxury performance automobiles, Sports Activity Vehicles, Motorcycles, and MINI.  BMW Group Financial Services Canada is a division of BMW Group Canada and offers retail financing and leasing programs and protection products on new and pre-owned BMW and MINI automobiles, as well as retail financing for new and pre-owned BMW Motorcycles. A total network of 44 BMW automobile retail centres, 20 BMW motorcycle retailers, and 29 MINI retailers represents the BMW Group across the country.

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For more information, please contact:

Barb Pitblado, Director, Corporate Communications

BMW Group Canada

905-428-5005 / barb.pitblado@bmwgroup.ca      

Rob Dexter, Product and Technology Specialist

BMW Group Canada  

905-428-5447 / robert.dexter@bmwgroup.ca