We saw this with the BMW M5 saloon last year, someone at BMW U.S. clearly has a sporty backbone that flies in the face of the world’s current automotive obsession with two-peddle transmissions. BMW have just announced a series of updates for the BMW M6, Coupé, Convertible and Gran Coupé, the main change being the introduction of an optional 6-speed manual transmission and M Carbon Ceramic Brakes. Rejoice.
This manual transmission will be offered at no extra cost (it’s weird we need to qualify that these days) and it comes with engine management software that automatically and seamlessly matches engine speeds during every downshift in Efficient and Sport modes; similar to Nissan’s Rev Match system in the 370Z.
Once the driver switches the engine mode to Sport+, it cancels this feature and requires the driver to perform the rev-matching function with his/her best manipulation of the accelerator, or heel and toe while under braking. This is a nice touch for the real enthusiasts. The gearbox is designed specifically for the M5 and M6 by BMW’s M performance division.
As for the M Carbon Ceramic brakes, they come with large-diameter rotors that weigh only 19.4 kg and this increases the effectiveness of the entire suspension through reduced unsprung weight. These brakes also improve dissipation of the heat generated by high-speed braking, further improving the car’s dynamics.
Other changes to the M6 models include an update to version 4.2 of the BMW iDrive navigation system with display and control in the third dimension. The system has a 1.3 GHz processor and dedicated 3D graphics card. This navigation system has full speech recognition and a complete portfolio of office functions offered by BMW’s ConnectedDrive.
Will a manual version of the BMW M6 be coming to South Africa? It’s highly unlikely, but just to know they’re around seems to make the world a better place somehow.
