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BMW M6 Gran Coupe is priced from $299,500*

BMW M6 Gran Coupe arrives

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9th July, 2013

The BMW M6 Gran Coupé has arrived in Australia. The new model, which offers the convenience of four-door access, is the third distinctive design to be added to the M6 model range.

According to Phil Horton, managing director of BMW Group Australia, the additional convenience provided by the rear door access confirms that living with a performance vehicle doesn’t have to compromise real-world practicality.

“The BMW M6 Gran Coupé is the ultimate combination of amazing M performance and gorgeous design, with the added bonus that it is a perfect pleasure to drive every single day,” Horton said.

Outstanding performance is an absolute given with every carefully crafted BMW M vehicle, and the BMW M6 Gran Coupé unreservedly fulfils the M promise.

Under the bonnet of the BMW M6 Gran Coupé is the M TwinPower Turbo high-revving V8 engine found in the vehicle’s two-door versions. This power-plant develops 412 kW of power and 680 Nm of torque from 1,500 rpm, to give the BMW M6 Gran Coupé its high performance characteristics.

The combination of the high-revving V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology and seven-speed M Double Clutch transmission with Drivelogic enables the car to generate a zero to 100 km/h sprint time of 4.2 seconds, just a little quicker than the considerably cheaper Jaguar XFR-S.

Finely tuned dynamics ensure the M6 Gran Coupe delivers a sensational driving experience. State-of-the-art equipment, including BMW’s famed Active M differential, model-specific M tuned chassis technology, optimised aerodynamic properties and good weight balance, combines to deliver characteristic BMW M dynamics.

The use of lightweight materials in key components – for example, carbon fibre roof, aluminium doors and bonnet and thermoplastic front guards – ensures reduced weight contributes to enhanced economy. In addition, the BMW M6 Gran Coupé introduces an all-new carbon fibre rear diffuser which optimises airflow along the vehicle’s under-body, again contributing to improved efficiency. Average fuel consumption is 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres and CO2 emissions are 232 grammes per kilometre (EU test cycle).



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There is a Competition Package available on the new M6 Gran Coupé which includes more agile suspension and damping tuning, more precise steering, and, for the first time, a performance enhancing power increase.

The design premise of the BMW M6 Gran Coupé – to provide optimised M performance in a stylish four-door Coupé suitable for everyday use - has provided some unexpected benefits for the occupants.

The BMW M6 Gran Coupé’s wheelbase is 113 mm longer than the original two-door M6 coupe, primarily to accommodate the addition of rear passenger doors. The lengthened chassis is great news for driver and passengers alike, as the extra space translates to an extended passenger cell, with more head room for both front- and rear- occupants, as well as extended leg and shoulder room for rear-seat passengers. In fact, rear-seat passengers are said to be spoiled in the BMW M6 Gran Coupe. In addition to the increased space, the rear cabin boasts a four- zone climate control system and roller sun-blinds for the rear windscreen and rear side windows.

As one would expect of a vehicle in this class, the BMW M6 Gran Coupé includes six airbags, active front seat head restraints, high-performance braking system, DSC, and cruise control with braking function and speed limit setting.

The interior features of the vehicle are generous, with features including soft close door function, multi-functional seats with active seat ventilation and seat heating for driver and front passenger, and a climate comfort windscreen that has an infra-red relective surface to reduce solar heating of the interior.

The latest addition to the BMW M range includes exclusive 20-inch M light-alloy wheels and an Alcantara roofliner featuring a centre section accented in leather.

The BMW M6 Gran Coupé also comes with a variety of BMW ConnectedDrive features as standard, such as an M-specific full colour BMW Head-Up Display, lane change and lane departure warning systems, surround view including rear-view camera as well as front and rear park distance control. Customers can also integrate their Apple iPhone or other smartphone into the car and make use of internet-based services while on board.

The BMW M6 Gran Coupé will be available from BMW dealerships nationally from $299,500*.

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Design

Hallmark M design features influenced by technical considerations – such as cooling air requirements, chassis geometry, weight balance and aerodynamics – give an indication of the performance capability of the BMW M6 Gran Coupe.

The front of the car is dominated by large air intakes, standard Adaptive LED Headlights and an M specific 'kidney' grille.

From the side, the first four-door coupé from BMW M is clearly distinguishable from the M6 Coupé thanks to its rear doors and 113-millimetre longer wheelbase. The low roofline flows smoothly into the rear, the swage line, which takes in the door openers, and side windows extend well into the C-pillars and accentuate the stretched silhouette.

Flared wheel arches draw the eye to a track width specific to the BMW M6 Gran Coupe. The characteristic M gills, aerodynamically optimised exterior mirrors, standard BMW Individual High-gloss Shadow Line package and exclusive 20-inch M light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design underline the car’s distinctive appearance. Another M signature – twin exhaust tailpipes positioned on the outer edges of the rear apron – continue the theme.

A diffuser made from lightweight CFRP (carbon fibre reinforced plastic) is integrated into the rear apron, and optimises airflow along the car’s underbody.

This extremely lightweight, impressively strong high-tech material is also used in the construction of the roof. This visible carbon structure feature provides an eye-catching feature, and is augmented by a dynamic recess in the centre of the roof, similar to a Zagato design feature. This recess is referenced inside the car, through an anthracite-coloured Alcantara roof liner with a central leather section.

Driver and front passenger enjoy M sports seats with integral belt guides and all seats receive Merino leather upholstery and extended features. The rear passenger compartment offers two or three seats  which can split and fold down in a ratio of 40:60. This can increase boot capacity, if required, from 460 litres to as much as 1,265 litres.

Drivetrain

The engine

The new BMW M6 Gran Coupé draws the output required to serve up performance from a high-revving V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology, channelling its power to the rear wheels via a seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic and an Active M Differential. This powertrain combines construction features taken from motor sport with innovations developed under the banner of Efficient Dynamics. Its package of technology comprises two turbochargers working according to the twin-scroll principle (including a cross-bank exhaust manifold), High Precision Direct Petrol Injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve timing and Double-Vanos continuously variable camshaft control. The engine is also served by an extremely powerful cooling system and a wet sump oil supply optimised to work under high lateral forces.

The performance characteristics of the 4.4-litre powerplant are defined by its responses and forceful, linear power delivery maintained into the higher reaches of the rev range. Peak torque of 680 Newton metres is on tap between 1,500 and 5,750 rpm. The V8 achieves its maximum output of 412 kW between 6,000 and 7,000 rpm and can spin on to 7,200 rpm. This means the rev band available to generate maximum performance is almost three times wider than that of the previous M6's engine.

Seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission

Tuned to the performance characteristics of the V8 engine, the M Double Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic converts the powerplant’s thrust effectively into rapid acceleration. This capability is underpinned by the DCT design principle, which effectively combines two gearboxes in one housing – yet with virtually no size or weight penalty over a conventional manual transmission. M DCT Drivelogic offers the driver three different shift programmes, both in automated mode (D) and in manual mode (S). In addition, the electronics provide a Launch Control function ensuring unbeatable acceleration from a standing start, Low Speed Assistance for easier low-speed operation, and an Auto Start-Stop function for increased efficiency.

The new BMW M6 Gran Coupé is equipped as standard with a newly developed M leather steering wheel, complete with multifunction buttons and fixed gearshift paddles.

Active M Differential

The new BMW M6 Gran Coupé impresses by offering optimum traction in tricky road and weather conditions and under dynamic acceleration out of corners. Working behind the scenes to achieve this is an innovative variable locking differential in the rear differential.

The Active M Differential allows the engine’s power to be split precisely and quickly between the left and right rear wheels according to the requirements of the driving situation at any particular moment. An electronically controlled multi-plate limited-slip differential helps to reduce the rotational speed differences between the rear wheels, which is needed to optimise traction. The Active M Differential control unit is linked to the DSC stability control system, allowing every driving situation to be precisely analysed and a loss of traction at one wheel to be detected at an early stage. The locking effect generated in response can be varied between zero and 100 per cent.

M Servotronic, DSC with M Dynamic Mode

The chassis of the new BMW M6 Gran Coupé has been developed to M specification and therefore combines performance attributes with comfort-enhancing features drivers appreciate on an everyday basis. These features include the integral rear axle, whose subframes are bolted rigidly to the body, the double-wishbone front axle boasts specific kinematics and newly developed components made from forged aluminium. Chassis mountings, using large panels at the front and rear axle, ensure dynamic forces are passed evenly through to the body. This helps to noticeably reduce the roll movements triggered by bumps in the road surface, particularly through enthusiastically driven corners. Both the construction of the chassis and its bespoke tuning for this model is defined by in-depth expertise from the race track and have been optimised during testing on the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife circuit.

Standard equipment also includes electronically controlled dampers. The M-specific Dynamic Damper Control system adjusts damping force electro-hydraulically to provide the required responses for almost any driving situation and fulfil the wishes of the driver. A choice of three settings allows a driver to adjust the damper characteristics to their needs and preferences.

The hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering ensures unbeatable precision and a high degree of comfort. This system has a variable ratio, which enhances straight-line stability and reduces the number of steering wheel turns required when parking and turning off a road. The likewise standard Servotronic speed-sensitive power assistance is specially tuned to M specification and enables drivers to choose a personal configuration with the help of three set-up options.

In addition to applying brake impulses and reducing engine output to stabilise the car, the DSC stability control system employs the services of an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Brake Assistant, the Brake Drying function and Start-Off Assistant. M Dynamic Mode (MDM) can be activated to override the basic setting by pressing the DSC button. By raising the intervention thresholds of DSC, this mode makes it easier to move off low friction surfaces with slightly spinning driven wheels. MDM mode also paves the way for the familiar M self-steering response. “DSC Off” mode can likewise be activated at the touch of a button.

The latest version of the compound high-performance braking system helps give the new BMW M6 Gran Coupé outstanding stopping power. Its features include even lower weight, excellent feel and fade-free performance even under heavy loads. The diameter of the inner-vented and perforated brake discs is 400 millimetres at the front and 396 millimetres at the rear. The six-piston fixed-calliper brakes at the front axle – painted dark blue metallic and complete with the M logo – are radially bolted to the pivot bearing.

Options

The list of options available to personalise the M6 Gran Coupé includes features such as an active seat massage function for driver and front passnger, rear seat heating, Bang & Olufsen High End Surround Sound System, digital radio tuner, a heated steering wheel and BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition.

Further options are available from the BMW Individual range which allow buyers to individualise a car through a combination of unique and exclusive paint colours and interior trim offering. In addition, there is a no cost option of customising the full leather‚ 'Merino' upholstery with a range of BMW Individual colours including an Opal White/Amaro Brown combination exclusive to the M6 Gran Coupé.

From July production buyers will also be able to get a little more M in their  M6 Gran Coupé by selecting the Competition Package from the options list.

The package provides an 11 kW boost to the high-revving V8 with M TwinPower turbo technology and raises the total power output to 423 kW - enough to slice 0.1 seconds from the 0-100 km/h sprint and 0.2 seconds when you continue all the way to 200 km/h.

In addition, as part of the Competition Package, the engineers at BMW M have applied modifications to the chassis set-up. Along with suspension and damping systems modifications, stabiliser bars have received increased torsional rigidity and  this, coupled with enhancements to the Active M Differential and steering system, deliver more precise, agile and dynamic handling.

At the same time, the Competition Package also enhances the looks and acoustics of the M6 Gran Coupé. Exclusively designed 20-inch M light-alloy wheels, along with a sport exhaust system featuring customary M twin tailpipes in black chrome, lend an unmistakable sporty note to both the look and the sound of the car.


NOTE:

* Manufacturer's List Price (MLP) excludes dealer delivery fees and the numerous statutory charges (commonly known as on-road costs). Additionally, please note that all prices, fees and charges are subject to change without notice, as are the specifications.

E&OE.


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