2012 / 2013 BMW M6 Makes American Debut At New York Auto Show

• The redesigned 2012 / 2013 BMW M6 features a new platform.
• The 2012 / 2013 BMW M6 gains a fresh drivetrain.
• Styling is in line with the recently-introduced BMW 6 Series.

• The BMW M6 is the pinnacle of the M Division’s performance lineup.
• The redesign of the Mercedes-Benz SL65 and SL63 AMG models lit a fire under BMW.
• First M6 models in nearly two years.
• New York Auto Show represents U.S. debt for each vehicle.

2012 / 2013 BMW M6 Debut: Notable Features

• Dynamic Damper Control suspension.
• The M Drive system offers control over many vehicle settings.
• Six-piston brakes front and rear.
• Convertible model coming first (summer), coupe second (fall).
• Carbon fiber roof for the M6 Coupe.

The 2012 BMW M6 Convertible and 2013 BMW M6 Coupe (different model years represent the one-two delayed release strategy employed by BMW with these cars) adopt the standard M Division practice of aggressive aero improvements to the core sheet metal of the vehicle they are based on – the BMW 6 Series.  The carbon fiber roof found on the M6 Coupe is both lightweight and flashy, while both cars feature interiors that try very hard to convey just how quick these heavy personal luxury machines really are.

From a mechanical perspective the BMW M6 can be thought of as a two-door BMW M5, cribbing the super sedan’s drivetrain and dressing it up with snazzier, look-at-me styling.  The 2012 BMW M6 Convertible and 2013 BMW M6 Coupe abandon the previous model’s V-10 unit for a 4.4-liter direct-injection V-8 that makes use of twin-turbochargers to generate a hefty 560 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque.  A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission sends all of that output back to a torque-vectoring rear differential, and a manual transmission option could also be in the cards for American buyers.  The coupe can hit 60-mph from a standing start in a scant 4.2-seconds.

2012 / 2013 BMW M6 Debut: Competition

Aside from the previously-mentioned Mercedes-Benz SL AMG models, the BMW M6 goes up against other high performance luxury coupes and drop-tops manufactured by Aston Martin and Jaguar.  The Porsche 911 Turbo is another potential autobahn foe, although the BMW pushes comfort over all-out handling and speed when compared against the Stuttgart’s finest.

The BMW M6 is a brash, in-your-face addition to a lineup that comes with surprisingly nimble handling and stunningly quick acceleration for a large car.

Original photos by Jeffrey N. Ross