DIAL M FOR MAJESTIC

© All photos by Harvey Schwartz

DIAL M FOR MAJESTIC By Harvey Schwartz

Like its coupe stable mate, the M6 convertible combines a 500 horsepower V10 engine and the industry's first seven-speed sequential M gearbox with Drivelogic. It also combines the luxury and elegance of the 6 Series convertible with true super-car performance - i.e., 0-60 mph in just 4.6 seconds.

The M6 convertible has all of the performance capabilities of the M6 coupe in addition to the styling cues that clearly identify this car as the work of BMW M - the aggressive and functional front air dam, adaptive xenon headlamps, and BMW's signature twin-kidney grille. From the side you see a steeply raked windshield, and flared fenders stuffed with 19-inch wheels that showcase the large cross-drilled brakes. The rear features an air-diffuser that enhances stability at high speeds, LED lamps, and four round polished stainless steel tailpipes. It's all combined with the elegance and functionality of the 6 Series convertible - the luxurious 2+2 seating, the generous trunk, and the multi-layered soft top. This rare mixture provides the open-air driving enthusiast with one of the most unique driving experiences on the road. The M6 convertible takes full advantage of the high-revving, 500 horsepower V10 engine. With a redline in excess of 8,000 rpm, this engine delivers its power in a way that feels like nothing else. With its 5.0-liter capacity, this normally aspirated engine delivers a genuine 100 horsepower per liter - once exclusive racecar territory. This race-bred V10 engine combines state-of-the-art electronics, variable-valve-timing, and technology from BMW Motorsports.

You might not need all 500 horses in all driving situations, so BMW has two driver selectable settings. P400 is set automatically when you push the start button, giving you up to 400 horsepower. All you have to do to bring up the full 500 horsepower is push the power button on the console. A P500 sport mode is also available for even more dynamic response. In order to take full advantage of the available power, the car comes standard with the seven-speed Sequential M Gearbox with Drivelogic. The unique gearbox not only enables you to take full advantage of the performance potential, but it also offers maximum flexibility as well. You can either shift via the paddles mounted behind the steering wheel, or by tapping on the console mounted stick shifter. It also offers the flexibility of Drivelogic, 11 different shift modes - six for the manual function (S-mode) and five for the automatic mode-(D). Drivelogic gives you the flexibility to tailor shifting characteristics to suit your driving style of the moment.

BMW M engineers reinforced the chassis and pillars of the M6 convertible so that you'll never feel any shake when going over poorly paved roads. The specially tuned, fully independent suspension features Electronic Damping Control that not only offers you a choice of three settings (ranging from Sport to Comfort), but it also constantly adjusts the shock absorber firmness to the speed that you are traveling. Up front is an aluminum double-pivot strut-type independent suspension, and the rear features an aluminum 4-link integral rear independent suspension. Beside ride comfort and superb handling ability, the M6 convertible comes with Variable M Differential Lock, Dynamic Stability Control and M Dynamic mode. These systems give the M6 convertible outstanding traction in all driving conditions, particularly when accelerating out of a curve. The intelligent differential senses which wheel is slipping and which wheel has the traction, instantly channeling torque to the drive wheel with greater traction. The M Dynamic mode, when turned on, waits for a higher threshold of wheel slip before engaging. You can of course turn the Dynamic Stability Control off allowing you to let the rear to hang out exiting sharp curves and really getting your heartbeat pumping faster. No other coupe or convertible can be tuned so extensively to suit your driving style and driving ability.

Reflecting the car's enormous performance potential, the BMW M6 convertible offers braking performance to match. Giant 14.7-inch front, and 14.6-inch rear brakes feature cross-drilled rotors for outstanding stopping ability. It takes only 118 feet to stop from 60 mph. The unique 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 headliner. Its unique look gives the M6 convertible the same dynamic profile of the M6 coupe. Although the roof covers a generous passenger compartment, it folds into compact dimensions allowing the trunk to carry more cargo and baggage than most other convertibles. The luxurious interior is tailored to the driving enthusiast and is both roomy and comfortable with supportive, glove-soft leather seats surrounded by aluminum and carbon fiber trim. The interior also features special touches that distinguish it as a product of BMW M, such as the exclusive seams on all of the seats and steering wheel, as well as the M logos on the headrests. The white-on-black instrument cluster features a 200mph speedometer with traditional BMW M red indicator needles.

Standard equipment not mentioned above include vehicle-speed sensitive, variable-assist power steering with M Driving Dynamics Control, rain-sensing wipers/headlamp washers, Park Distance Control front and rear, Blue-Tooth wireless technology, remote keyless entry, push-button start/stop, automatic dual-zone climate control with micro-filter and automatic recirculation, multi-function, leather wrapped, power tilting/telescoping sport steering wheel, dual heated and self-dimming outside mirrors, Logic 7 Surround Sound Audio System, memory setting for seats, steering wheel and outside mirrors, power front windows express up/down and door locks, onboard computer, check control vehicle monitor, BMW navigation system, and a fully finished trunk with inside trunk release. With 500 horsepower on tap, a quick-shifting seven-speed SMG gearbox and the wind in your hair, the all-new 2007 BMW M6 convertible is the ultimate 2+2 open air driving experience.

SUMMARY JUDGMENT The ultimate among ultimate driving machines. For more information on BMW products, go to bmwusa.com. More photos from Harvey Schwartz can be found at autofotos.com © Words and pictures by Harvey Schwartz

SPECIFICATIONS Name of vehicle: 2007 BMW M6 Convertible Price of vehicle: $104,900.00, $115,770.00 as tested, including $3,000.00 gas-guzzler tax and destination Engine type: 5.0 liter DOHC, 40-valve V10, all-aluminum alloy with M high-pressure, Double-VANOS VVT EPA mileage estimates: 12 mpg city, 19 mpg highway Horsepower: 507 at 7,750 rpm Torque: 383 pound-feet at 6,100 rpm Drive configuration: Front engine/rear-wheel drive Transmission type: Seven-speed sequential manual gearbox Front suspension: Independent aluminum double-pivot strut-type with gas-charged shocks, anti-roll bar Rear suspension: Independent aluminum 4-link integral with gas-charged shocks and anti-roll bar Wheels and tires: Front: 18X9 aluminum alloy wheels/255/40ZR18 high-performance tires Rear: 19X10 aluminum alloy wheels/285/35ZR19 high-performance tires Brakes: Front: 14.7-inch vented and cross-drilled power-assisted Rear: 14.7-inch vented and cross-drilled power assisted ABS, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Brake Assist Overall length: 191.8 inches Overall width: 73 inches Overall height: 54 inches Curb weight: 4,398 pounds 0-60 mph: 4.6 seconds