In terms of M cars at the 2013 Geneva show, BMW has brought out two M6 models - a Frozen Silverstone M6 Gran Coupe and a San Marino Blue M6 Convertible.
Unfortunately, there has been no sign of the F80 M3 concept, which many speculated may be making its debut here at the show. We’ve reported in the past that we believe (and still do) that the F80 M3 concept will instead bow in September at the Frankfurt Auto Show.
The 560 hp M6 Gran Coupe was revealed 3 months ago [official thread] and has been priced in the US starting at $113,000 [official pricing info].
BMW M CEO Friedrich Nitschke gave some insight into certain aspects of future M models when speaking recently to Autocar.
AWD vs RWD
While current non-SUV M models all remain RWD, as horsepower numbers climb for each successive generation of models, the question has arisen whether future models would benefit from AWD xDrive offerings, to help with traction and getting all that power down to the ground effectively; especially considering the AWD offerings from competitors - such as the E63/CLS63 AMG 4Matic and upcoming RS6/RS7 Quattro models.
To this, Nitschke reaffirms M’s stance on RWD: “Our philosophy in regards to steering feel and precision is that rear-wheel drive is the best solution,” … “xDrive brings an 80-90kg weight penalty and the M differential is the industry’s best rear-drive … CONTINUED
These guys at TFLcar.com the F12 M6 Coupe a mile above sea level, with the help of the BMW launch control feature.
Did it dramatically affected the 0-60 time? Enough to beat the new Mercedes SL? Find out inside.
Watch as a member’s F13 M6 Coupe takes down a Nissan GT-R from a roll (at 50km/h or 31mph) and in second gear. The GT-R may be godzilla from a dig (standing start), but the M6 eats godzilla on this day from a roll.
Review by Chris Harris pitting the BMW M6 (F13) against the Mercedes SL63 AMG.
With over 1100hp combined these are the ultimate super-heated GT cars. Fast enough to match a 911 Turbo, comfy enough to cruise a continent.
According to an Autocar source, Arnd Meyer, the head engineer responsible for chassis engineering of all recent AMG models, including the SLS AMG Black Series, has left Mercedes and joined BMW M.
The source says that Meyer will eventually head BMW M’s chassis, powertrain and electronics development, although an AMG spokesperson has suggested that a contractual agreement (presumably, a non-compete clause in his employment contract) may prevent him from doing so for some period of time.
This news comes on the heels of this recent report that BMW M may be looking into offering models that compete with AMG Black Series models, in terms of exclusivity. Could BMW M’s pickup of Meyer be related? We shall see…
The countdown has begun in preparation for the 2013 World Car Awards winners’ press conference hosted by the New York International Auto Show and Bridgestone Corporation on Thursday, March 28, 2013. The 2013 World Car of the Year, World Performance Car, World Green Car and World Car Design of the Year will all be declared at this time.
The top three finalists in all award categories will be announced at the Geneva International Motor Show on Tuesday, March 5th, 2013.
A jury of sixty-six (66) distinguished international automotive journalists selected the following top ten finalists in both categories by secret ballot, based on their experience with each candidate as part of their professional work. The jury members constitute a balance of representation from Asia, Europe and the … CONTINUED
BMW NA has released pricing for the 2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupe, which starts at $113,000, below what we expected it to be.
This is just $3800 more than the 2014 M6 Coupe’s starting price and is $2500 less than the M6 convertible.
The other bit of great news is that manual transmission will be an option for the M6 Gran Coupe, at no extra charge. The first European Delivery date available has not yet been announced.
Check out the full pricing list / bulletin inside.
Here are results from the Sport Auto performance test comparing the 2013 Alpina B6 (F13) versus the 2013 M6 (F13) coupe.
The Alpina B6 Biturbo (full specs) is powered by BMW’s 4.4L V8 engine rated at 540hp and 730nm torque and top speed of 334 km/h.
The M6 features 560hp and 680Nm torque with a top speed of 305 km/h.
