According to BMW, the £93,795 M6 competes against the £97,000 Jaguar XKR-S Coupé, £92,410 Maserati Gran Turismo S and £91,950 Aston Martin Vantage Coupé, but we could equally include the £106,820.00 Mercedes SL 63 AMG and £108,090 Audi R8 V10 Coupé.

But in my mind its closest rival has always been the M5. Fitted with an identical 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine and powertrain, both models essentially achieve the same task, with equal aplomb and self-assured swagger. So why would anyone pay a £20,755 premium over the £73,040 M5?

What does the M6 offer compared to the M5?

Perhaps the best way to answer this question, until we actually drive both cars, is by looking at their specifications. As already mentioned, the M6 comes with the same 552 bhp 680 Nm (502 lb-ft) 4.4-litre V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology, seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic and Active M Differential with fully variable distribution of drive between the rear wheels.

The Coupe will accelerate from 0–62 mph in 4.2 seconds, whilst the M6 Convertible needs a further 0.1 seconds (4.3 seconds) for the same increment (The M5 takes 4.4 seconds). Their 0–124 mph times are 12.6 and 13.1 seconds respectively (M5: 13.0 seconds), whilst both cars are credited with an electronically governed top speed of 155 mph, or 189 mph when fitted with the M Driver’s Package.

So, just from looking at the on-paper figures we can see that the M6 is lighter, shorter, lower and wider than the M5, with a quicker steering to take advantage of its shorter wheelbase.

Sounds good so far, but is that enough to justify its place as BMW’s top performance model?

The M styling cues and features

As you would expect, the new M6 is suitably attired with all the familiar M styling cues; a newly designed M kidney grille bearing an awkwardly positioned “M6″ badge, hallmark M gills with integrated direction indicator bars, flared front wheel arches and the customary M twin exhausts positioned each side of the rear diffuser.

It’s clearly a much more aggressive car than the standard 6 Series, which goes some way in justifying the £22,000 premium over the 401 bhp 650i M Sport.

The M6 Convertible inherits the high-quality soft-top from the standard 6 Series, boasting its distinctive “fin” architecture, but the most notable difference between M6 Coupe and Convertible – apart from the extra £5,200 – is the additional 140 kg that its 552 bhp engine has to carry.

Performance, although reduced, is still bahn-stormingly quick, whilst fuel economy is knocked back a bit from the M6 Coupe’s 28.5 mpg to 27.4 mpg in the Convertible, but still an impressive 30 per cent improvement over the previous 5.0-litre V10-engined M6.

I understand why BMW chose to serve the convertible market, but I can’t help feel disappointed at the compromise it imposes on the dynamics and performance of BMW’s top M car.

What else is there to know?

The carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof, introduced on its predecessor (codenamed E63), continues, but this time featuring a striking double-bubble contour that perfectly showcases the technical advances made by BMW’s Landshut production facility.

Other influences from BMW’s lightweight design strategy include aluminium for the doors and bonnet, thermoplastic for the front side panels and glass-fibre composite (SMC) for their boot lids (and roof cover in the case of the M6 Convertible).

For the first time on an M car, BMW are offering M carbon-ceramic brakes, further reducing un-sprung weight and providing fade-free performance even under heavy loads.

The diameter of the inner-vented and perforated brake disks increase by 10mm at the front to 410 mm, whilst the rears remain at 396 mm. The six-piston fixed-callipers are painted a special gold-coloured finish complete with M logo, replacing the standard dark blue metallic callipers used on steel discs.

The carbon-ceramic brakes are provided in conjunction with 20″ M light-alloy wheels and are made from a new type of carbon-fibre compound ceramic, but its not just stopping power that improves – a total of 19.4 kg is saved from the M6′s unsprung weight, further improving the M6′s ride quality and agility.

Technology

The biggest downside of being a near £100k car is that most customers expect every toy and gadget available in BMW’s armoury. That’s great for cruising on the motorway or in traffic, but not so good for a b-road blast or (heavens forbid) a gentle track-day dalliance.

But if gadgets ‘are’ your thing, you’ll not be disappointed with what you find in the new M6.

Adaptive LED Headlights are fitted as standard, as are an extensive range of BMW ConnectedDrive features including BMW Head-Up Display with M-specific information, High Beam Assistant, BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition, Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning, rear-view camera, Surround View, Speed Limit Info, internet access, extended integration of smartphones and music players, Real-Time Traffic Information and apps for receiving web radio and using Facebook and Twitter.

To this already extensive list you can add; Comfort Access, active seats, heated steering wheel, doors with Soft Close Automatic function, Navigation system Professional and Bang & Olufsen High-End Surround Sound System with 16 loudspeakers in the M6 Coupe (12 speakers in the Convertible).

