Saturday, August 11, 2012

BMW M6 Convertible 4.4 (A)


A long time ago (we’re talking more than two decades here), the first considerations of the 6-series passed through the drawing boards, eventually venturing into the depths of somebody’s drawer. Two decades later, its back—following the success of its predecessor, first launched in 2005. This time though, it’s back in an M form.
·             Design & Engineering:
From the front, wide air intakes—outlined and tinned in black indicate the sheer power beneath the M6’s hood. Further more, BMW’s use of the redesigned ‘Angel lights’ and LED’s accentuates the sportiness and power of the Bimmer. From the side, the M6 looks sexy and appealing be it top down or up. Side skirts, M brakes (featured here in bright blue) and aerodynamic M side mirrors all come as standard. From the rear, BMW takes the standard 6-series, and beefs it up, adding four exhausts to the convertible’s rear end. Honestly, what more can I say but “wow”?
·            Interior
From the driver’s perspective, the M6 is a fantastic place to be in. Take the 3-spoke M-sports steering, featuring F1 shifter paddles and superb grip. As with all M models, the famed M sports shifter, fits nicely into the palm of one’s hand, allowing quick and melodious gearshifts at any time and place. In addition to the sporty ergonomics used in the M6 via carbon fiber trim, M buttons and the lot, attention to detail with the concept of luxury in mind appears on the inside as well. For instance, the customizable colours of the soft yet sturdy leather seats—the use of French leather stitching on the sweeping center console, and the futuristic (standard) Bang & Olufsen surround system—should one desire a change of tunes, from the quad-exhausts. At the rear, everything in swathed in leather, that I’m surprised the seat belts are still made of fiber! Unlike many other convertibles, the M-embossed rear leather seats do a great job in holding one in, as the mad driver in the driver’s seat cuts corners around the mountainous roads in the French Riviera. With the soft top, it folds away neatly, operated via a button on the center console. Easy and fuss free, one has the option to speed off in style with the top up or down at speeds up to 40km/h.
·            Ride & Handlings
Due to the era of downsizing, BMW has caught wind of it, thus downsizing the original V10 to a 4.4-liter twin turbo charged V8. Marvelous. Though I felt as if the downsized engine would disappoint me, I was tickled much the other way. The century sprint can now be done in a mere 4.3 seconds, before reaching a top speed of 250km/h. Pushing forward with so much muscle, the M6 feels as if there’s no stopping it! Keep in mind that the M6 does not have the best handling in its segment, though it still manages to fit well, providing the driver with sheer confidence to pilot the “ultimate driving machine”.   

·            Verdict
Supercar level performance, luxurious interior, rather composed. Sadly, this is still a car which fits better on the showroom floor and not parked at home on your driveway. Still, the core values of the M brand are alive and kicking.

o    Pictures from:
http://image.motortrend.com/f/40170591+w786+ar1/2012-BMW-M6-Convertible-rear-seats.jpg


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