BMW M6

The BMW M6 Coupe offers track-quality performance in the company's most attractive body style. Designed in 2006, it melds the upscale four-passenger luxury of the 6-Series coupe with BMW's race-developed 500 horsepower V10 engine, high-tech suspension, and the same extensive list of innovations as available on the 6-Series. The only drawbacks identified by reviewers are inherent in that technology. In particular, the seven-speed sequential gearbox (SMG) with electronically-operated clutches, introduced in 2006, doesn't appeal to everyone. Starting in 2008, BMW's regular six-speed manual transmission is a no-cost alternative, which may better suit some enthusiasts. For ultimate performance, however, the SMG winds hands down, making it suited to track use. Performance and efficiency
5.0-liter, 40-valve V-10 engine with M high-pressure Double-VANOS "steplessly" variable valve timing	10 individual throttle butterflies, electronically controlled
G-sensitive semi-dry-sump lubrication system	Oil coolant heat exchanger
Digital Motor Electronics (DME) with on-board diagnostics	3-way catalytic converter with heated oxygen sensor
7-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) with drivelogic

Handling, ride and braking
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with M Dynamic Mode (MDM)	All Season Traction with M Variable Differential Lock
Vehicle-speed-sensitive variable-assist power steering (M Servotronic) with M Driving Dynamics Control (2 settings throttle and steering)	Aluminum double-pivot strut-type front suspension and 4-link integral rear suspension
Independent suspension with M calibration (stiffened dampers, springs and anti-roll bars; modified rear axle geometry)	Electronic Damping Control with Comfort, Normal and Sport mode
Lightweight, double-joint spring strut front axle with aluminum crossbar	Lightweight integral rear axle
4-wheel BMW M vacuum-assisted ventilated, cross-drilled anti-lock compound disc brakes (ABS)

BMW M3 ALMS Race Car 2009

The American Le Mans Series is going to get a dose of Bavarian brilliance in 2009, as Bobby Rahal and David Letterman are teaming up to bring the fourth-generation M3 to the racing series. To properly battle the best competition in ALMS, BMW bumps the power quotient of its high-revving 4.0L V8 from 414 to 485 ponies, but brute force is just one facet of the M3's attack plan. The already outstanding chassis of the M3 has been further enhanced for the track, and weight has been reduced to make the deadly M even more nimble.

BMW also employed its extensive F1 knowledge into the M-racer, including computational fluid dynamics and wind tunnel analyses to make the carbon fiber-winged M3 slip freely through the air. BMW Motorsport is still tweaking the M3 racer in advance of the 2009 season, and the car will be taken through its paces by Andy Priaulx, Jorg Muller and Augusto Farfus of FIA World Touring Car Championship fame. Since the previous two generations of M3 hold six manufacturers championships in nine years of US sports car racing, we're guessing this baddest M3 ever will continue to be a handful for the competition.

2009 BMW M3 Race Version Specifications

Chassis
Front brake system	Six-piston aluminum brake calipers, inner-vented grey-cast iron brake disks 15.0 in./380mm in diameter
Rear brake system	Four-piston aluminum brake calipers, grey-cast iron brake disk, 13.1 in./332mm in diameter
Engine
Type	Eight cylinder, V-configuration
Displacement	3999 cc
Torque	368 lb-ft/500 Nm
Engine management	BMW Motorsport ECU 408 with two high-performance micro-processors

BMW Concept X6

The BMW Concept X6 combines four doors and a dynamically flowing coupé roofline with a high sill-line, muscular wheel arches, and a strong centre of gravity positioned right in the middle and making a clear reference to four-wheel-drive technology.

The front end is dominated by highlights in design clearly symbolising the car’s dynamic orientation to the road.

From the side, the short front body overhang emphasises the dynamic appearance, the long overhang at the rear, its stretched and sleek look.

The long line of the engine compartment lid merges smoothly and gently into the elegantly rising A-pillars, the greenhouse moved far to the back and the roofline tapering out clearly and consistently from the B-pillars interacting with the high window line to provide low and, indeed, almost flat window graphics.

BMW Concept X6 Specifications

• Body Type: 5-door SUV
• Layout: front engine, AWD
• Engine: 300 hp, 300 lb-ft of torque, 3.0L, 24-valve DOHC I-6 direct injection twin-turbo
• Opt. Engine: 400 hp, 450 lb-ft of torque, 4.4L, 32-valve DOHC V8 twin-turbo
• Transmission: 6-spd auto w/manual mode
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS, EBD, BA
• Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 192.0 / 78.0 / 66.1 / 115.4 in
• Cargo Volume (seats up / down): 25.6 / 59.7 cu ft
• Warranty (mo/mi): 48/50,000 comprehensive
• Competitors: Mercedes-Benz ML-Class, Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, Land Rover Range Rover Sport