BMW's monstrous M6 Gran Coupe
2012-12-18 13:13
BIGGER AND BETTER: The latest addition the M6 model range is the BMW M6 Gran Coupe.
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BMW has launched its 2012 M6 Convertible in South Africa via the Western Cape (maybe because the roads are the country's best?) as part of the greater scheme of introducing the 6 Series Gran Coupe.
The new BMW M6 Gran Coupé becomes the third distinctive design to be added to the M6 model range. Hallmark M design features directly influence this car’s technical considerations and provide a window into its performance capabilities.
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Air cooling, chassis geometry, weight balance and aerodynamics have all dictated the muscular form of the car. Meanwhile, under its bonnet a 417kW V8 engine with TwinPower Turbo technology propel the M6 with true supercar performance.
EXTERIOR
The front of the car is dominated by its large air intakes, standard adaptive diode headlights and a chrome fronted kidney grille designed specifically for this model. From the side, the first four-door Coupé from BMW is distinguishable from the BMW M6 Coupé thanks to its rear doors and longer wheelbase.
The characteristic gills, aerodynamic exterior mirrors, high-gloss shadow Line and exclusive 20-inch light-alloy rims underline the car’s distinctive appearance.
ENGINE AND SPECS
The V8 engine includes a pair of
twin-scroll turbochargers, a cross-bank exhaust manifold, high precision
direct petrol Injection, Valvetronic variable valve timing and
Double-Vanos continuously variable camshaft control. The 4395cc unit
keeps peak torque of 680Nm on tap from 1500-5750rpm, while
maximum output is developed from 6000-7000rpm.
The car
goes from zero to 100km/h in 4.2 seconds and is electronically limited
to a top speed of 250km/h. Average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle
stands at 9.9 litres/100km.
The chassis in the car is 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. Large panel chassis mountings ensure dynamic
forces are passed evenly through to the body.
INTERIOR
M Sport seats for the driver and passenger come standard as does extended leather upholstery. The rear seats, comprising two adult seats and one occasional use seat, have backrests that can split and fold down in a ratio of 40:60 to increase boot capacity from 460 litres to as much as 1265 litres.
Arranged around the gearshift lever on the centre console are the
buttons used to configure the adjustable powertrain and chassis
functions. The DSC mode, engine performance characteristics and variable
damper control mapping. This allows the driver to put together a
detailed set-up and store these settings on the multi-function steering
wheel.
The standard equipment fitted to the car includes heated
driver and front passenger seats, automatically dimming rear-view and
exterior mirrors, multimedia navigation system and radio. Available as
an alternative to the standard two-zone automatic air con is a four-zone
system with a control panel in the rear.
The vehicle also comes
with a variety of BMW ConnectedDrive features such as a head-up display
and park distance control as standard. A rear-view camera, high beam
assistant, speed limit info, lane change warning, lane departure
warning, surround view and BMW night vision with pedestrian recognition
are optionally available. Customers can also integrate their Apple
iPhone or other smartphones into the car and make use of internet-based
services while on board.
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