The M styling cues continue inside the M6 and include a newly developed M double-spoke leather steering wheel; M gear selector and car set-up controls on the centre console; exclusive M sports seats with integrated belt system (optional: M multifunction seats); Merino leather upholstery with extended features; exclusive carbon-fibre interior trim strips; illuminated door sill finishers with “M6″ lettering; M-specific instrument cluster with black-panel technology; 2-zone automatic climate control with extended features and special ambient lighting.

Customers can choose from 1 non-metallic and 8 metallic shades for the exterior paintwork (including four exclusive M finishes), while the Convertible’s soft-top is available in Black and Beige, or Anthracite Silver effect as an option.

At £93,795 for the M6 Coupe and £98,995 for the Convertible, both cars will go on sale in the UK from 15 September 2012 after making their world premiere at next month’s Geneva Motor Show.

So, do all these features justify its £20k premium over the M5? Probably not. But then neither is the M6 just a 2-door coupe version of the M5. There’s all the extra style and image that only a coupe can offer, plus of course the inevitable peer association with Aston Martin’s Vantage.

It’s interesting to note Porsche’s 911 is no longer used for comparison, which is probably a reasonable move, given that it is 400kg+ lighter than the M6, but then maybe that’s where BMW are aiming for with the next M3..

Gallery

Rather than launch it as a Coupé, BMW have chosen to initially launch the new 6 Series design as convertible – a somewhat unusual decision given that most of us are heading into winter, but the car won’t go on sale here in the UK until 26 March 2011, which should give enough time for the snow and ice to depart although it’s still unlikely to be the most encouraging weather for top-down motoring.

BMW 503 Convertible (top) and BMW 3200 CS Convertible (bottom).

The multi-layer roof – which has been optimised once again in terms of its acoustic properties, thermal insulation and structural rigidity – uses these fins projecting out along the flanks of into the rear section, to accentuate the car’s gracefully sweeping silhouette even more elegantly than on its predecessor. This means the transition from roofline into the boot is achieved as smoothly as on a coupé. It also means that the upright, heated, glass rear window positioned behind the rear seats can be lowered separately from the roof.

The automatic opening and closing operation for the roof is activated as standard using a button on the centre console, opening in 19 seconds, with closing taking just 24 seconds. Both operations can be activated while on the move at speeds of up to 25mph and the Comfort Access option allows the roof to be opened or closed using the remote control button on the car key.

More space inside?

Anyone who has ridden as a passenger in the outgoing 6 Series will know that it was little more than a 2-seater, the rear compartment lacking both head and leg room for anyone much older than 12-years old.

BMW claims there to be more leg and headroom in the rear of the new 6 Series, but enough to function as a full 4 seater? We'll soon see...

BMW claim that the new 6 Series now offers “luxury for four”, offering greater headroom in both the front and the rear – given how sleek the new design looks, we’ll reserve judgement until we can actually sit in one – it’s disappointing to find, when upgrading from a 3 Series, that the larger coupé makes concessions for style at the expense of usable interior space.

Familiar power plants

The new BMW 6 Series Convertible is available from launch with two petrol engines: the 650i and 640i. Both offer unique character from their respective V8 and inline six-cylinder engines through the use of twin and single turbocharger technology to produce even more responsiveness and flexibility.

The new BMW 650i Convertible uses the familiar 401 bhp 4.4-litre eight-cylinder engine with its unique brace of turbochargers positioned in the V-shaped area between the cylinder banks. The 315 bhp six-cylinder engine in the new BMW 640i Convertible uses single turbocharger technology alongside petrol direct injection with Valvetronic fully variable valve control. Both models top out at a speed-limited 155 mph, with the 650i Convertible covering the 0-62mph increment in 5.0 seconds compared to 5.7 seconds for the 640i Convertible.

Where the 640i Convertible usurps its more powerful sibling is in fuel efficiency – achieving 35.8mpg on the combined cycle, while CO2 emissions are only 185g/km, proving that at BMW sporting performance does not come at the expense of economy.

Specifications and availability

The new BMW 6 Series Convertible comes with the highest ever level of standard specification on a Six. Standard for the 640i Convertible are 18-inch light alloy wheels, while the 650i Convertible comes as standard with a 19-inch light alloy wheel. Both derivatives feature Dakota leather upholstery, eight-speed Sport automatic transmission, electric seat adjustment, BMW Professional Multimedia Navigation system, Xenon headlights, LED front fog lights and front and rear Park Distance Control to name but a few of the standard specification highlights.

No prices have been released at this stage, but the BMW 6 Series Convertible will go on sale in the UK on 26 March, 2011.

But that’s not what’s likely to attract customers to this news. The MF4 will now be powered by BMW’s 401 bhp 4.4-litre V8 twin turbo direct injection petrol engine – nearly 40 bhp up on today’s 362 bhp MF4 models, whilst the MF5 loses its 500 bhp 5-litre V10 engine in exchange for the very latest twin-turbo 4.4-litre engine from the X5 M / X6 M with 547 bhp.

The power increase will be noticeable, but with more than a 150 lb/ft increase in torque (for the MF5 models) we fear for the longevity of the rear tyres – it will be interesting to see how driveable the lightweight MF5 models are in the wet…

Performance for both models falls into the ‘more than enough’ category, the MF4 will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 181 mph. Whilst the MF5 will manage 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 193 mph. Definitely more than enough.

Wiesmann are understandably proud that not only is the MF5 the most powerful car they’ve ever produced, but it’s also one of the most impressive in terms of economy (relative to its performance of course!), with a combined figure of 26.4 mpg (10.7 l/100km).

The Wiesmann Roadster MF3 will keep its current engine (now with Euro 5), leaving the classic roadster untouched and perhaps the only ‘sensible’ car in the German marque’s range – but then it’s a Wiesmann so who wants’ to be sensible?

This is the first BMW to feature all-LED twin round headlights with adaptive functionality, LEDs are used for all functions, from the dipped and main beam to the sidelights and daytime running lights, and the direction indicators. The LED effect extends to the L-shaped rear light clusters, featuring two LED light strips to create the typical BMW night-time look – the direction indicators, tail lights and brake lights are also LED-powered.

The Concept 6 Series Coupé has a full glass roof which lets a great deal of light into the interior of the 2+2-seater – BMW claims there to be “lavish headroom and legroom” at the rear of the 6 Series, but you can interpret that as meaning ‘for kids’ rather than full-sized adults. The new 6 Series will be a similar length to the outgoing E63 version, but is said to be wider and lower sitting on a longer wheelbase.

Gone is the dumpy, contentous styling of the outgoing E63 6-series to be replaced with a far sleeker profile which takes the 6 Series further upmarket.

The Concept 6 Series Coupé uses a freestanding 10.2-inch iDrive Control Display and the Head-Up Display system. The fully active hi-fi system was designed especially for the Concept by Danish car hi-fi specialists Bang & Olufsen and specially matched to the interior acoustics of this 2+2-seater.

The driver-centric interior design, which is said to be elegant and exclusive, is typical of BMW with the Concept using two-tone leather upholstery with wood trim and black detailing to provide a high-end luxury feel.

Powerplants are expected to come from the current 5 Series, starting with the 302 bhp turbocharged six-cylinder all the way up to the M6 which will use the same twin-turbo V8 engine due to be released in the forthcoming M5. We’ll have to wait until 2012 at the earliest for this new M-model, however the mainstream 6 Series will be with us from Spring 2011.

Need to know

There are several important facts you should be aware of regarding this new 911 GT2 RS. Firstly and most obviously, this is the first ‘RS’ version of the GT2 variant, so it’s worth pondering on this for a moment. Porsche engineers have long been aware of the general public perception of the GT2, from it’s chilling nickname in 996 GT2 guise as “the widowmaker” through to the belief that it’s sibling GT3 variants were the ‘real’ top of the Porsche tree in terms of driving enjoyment and sporting appeal.

In reality that positioning was turned around with the Gen1 997 GT2, which was more predictable on the limit that the 4WD 997 Turbo and at least as much fun to drive hard as the Gen1 GT3 RS.

When Andreas Preuninger and his team set to work on the Gen2 997 GT2 his objective was nothing less than to put clear water between the GT3 and GT2, placing Porsche’s forced-induction model at the very top of the food chain – fastest in a straight line, fastest on track and most fun to drive. Simple really.

Porsche’s press release for the new 911 GT2 RS addresses this point in the simplest of manners – “The time: seven minutes, 18 seconds on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife.” Enough said.

The statement then points out the power output of the GT2 RS, 611 bhp (620 hp) which is some 90 bhp more than the Gen1 911 GT2. And to demonstrate the ‘RS’ principle they declare that the new GT2 RS weighs 1,370 kilograms (or 3,021 lb) in road trim which is 70 kg lighter than the Gen1 GT2 that is succeeds.

The Gen1 GT2 wasn’t exactly ‘lardy’ with its stripped out, no-nonsense interior, so removing a further 70 kg from its frame can only mean the application of some pretty special light-weight materials. The new 911 GT2 RS has a power-to-weight ratio of just 2.21 kilos or 4.9 lb per horsepower, by far the best power/weight ratio in its class.

To put such performance potential in perspective, the new GT2 RS weighs the same as the current GT3 RS… but it carries 167 bhp more. Dwell on that little bit of information for just a moment.

This is the fastest and most powerful road-going sports car that Porsche have ever built. The boss is very definitely back.

This just about sums up how we feel about the new GT2 RS. Click to view on SkiddPlayer.

What does this mean on the road

The GT2 RS continues to be powered by Porsche’s venerable 3.6 litre six-cylinder boxer engine boosted by twin variable turbine geometry turbochargers, rather than the new 3.8 litre engine used in the 997 Turbo, GT3 and GT3 RS.

Power is delivered through the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox, using sports tyres developed especially for the 911 GT2 RS and measuring 325/30 ZR 19. This converts its massive power into equally massive performance and acceleration on the road: 0 to 62.5 mph in 3.5 seconds, 0 to 125 mph in just 9.8 seconds, and 0 to 187.5 mph in 28.9 seconds. The GT2 RS is claimed to achieve a top speed of 206 mph, and we have little doubt about that being on the conservative side.

As if to rub salt into the wounds of its more outrageous competitors Porsche have been able to ‘reduce’ the 911 GT2′s CO2 emissions – down by approximately 5 per cent to 284 g/km and reflecting a fuel consumption of 23.7 mpg imp (11.9 ltr/100 km).

No-nonsense specification

Equally supreme stopping power on this ultra-high-performance sports car comes from PCCB composite ceramic brakes. Appropriate longitudinal and crosswise dynamics are ensured by the sporting RS set-up of the springs, PASM Porsche Adaptive Suspension Management, anti-roll bars, as well as the dynamic engine mounts and PSM Porsche Stability Management.

In its looks the new 911 GT2 RS stands out clearly from the 911 GT2 above all through the lavish use of carbon-fibre-reinforced (CFR) components in matt-black surface finish, even wider wheels and flared wheel arches at the front, new 911 GT2 light-alloy wheels with central locking, as well as ”GT2 RS“ model designations on the doors and rear lid. The upgraded front spoiler lip and the rear spoiler lip made of CFR and now 10 millimetres or almost 0.4 inches higher, again in surface carbon finish, ensure the right aerodynamic precision as well as extra downforce.

Visit the 911 GT2 RS microsite for further details and the chance to configure your own GT2 RS.

The interior also exudes the flair of sporting performance in virtually every detail, featuring lightweight bucket seats made of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic in carbon surface finish and lightweight door panels with door opening straps. The basic interior colour is black, contrasting attractively with features such as the seat centre sections and the roof lining as well as segments on the steering wheel rim. The gearshift and handbrake lever are both finished in red alcantara.

Should you buy one?

We are in no doubt that the GT2 RS will be a ‘great’ Porsche, perhaps one of the greatest of all time, however getting hold of one will be something of a challenge.

Limited to just 500 units, the 911 GT2 RS will be available in Europe from September 2010 and in the USA from October 2010. The retail price in Germany will be 237,578 Euro, some 48,000 Euro more than the car it replaces. But as with previous generation models, if you’re only hearing about the GT2 RS now then you’re probably already too late to snap up one of the planned 500 cars.

AUDIO FILES

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  GT2 RS – Engine revs at standstill

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  GT2 RS – Accelerating away

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  GT2 RS – Drive-by at full throttle

I’m not really a fan of the Corvette, but liked them so much that we’ve uploaded them as full-sized 1400 x 875 px wallpapers for you to use as your desktop background.

While we’re at it, I guess we should mention the technical specification of this Corvette C6 Black Force One from German Tuners, LOMA-Performance. It features a 784 bhp V8 engine with twin-turbochargers, which are claimed to propel the C6 BlackforceOne from 0-62 mph in 3.4 seconds on its way to a top speed of 206 mph.

C6 BlackforceOne production is strictly limited to 25 vehicles and comes with LOMA-Performance’s 12-month guarantee. The prices for a complete vehicle start at ‘just’ 190,000 euros in Germany.

The name C6.BlackforceOne is inspired by the legendary Boeing Air Force One of the United States president, and the C6.BlackforceOne is available in a choice of 3 choices paint colours; Stealth matt black, Eurofighter matt grey and White Storm matt white (although other colours are available on request).

Those who want to experience the C6 BlackforceOne for themselves will find it at the Essen Motor Show from 28 November to 6 December (Hall 6, Stand 215), or by contacting LOMA Performance directly.

Watch the video closely and pay attention to when the boost spikes, I’m not sure whether to feel sympathy for the rolling road or the Gallardo’s transmission, but I was expecting to see something go bang..