2010 BMW M6 Coupe

2010 BMW M6 Press Kit: Overview

03/01/2010

BMW

The M6 is fast becoming a modern legend. With a 500-horsepower V10 engine powering this leather-lined performance-luxury two-door, little else is left to be desired when it comes to the M6's incredible combination of excitement and style. The BMW M6 Coupe and Convertible will continue as 2010 models until the fall of this year and then will go into hiatus in preparation for the next generation. The MY2010 M6 Coupe and Convertible start at $103,225 and $109,025, respectively, including $875 Destination & Handling.

The M6 Coupe offers true supercar performance with a 0-60 time of 4.5 seconds (SMG model tested) and a top speed that is electronically limited to155mph. The M6 Convertible accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, proving that open-air pleasures come at little sacrifice at BMW's M division.

The 2010 M6 Coupe and M6 Convertible share styling cues that clearly identify them as the latest in the line from BMW M. The aggressive and functional front air dam, lightweight five-spoke 19-inch wheels and massive compound/cross-drilled brakes as well as the rear air diffuser and four round tailpipes make their presence known on the M6. The M6 Coupe features a full carbon fiber roof panel that not only reduces vehicle weight and improves handling, but it also offers a visual statement about BMW's commitment to performance. Meanwhile, the M6 Convertible combines BMW M's total performance philosophy and motorsports technology with the luxurious elegance and functionality of the BMW 6 Series with its 2+2 seating, generous trunk space and a multi-layered soft-top to provide the open-air driving enthusiast with one of the most unique experiences on the road.

Motorsports-inspired high-rpm concept

With a redline in excess of 8,000 rpm, BMW's 500 horsepower V10 engine delivers its power in a way that many observers likened to a turbine- smooth, effortless and seemingly limitless. With its 5.0-liter capacity, this normally aspirated engine delivers 100 horsepower-per-liter, a power output that not that long ago was exclusively racecar territory. The engine features double-VANOS variable valve timing for both the intake and exahsut camshafts, a motorsports-inspired wet-/dry-sump lubrication system to protect the engine from oil starvation during high-speed cornering, ten individual throttle butterflies for instant response and powerful engine management electronics developed for Formula 1 racing.

Innovative weight savings.

The M6 Coupe builds on the intelligent weight saving innovations pioneered on the 6 Series Coupe and Convertible, such as an aluminum front structure, sheet-molded compound trunk lid and thermoplastic front fender liners.

Taking these concepts further, the M6 Coupe features one of the first carbon fiber roof panels on a production automobile. As with many of BMW's weight saving innovations, the lightweight roof pays double dividends. In addition to saving overall weight, it lowers the M6 Coupe's center of gravity, contributing to its agility. The front and rear bumper supports are also made of carbon fiber. The large front rear cross-drilled disc brakes are of a compound design with an aluminum center hub which reduces unsprung weight for greater handling responsiveness.

BMW iDrive, 4th generation: new graphics and controls.

New controller concept, high-resolution 8.8-in. control display.

Optimized menu structures, high-resolution graphics, expanded range of functions.

Greater convenience and more intuitive operation via direct-select keys at the controller, plus more Programmable Memory Keys.

In the 6 Series, BMW's iDrive system of controls and displays is offered in combination with the standard Navigation system. In this iteration, iDrive enters its 4th generation building upon this pioneering development, while making it more natural, more intuitive, simpler and more elegant in its functionality - and more esthetically pleasing and enjoyable.

More intuitive operation, expanded functions.

When introduced in the 2002 7 Series, BMW initiated a new direction in the control of vehicle features and functions; via a multi-menu color display and a mouse-like controller usable by driver and passenger alike, a potentially crowded landscape of buttons and knobs was supplanted by a computer-logic control path.

An overarching attribute of iDrive was the separation of control (via the console controller) and display (the centrally placed iDrive monitor). This basic arrangement remains; the controller has been further developed and the display has evolved markedly.

Positioned centrally in the instrument panel, the new control display sets higher standards for logical, readily understood menus and attractive graphics. The controller has been refined for comfortable, intuitive selection and activation of functions via standardized turn, push and tilt motions, while being augmented with new direct-selection keys for specific menus, plus more of the Programmable Memory Keys that were included in the previous model year.

Greater functionality, satisfying to use: controller with direct-selection keys.

Benefiting from the newest biomechanics R&D, the state-of-the-art controller operates with tactile precision and clearly structured motions. New control elements, menu schemes and graphic representations in the control display become evident upon first use, yet user appreciation grows over the longer term. A graphic depiction of the controller in the display itself helps orient the user to the next control step; the rotation, pressing and tipping motions generally correspond to those of a computer mouse.

Thus interpreted, rotation of the controller takes the user through menu selections; pressing it makes the choice. Tilting the controller to the left or right commands navigation through various menu levels. Via clear graphic organization in the form of stacked layers and onscreen depiction of controller movements, the user enjoys highly intuitive navigation. All menus are structured according to a consistent scheme, so that one is almost immediately at ease; menus are broad so that the user can view relatively numerous options without switching to another level. Also, functions are arranged so that in longer-term use the most important options are reached more rapidly.

An additional new refinement is four direct-selection keys, placed adjacent to the controller, for the most frequently used menus. These allow quick selection of CD, radio, phone and navigation menus, and are augmented by three further keys of general utility: one takes the user directly to the start menu (MENU), one to the most recently active menu (BACK), and the third (OPTION) presents various options within the current area. Thus searches are likely to be shorter, or unnecessary.

Familiar and proven, yet now more useful: Programmable Memory Keys.

An iDrive enhancement recently introduced in various BMW models represents a further user convenience: Programmable Memory Keys. When first introduced, there were six of them; now there are eight. Lined up above the audio controls, these allow the user to capture and store favorite or frequently used functions (radio stations, phone numbers, navigation destinations for example) on various keys and recall them instantly. The stored functions can be as specific and detailed as a navigation map in the preferred scale or an audio balance setting. And because the keys are sensitive not just to being pressed but also to being merely touched, one can see the stored function on the control display by lightly touching the key. If it's the right one, the user need only press the key and it's there, ready to use.

High-resolution display, preview maps and full-screen images.

With its 8.8-in. high-resolution monitor, the new iDrive displays remarkably attractive images. The system is appropriate to the vehicle, achieved via up-to-date hard- and software. White-on-black menu lists; effective symbols and icons; contemporary graphics; and clear, consistent color-coding are among the elements that enhance not only function but also esthetics.

Menu structures, too, make finding desired functions easier. In the Start Menu, all functional areas served by iDrive are listed. Selecting a given item leads to its menu layer, where the options of that level are also listed. This consistency in navigation assists in orienting the user, as does the "stacking" of menu layers in the display. Visual assists further contribute to clarity. And if the user gets to a place where he or she didn't mean to be, the Back key usually reverses the error.

User-friendlier Navigation system, standard.

This overall refinement of functionality means simpler and more enjoyable use of the on-board Navigation system. Full-screen map displays offer outstandingly detailed views of the geography; maps as well as specific symbols can be shown in 3-dimensional form. Selected points of interest along the travel route appear with near-photographic realism.

Mere input of destinations reveals the new system's impressive capabilities. If the destination appears on a list in the system, a preview map appears as the user scrolls the list; this can help distinguish between places with similar or identical names. If a destination (or a phone number) needs to be entered manually, this is done with a new, circular "speller" that makes the entry go more quickly.

Convenient combination of voice entry and controller operation.

Yet, another iDrive innovation is its ability to combine voice and controller entry called Multi-mode Input. The user can go back and forth between the two methods, while actually inputting; indeed, voice recognition can remain active during input via controller and the user can modify an input via voice. Voice recognition - BMW calls it Voice Command - is activated by its function key on the steering wheel, and de-activated either upon completion of the action or by pressing the key again. Voice Command is simplified by visual display of the available commands, yet its capabilities go further in that numerous synonyms of these commands are also recognized.

This newly enhanced iDrive introduces a very significant step forward in the operation of automotive features and functions. Greater efficiency, improved logic and clear, attractive displays help define and advance the 6 Series' unique character. The newest iDrive helps the 2010 BMW 6 Series create a user experience that is truly unique.

Unique style offered with many exterior and interior choices.

The M6 Coupe features subtle functional design touches such as a unique front air dam designed to direct more airflow to the V10 engine and front brakes. The rear air diffuser, flanked by four round tailpipes, is designed to reduce rear lift for greater stability at higher speeds. Other styling touches include side gills in the front fenders, sculpted rocker panels, and M-style side view mirrors. The palette of eight exterior colors includes four exclusive to BMW M: Silverstone II, Interlagos Blue, Sepang Bronze, Indianapolis Red and Carbon Black Metallic. The tailored interior is offered with eight upholstery choices, which include five full-leather options and a choice of three interior trim options.

A driver-tailored driving experience.

The M6 Coupe and M6 Convertible both offer the ability to tailor the driving experience. The driver can choose three engine programs- P400, P500 and P500 Sport. In city traffic or while commuting, for example, the comfort-oriented P400 might be appropriate. P400 is the default setting when the engine is first started and offers, as its name implies, 400 horsepower. All the driver has to do to call up the full 500 horsepower is push the "Power" button to select P500. The P500 Sport mode is also available for even more dynamic response.

The 2010 M6 comes with your choice of either a standard seven-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox with Drivelogic or a six-speed manual transmission at no additional cost. The unique SMG not only enables the driver to take full advantage of the M6's performance potential but offers maximum flexibility as well. It offers the ability of shifting from either the paddles mounted behind the steering wheel or the console-mounted shift lever. It also offers the flexibility, through Drivelogic, of 11 different shift modes - six for the manual function (S-mode) and five for the automated mode (D-mode). Drivelogic allows the driver to tailor the shifting characteristics to the driving situation of the moment.

Variable M Differential Lock and DSC with M Dynamic mode.

The variable, speed-sensing M Differential Lock gives the M6 outstanding traction in all driving conditions, especially when accelerating out of a corner. Even in the most demanding situations, this intelligent differential provides a decisive edge in traction. This is especially beneficial when accelerating with the drive wheels on surfaces of varying coefficients of friction. Here the M Differential Lock immediately builds locking force with the increasing difference in speed between the drive wheels. Power is then able to get to the drive wheel with greater traction.

The BMW M6 Convertible also features a special version of BMW's Dynamic Stability Control. In addition to the normal DSC mode, there is the M Dynamic Mode. M Dynamic Mode retains all the functionality of DSC but waits for a higher threshold of wheel slip before engaging. As with all BMWs, the driver has the option of switching the system off completely.

Electronic Damper Control: freedom of choice.

Electronic Damper Control (EDC) provides electronic adjustment of the shock absorbers according to the driver's wishes, driving style and road conditions. Simply by pressing the M Drive button on the steering wheel, the driver is able to choose the characteristics of the suspension in three steps: Normal, Comfort and Sport. Compared with the BMW M6 Coupe, shock absorber adjustment is somewhat more oriented to driving comfort, thus reflecting the nature of the Convertible design for style and refinement on the road. On the other hand, in the Sport program, the suspension set-up and characteristics are almost the same as on the Coupe. Within each mode, EDC continuously adjusts shock absorber firmness to actual conditions.

The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system has also been tailored to include an M Dynamic mode for those occasions when the driver wishes to have a higher level of wheel slip without disengaging the system. Of course, in true BMW fashion, DSC may be switched off completely when desired.

The steering wheel-mounted "M" button allows the driver to program a variety of settings in the M6 including:

Engine power: P400, P500 or P500 Sport

SMG Drivelogic: One of six Sequential or five Drive modes

Electronic Damping Control: Normal, Comfort or Sport

Dynamic Stability Control: Normal, M Dynamic mode or off completely

The Head-Up Display: Standard display or MView

Drivelogic puts the 11 SMG shift programs (six Sequential or five Drive modes) at the driver's fingertips. Electronic Damping Control offers three levels of shock absorber firmness- Normal, Comfort and Sport. Even the Dynamic Stability Control system offers a choice of standard and M Dynamic modes as well as the option of switching off the system. These combine for a total of 279 different settings for SMG-equipped M6s. Using iDrive, the driver can select a preferred setting configuration in the M Drive display. Then with simple touch of the M button all the preferred settings are instantly engaged offering a custom-tailored driving experience.

Racing-inspired brakes.

Reflecting the M6 Convertible's enormous performance potential, it comes equipped with large, 14.7-inch front and14.6-inch rear brakes that feature weight-optimized cross-drilled compound rotors. The rotors are then mounted to an aluminum hub through radial spokes for reduced unsprung weight and greater heat dissipation characteristics. These racing-developed brakes not only ensure outstanding stopping performance but also offer greater resistance to the effects of heat under extreme conditions. BMW M GmbH's test facilty show stopping distances of less than 118 feet from 62 mph and less than 460 feet from 124 mph.

Braking safety is aided further by BMW's Adaptive Brake Light technology. Under hard braking, or whenever the ABS is engaged, the taillights illuminate in tandem with the brake lights and at the same intensity, giving following drivers a much bolder warning which helps them to react more quickly.

The M6 Convertible-bucking the open-top perception.

Despite their undeniable good looks, convertibles have often had the reputation of not providing a stable enough platform for crisp, precise handling, especially when combined with a high-horsepower engine. In fact, conventional automotive wisdom has long held that the more power a convertible has, the more its handling suffers. That's because the very feature that was most appealing to open-air driving enthusiasts, the folding soft top, often sapped the chassis of the rigidity necessary for knife-edge driving dynamics.

BMW M engineers focused on this critical issue realizing full well that their credibility was on the line. In what must be considered the ultimate validation of their efforts, the M6 Convertible can lap the 12-mile Nordschleife (North Loop) of Germany's legendary Nürburgring racetrack nearly as fast as the M6 Coupe.

Unique multi-layered, finned soft top provides a coupe profile.

The M6 Convertible's soft top is made up of three layers. A special noise and heat insulating layer of polyurethane foam is held between the weather-proof outer layer and the interior roof lining. Its unique fin-look gives the M6 Convertible the same dynamic profile as the M6 Coupe. The C-pillar features the traditional BMW Hofmeister kink.

Although the roof covers a generous passenger compartment, it folds into compact dimensions. The vertical rear window requires very little storage space and can be raised or lowered independently of the roof. It can be lowered with the top up to provide additional ventilation and can be raised with the top down to act as a wind deflector. The roof can be raised or lowered if the car is traveling up to 20 mph. The top can be ordered in either black or gray cloth.

Standard and optional features suit such an exclusive automobile.

Befitting the exclusive nature of the M6 Convertible, the list of standard features includes auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors, Park Distance Control, On-board Navigation, Adaptive Xenon Headlights, Real Time Traffic Information and Bluetooth hands-free phone interface.

Also included is BMW Assist for four full years and enrollment in an exclusive one-day M driver training course at the BMW Performance Center in Spartanburg, SC. The standard Logic7 sound system with surround sound simulation may be enhanced with optional Sirius Satellite Radio and High Definition Radio. Other options include the Head-up Display and BMW Comfort Access

The newly optional High Beam Assitant automatically adjusts the M6's headlights for ambient light and road conditions. It greatly improves nighttime visibility without distracting oncoming traffic and the constant need to switch between low and high beams.

A luxurious environment tailored to the driving enthusiast.

The interior of the BMW M6 Convertible retains the luxurious look and feel of the 650i Convertible but has been enhanced with special touches that distinguish it as a BMW M product.

The exclusive seams on all the seats as well as the M logos on the headrests are immediately apparent, as are the shift paddles and shift lever unique to the Sequential Manual Gearbox. The white-on-black instruments feature the traditional BMW M red indicator needles.

The optional Head-Up Display presents essential information directly in the driver's field of vision, including directional information from the standard on-board navigation system. It also offers the choice of a special M display that includes road speed, transmission gear and an engine speed graphic.

The interior is designed for easy access to the rear seats. In addition to room for passengers the M6 Convertible provides plenty of storage for their luggage. The flexible tray for the convertible top can be folded out of the way when the top is up to create additional luggage space. There is room for one large plus one small hard-shell case. Alternatively there is room for two 46-inch golf bags with enough room left for a medium-sized hard-shell case.

The BMW M6 Coupe and M6 Convertible are available in standard BMW colors such as Black Sapphire, Alpine White, Silver Gray Metallic, Monaco Blue and Stratus Gray. It is also offered in special M colors including Indianapolis Red, Interlagos Blue, Silverstone, Carbon Black, and Sepang Bronze. Elegant Merino Leather upholstery is offered in a choice of three colors: Black, Silverstone and Sepang Bronze. Full leather is available as an option in the three standard colors as well as Indianapolis Red and Portland Brown.

Merino Leather is made with a particularly mild tanning process that highlights its natural character and retains its open pores. This keeps the surface area soft and supple and gives the interior an exclusive ambiance.

The interior may be further accented with the choice of either of two wood trims or optional carbon fiber trim.

High-performance safety systems.

The BMW M6 Convertible features state-of-the-art passenger protection systems, controlled by the Intelligent Safety and Information System (ISIS) that determines the intensity of a collision and activates the appropriate safety features quickly and precisely where they are needed. The three-point seat belts on all four seats are equipped with belt force limiters. The integrated restraint systems on the front seats feature belt latch tensioners, with two-stage front and side airbags to reduce the risk of injury.

Rollover protection is enhanced by a high-strength aluminum crossbar extending across almost the entire width of the car. Much like a roll cage in a racecar, the crossbar also increases body stiffness to provide superior handling. In the event of a rollover, the standard Rollover Protection System automatically deploys the rollbars within a fraction of a second.

Benefiting from its rigid body structure, the BMW M6 Convertible meets the highest standards in passive safety. The front structure is designed to give the car's occupants protection in a collision and the intelligent combination of high- and ultra-high-strength steel, aluminum and thermoplastics also enhances the car's safety qualities. As an example, the two V-shaped extrusion-pressed aluminum bars in the doors significantly reduce the risk and extent of intrusion in a side collision.

The windshield frame is designed to support maximum loads. Together with the high-strength steel A-pillars and the rollbars, stored in modules behind the rear headrests, it forms the basic structure to help provide a safe passenger compartment. The front and rear bulkheads, seat supports and body panels are reinforced to provide protection where loads and forces flow into the body in a collision.

A Tire Pressure Monitor system and Active Head Restraints are standard equipment.

The M6 tradition.

As their 1988 M6 predecessor did two decades ago, the 2010 BMW M6 Coupes and Convertibles combine the style of the BMW 6 Series with the best performance that the BMW M engineers have to offer.

BMW Ultimate ServiceTM:

Providing owners with incredible value and peace of mind

The 2010 BMW M6 will feature BMW Ultimate ServiceTM, a suite of services that includes the BMW Maintenance Program (formerly called Full Maintenance), Roadside Assistance, and the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. BMW AssistTM with TeleService is standard on all M6 models.

BMW Ultimate ServiceTM includes:

The BMW Maintenance Program is the only no-cost maintenance program in the industry that covers wear and tear items like brake pads and rotors for 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. BMW owners pay nothing for all scheduled inspections, oil changes, brake pads, wiper blade inserts and other wear-and-tear items.

BMW Roadside Assistance is one of the industry's most comprehensive plans available. Not only is it no-charge for the first 4 years, but there is no mileage limit. BMW drivers enjoy the assurance of on-the-road help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, anywhere in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. This includes everything from flat tire changes, emergency gasoline and lock-out assistance, to towing, alternative transportation and even trip-interruption benefits. This service also includes valuable trip routing advice.

BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty: All 2010 BMW passenger vehicles are covered by BMW's excellent Limited Warranty, which includes:

New-vehicle warranty - 4-year/50,000-mile coverage of the vehicle.

Rust-perforation warranty - 12-year/unlimited-mileage coverage.

BMW AssistTM provides the driver with services that enhance on-the-road security and convenience, for added peace of mind. The BMW Assist and Bluetooth(R) System is standard and includes the Safety Plan for 4 years at no additional cost. BMW is the only manufacturer that offers this duration of service as other manufacturers only include the first year of service. The BMW Assist Safety Plan is a subscription based service that is subject to certain limitations.

The in-vehicle equipment for BMW Assist includes GPS technology and hands-free communication functions to deliver emergency and other services, accessed via buttons in the overhead or center console. The BMW Assist system transmits the location and vehicle information to the BMW Assist Response Center. A response specialist speaks with the vehicle occupants to coordinate dispatch, notify emergency contacts on file, and link BMW Roadside Assistance or emergency services as needed and/or requested. A severe accident automatically activates the Automatic Collision Notification function. The BMW Assist Safety Plan also includes Door Unlock and Stolen Vehicle Recovery services, which can save the owner time and money. New to BMW Assist is MyInfo, which allows users to send business listings and street addresses with associated phone numbers from the internet, directly to their BMW.

TeleService automatically notifies the BMW center when the vehicle will need service. A service advisor then proactively calls the customer to set up a convenient appointment and have the needed parts ready.

BMW Assist subscribers can also enroll in the BMW Assist Convenience Plan (available at an additional cost of $199 per year) to avail themselves of many BMW Assist concierge services, from finding the lowest fuel price or the best French restaurant in the area to information on flight arrival gates or times, as well as receive directions, and traffic and weather information. On 2007 and later models, a selected destination and its phone number can be sent directly to the BMW Navigation system and the customer's Bluetooth linked mobile phone, after a push of the Concierge menu option. BMW Search, new for 2009, allows online access to the Google Maps database inside the vehicle to quickly find a desired business with just a key word. The Convenience Plan also includes Critical Calling, a service that can connect the driver to a requested party via a response specialist in case their mobile phone is not in the vehicle or its battery is discharged.

Lastly, the BMW Assist system includes Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity with phonebook access and speech recognition for dialing by name or number via the steering wheel controls. Use of this feature requires a customer-provided compatible Bluetooth mobile phone. To learn more about BMW Assist, please visit www.bmwassist.com.

Performance with a conscience

BMW strives to produce its motor vehicles and other products with the utmost attention to environmental compatibility and protection. Integrated into the design and development of BMW automobiles are such criteria as resource efficiency and emission control in production; environmentally responsible selection of materials; recyclability during production and within the vehicle; elimination of CFCs and hazardous materials in production; and continuing research into environmentally friendly automotive power sources. Tangible results of these efforts include the recycling of bumper cladding into other vehicle components; water-based paint color coats and powder clear coats; near-future availability of hydrogen-powered models; and various design and engineering elements that help make BMWs easier to dismantle at the end of their service life.

BMW Group In America

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, a strategic design consultancy in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group's global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all X5 Sports Activity Vehicles and X6 Sports Activity Coupes. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 338 BMW passenger car centers, 335 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 142 BMW motorcycle retailers, 90 MINI passenger car dealers, and 31 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group's sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

Information about BMW Group products is available to consumers via the Internet at: