BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
Go Back   6Post.com | BMW 6-Series Forum > BMW 6 Series Forum > BMW M6 Forum (F12 / F13)

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      06-22-2012, 11:34 AM   #1
bimmerjph
Colonel
bimmerjph's Avatar
United_States
121
Rep
2,023
Posts

Drives: 2005 Z4 3.0
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Tennessee

iTrader: (0)

Autoblog's 2013 M6 Coupe Review

BIMMERPOST
     Featured on BIMMERPOST.com
I thought it was a very good and thorough review.

Full review at http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/22/2...-review-video/

Quote:
Originally Posted by Autoblog
With the dust just settling on recent tests of the $113,995 BMW M6 convertible and the start of U.S. deliveries in late May, we now get to attack some traffic-free Spanish two-lanes and the 3.4-mile track at the Ascari Race Resort in the third-generation, or F12, BMW M6 coupe, which sells for the "discount" price of just $106,995.

Let's cut to the chase a bit: The M6 coupe is far more convincing as a big M car with this bi-turbo V8 powertrain than either the M6 convertible or M5 four-door.

Of these three 560-horsepower platform-sharing M cars, it's definitely this sleek coupe that takes home the prize on dynamics. It's some 65 pounds lighter than the M5 and almost 290 pounds lighter than the convertible M6, so just on those numbers, one would certainly hope for a crisper, more responsive road and track manner.

Almost as a way of driving home this chief difference between the intentions of the coupe and convertible, BMW dressed all of the M6 coupes we were testing in both the optional five-spoke 20-inch forged M wheels and big lightweight optional carbon ceramic brake discs. The convertibles on hand at this European drive event all had standard 19-inchers and compound discs. And thus the drop tops were not allowed on the track at all, and that felt right.


BMW is fully aware of the delicate balance it needs to strike with these big showpieces. Munich handed down orders a few years back that these new muscle beach Bimmers needed to err more on the everyday-driver grand touring side of the equation. They make buckets of profit on each unit sold and so they want to shift more units. Makes sense.

But have they lost something during the evolution of these cars? Though all M cars are closer to true passion than most Audi RS quattro setups, and Mercedes' AMG and Cadillac's V cars are right there with the BMWs, the latest M5 and M6 convertible have only slightly impressed us whereas the previous generation with its naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V10 just blew us away.

These days we can also see fit to mention the Jaguar XKR and XKR-S, Nissan GT-R, and even seriously throw in the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and Ford GT500 Shelby Mustang. When prior to this could we lump so many others in with the likes of a BMW M5 or M6? (If we testers and car fans everywhere are not loving all of this these days, then we're all hopelessly numb.)

With the E60 M5, the M treatment really saved the overly busy Chris Bangle design for the 5 Series sedan. That same argument can be made here with the F12 M6 coupe, which really benefits from filling out and pumping up versus the base 6 Series. With the carbon-fiber reinforced plastic roof adding a slick two-tone feel to the exterior and the roof's Zagato-esque double bubble form, the M6 coupe also wins in the aesthetics department versus its current siblings.

Between the M6's shorter 112.2-inch wheelbase versus the M5, slightly wider tracks, lower center of gravity, denser chassis bushings, and that lower weight, the M6 coupe did exactly what we wanted around a demanding track and on the equally demanding sweepers along the so-called "Ronda Road". There's a way to drive a heavier-set GT with buckets of turbocharged torque from low revs, and the M6 relishes the part.

In acceleration, the F12/F13 generation M6 models are a tenth of a second quicker than the V10-powered generation, coming in at 4.1 seconds in the coupe to get to 60 miles per hour while using launch control. With the two twin-scroll turbocharged V8, torque improves some 32 percent up to 502 pound-feet. The new gen does suffer in comparison with the older gen when distances reach a quarter mile or more, this being due to the rabid high-revving peak of the former M6 at over 8,000 rpm. Max revs here get to 7,200 rpm and max power hits between 6,000 and 7,000.

But it's while playing around in the wide meat of the rev cycle – literally from about 1,500 on up to nearly 7,000 revs – where we noticed the huge advantage of this new setup versus the former. The useable rev band in this M6 is essentially three times broader than anything the E63 M6 could approach. What you get is much more consistent behavior with amazing balance while aiming for a hot lap time, and practically not a hair out of place. Previously it took almost no effort at all from the right ankle to get the E63/E64 to wag a tail or smoke a tire.

But, again, BMW wants to make this mighty M6 more accessible to more premium sport buyers. So, here we are, pushing much harder and charting our weight transfer and curve approach with much more precision than previously was the case. We eventually nailed it and the fun and games took off from there.

To reel in all this weight – 4,244 pounds for the coupe – and hold the best line with the least roll, the 63.5-inch rear track rides on an axle whose support structure has been bolted directly to the chassis subframe. It helps in not only minimizing corner slop, but also makes hooking up with traction sooner a more reliable expectation. Before we were totally comfy on Ascari's 26 curves, we placed the Dynamic Stability Control system in M Drive Mode (a higher-threshold form of BMW's Dynamic Traction Control), the seven-speed double clutch transmission with Drivelogic in the second level (there are three) of the manual sport mode, and relied on the Active M locking rear differential. Configured so, the M6 coupe let us safely exceed the track surface's coefficient of friction all day long through its many transitions.

One other advantage with the M6 coupe is that it has a functional rear diffuser that helps the hardtop arrive at zero lift at higher speeds. The convertible has a certain amount of lift built in, but its rear diffuser, while good looking, is primarily cosmetic.

For years, even BMW's M division handed us the line that the single-piston floating caliper brakeset with compound discs was the way to go. And then they would always bring the cars to a track, hand them to us, and we would come to the pits after a few laps with copious notes regarding brake fade. This has changed at last. The standard blue front calipers are now fixed units and have six mighty pistons to better stop us with. Over about ten heated laps in high desert heat, the difference in braking precision was clearly felt. The track cars had the huge ceramic platters, and the front caliper is a bigger unit in gold with six pistons, but even the standard set on the heavy convertibles is a big improvement. Those carbon ceramic discs, however, will not be made available until early Spring 2013.

Inside the cockpit, the M sport seats are standard and much improved as well, while M multi-function seats are optional. Again, we had the standard units in the on-road convertible while the track-happy coupe had the optional thrones, and both are well suited, though a tad more bolster support in the optional seats would have been nice during high lateral gs.

The other all-new interior trick is the heritage-inspired steering wheel with three thinner spokes. It really looks the part in this M setup and is much more satisfying to grab than the former thick-gauge wheel.

Three key additional bits of news were gathered at this event: Like the new M5, the M6 will get the Getrag six-speed manual in the United States by the middle of next year; North America is not due to get the optional Drivers Package, which takes the top speed limiter from the standard 155 mph up to 189 mph; and starting in the middle of 2013, M cars with the double clutch gearbox will finally be given a clear and present no-duh P button to be certain the car is in Park. Miracles do happen.

In the midst of all this additional momentum and heavier GT luxury, the average fuel use has improved with the twin turbocharged V8 by some 30 percent, which should result in EPA average mileage numbers of nearly 20 mpg when the transmission is revved low, everything's in the timid settings, and seventh gear is engaged in fully automatic mode.

All the M5/M6 models have been tried now, with the M6 coupe arriving in the States in September. So, where exactly has all the marquee-caliber thrill gone since the debut in 2005 of the E63/E64 generation? Are there just more worthy competitors now, or are the Bimmers stepping down off their altar a bit to reach the mainstream? Both are probably true, but the M6 coupe stands out amongst its own as the best banner waver for BMW's M-branded large cars.
Appreciate 0
      06-23-2012, 01:26 PM   #2
Tunisie-G
Tunisie
Tunisie-G's Avatar
United_States
0
Rep
26
Posts

Drives: 2014 BMW 535i w ///M-Package
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Anaheim, CA

iTrader: (0)

Simply ///M-azing, I love that color, Sakhir Orange, definitely a personal favorite, there is absolutely nothing I would change in this car if I were to get it, excepts for perhaps the woman that accompany me in the passenger seat hehe
__________________
Professional Engineer
M.S. Civil Engineering
Appreciate 0
      06-23-2012, 01:58 PM   #3
m5 guy
Brigadier General
m5 guy's Avatar
United_States
1662
Rep
3,198
Posts

Drives: 2020 M5 Comp
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Hawaii

iTrader: (14)

That was a good read, thanks for posting
__________________
2020 F90 M5 Comp Oxford Green Metallic II-Aragon JOURNAL
2016 F10 M5 Space Gray-Black SOLD
2012 E70 X5M Monte Carlo Blue-Silverstone SOLD
2001 E46 M3 Oxford Green Metallic II-Cinnamon SOLD
Appreciate 0
      06-23-2012, 02:21 PM   #4
uhn2000
Big K...
uhn2000's Avatar
Canada
170
Rep
1,717
Posts

Drives: M3CS BX7
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Toronto, Ontario

iTrader: (0)

Great review and read - thanks for posting!
__________________
Many fun toys... M3CS XB7 FTW!
Appreciate 0
      06-23-2012, 02:42 PM   #5
ATX78703
Major
75
Rep
1,037
Posts

Drives: 2014 335i
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Austin, TX

iTrader: (0)

good read. What I don't understand - the wheelbase is some 4 inches shorter than the M5 and it has 2 less doors and, supposedly, a weight-saving roof - only 65 lb weight savings? Does that make any sense? What am I missing here - shouldn't it be closer to 200# weight savings? Esp if u throw in the CCBs...
__________________
2014 335i RWD: ZMM, ZDA, ZDH, ZPP, ZTP, 2NH, 2TB, 5DL; Z4A MPPK; AW ext / VB int
Appreciate 0
      06-23-2012, 02:49 PM   #6
bimmerjph
Colonel
bimmerjph's Avatar
United_States
121
Rep
2,023
Posts

Drives: 2005 Z4 3.0
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Tennessee

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by ATX78703
good read. What I don't understand - the wheelbase is some 4 inches shorter than the M5 and it has 2 less doors and, supposedly, a weight-saving roof - only 65 lb weight savings? Does that make any sense? What am I missing here - shouldn't it be closer to 200# weight savings? Esp if u throw in the CCBs...
Yeah I was thinking the same thing. Maybe they were comparing their likely fully loaded press cars weight to the listed M5 weight.
Appreciate 0
      06-23-2012, 03:34 PM   #7
OdomPHD
I break for no one
OdomPHD's Avatar
United_States
15
Rep
379
Posts

Drives: e9o "Vanity 2"
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: NW Florida, USA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by bimmerjph View Post
Yeah I was thinking the same thing. Maybe they were comparing their likely fully loaded press cars weight to the listed M5 weight.
Our Bimmers have always been notoriously heavy. I hope they break that stigma in the next ten years or so with CF. And the weight between the 5 and 6 was bound to be similar no matter how BMW pitched it.
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by southlight View Post
You're low-balling
Appreciate 0
      06-23-2012, 03:38 PM   #8
F80NJM3
Colonel
F80NJM3's Avatar
United_States
1923
Rep
2,175
Posts

Drives: F80 M3
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: NJ/NY

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Good stuff )
__________________
Appreciate 0
      06-23-2012, 04:10 PM   #9
GOLFFRR
GOLFFRR's Avatar
10720
Rep
27,536
Posts

Drives: GOLFFRR cart
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: we sell BMWs to "ALL" US states

iTrader: (4)

__________________

BEFORE YOU BUY YOUR NEXT BMW, EMAIL OUR GUY KOTE FIRST!
Kote M Sales:Kotem@bmwofcamarillo.com Cell:805-368-9101
vipfinance@bmwofcamarillo.com for warranties!
Appreciate 0
      06-23-2012, 04:18 PM   #10
JA///MES
PLZRACE
JA///MES's Avatar
United_States
29
Rep
361
Posts

Drives: 2011 E90 M3
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Las Cruces, New Mexico now fml...

iTrader: (3)

Great read!! This thing is gonna be a monster! I can't wait to see one, probably not in El Paso for a while since our dealer is most likely the worst BMW dealer in history, they'll be lucky to get one.
__________________
2011 E90 JBM ///M3 DCT l Gintani Catless X-Pipe w/ Hybrid Exhaust l Vishnu Procede V5 with Meth l l RE Pulleys l Tecnocraft Envy l Arkym CF Diffuser l CF BMW Spoiler l Arkym CF Front Bumper l GB ///M Badge l GB Side Markers l GB Kidney Grills l PSS 275/255/35/19s l VMR VB3s in Hyper Black l CF Steering Wheel Trim l ///M Pedals l Black Tow Hooks l Eibach Springs l GP Thunder Bulbs l IND Key Hole Cover l BMW PSW l Verstrabe Paddles
Appreciate 0
      06-23-2012, 05:13 PM   #11
Daft
Major
Daft's Avatar
Canada
384
Rep
1,201
Posts

Drives: 2021 M2C
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Ontario, Canada

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2003 BMW M3  [10.00]
2011 BMW M3  [9.71]
Win!
Appreciate 0
      06-23-2012, 05:16 PM   #12
Nick45
Private First Class
United_States
11
Rep
143
Posts

Drives: 2013 M6, 2016 x5m,2019 m5
Join Date: May 2012
Location: NY

iTrader: (0)

Appreciate 0
      06-23-2012, 05:46 PM   #13
mdosu
Banned
No_Country
312
Rep
8,496
Posts

Drives: Double Vanos'd Civic-M3
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: San Francisco

iTrader: (6)

off to buy lotto tickets...
Appreciate 0
      06-23-2012, 09:41 PM   #14
Memphis1
Lieutenant Colonel
Memphis1's Avatar
United_States
89
Rep
1,838
Posts

Drives: Z4 SDrive 35i
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: CT

iTrader: (0)

why is the M upside down on the calipers?
__________________
Appreciate 0
      06-23-2012, 11:51 PM   #15
Canuckles
First Lieutenant
Canuckles's Avatar
Canada
115
Rep
331
Posts

Drives: MW 2016 F82 M4
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: British Columbia

iTrader: (0)

Those rolling shots at the end of the vid... so stunning.
Appreciate 0
      06-24-2012, 02:43 AM   #16
jonasaurus
Brigadier General
jonasaurus's Avatar
United Kingdom
76
Rep
3,178
Posts

Drives: E90 M3 [Sold]
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: NYC

iTrader: (0)

Good read, wonder how the M6 Gran Coupe would fare against its 2 door sibling

Edit: just read the comments at the end of the article as per the link posted by OP, lots of hating
__________________
///M3 | E90 LCI | Space Grey | Fox Red with CF Structure | 6MT | 260M | My build
Appreciate 0
      06-24-2012, 10:16 PM   #17
M5007
Major
M5007's Avatar
United_States
71
Rep
1,410
Posts

Drives: 2014 M5 Competition Package
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Orange County, CA

iTrader: (0)

A buck 13! Damn.
__________________
Appreciate 0
      06-25-2012, 05:34 AM   #18
manicm
First Lieutenant
11
Rep
375
Posts

Drives: X1 sDrive18i
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: SA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by bimmerjph View Post
Yeah I was thinking the same thing. Maybe they were comparing their likely fully loaded press cars weight to the listed M5 weight.
Well, unlike the new 3-series, the 5 series model for model including the M5 is heavier than the previous generation, and that is because BMW incredibly ditched some of the aluminium suspension bits. The new 6 series is also heavier than its predecessor.

No wonder many think an E63 AMG is more fun, even if it's dynamically inferior, because it feels more agile than the M5.

The next 5 needs to shed weight.
Appreciate 0
      04-02-2013, 04:54 PM   #19
Mr. ///M3 RD
Happy Camper
Mr. ///M3 RD's Avatar
Canada
612
Rep
7,869
Posts

Drives: C63 AMG & 280 SL on Weekends :
Join Date: May 2010
Location: GTA, Ontario - Canada

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by Memphis1 View Post
why is the M upside down on the calipers?
I agree with Memphis ... the ///M Logo is upside-down hope they change that. It should face in the same direction as the BMW centre cap. Might be a sub-vendor flaw ... what say you fellows?

BDW ... what ever happen to Memphis1 ... his last post was last year after he sold his camera ... hope he is okay!
Attached Images
 
__________________
Cheers, Rolf-Dieter

Life will take us to some interesting places, fortunately The ///M3 will too with a many of us know this very well, now my C6.3 AMG with 487 HP does it too
---> Click here for some good stuff I found
Appreciate 0
      04-05-2013, 09:34 AM   #20
mdosu
Banned
No_Country
312
Rep
8,496
Posts

Drives: Double Vanos'd Civic-M3
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: San Francisco

iTrader: (6)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. ///M3 RD View Post
I agree with Memphis ... the ///M Logo is upside-down hope they change that. It should face in the same direction as the BMW centre cap. Might be a sub-vendor flaw ... what say you fellows?

BDW ... what ever happen to Memphis1 ... his last post was last year after he sold his camera ... hope he is okay!
if my car was delivered with the logo like that, that would drive me nuts, I'll probably refuse delivery until they fix it...lol
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:33 PM.




6post.com
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST