The Variable M differential permits up to 100 per cent of drive to be fed to a single rear wheel to optimise traction. In its optimum MDynamic Mode, as a part of the Dynamic Stability Control system, it permits a greater degree of wheel slip for safe and exciting driving.

BMW's familiar double joint strut front axle is used on the M6 Convertible, while, at the rear, an integral axle with longitudinal arms with springs and dampers feature. In common with all previous BMW M developed cars, the BMW M6 Convertible is fitted with a hydraulically assisted rack and pinion steering. For ease of driving and manoeuvrability at slow speeds, the steering system is supplemented by BMW's Servotronic speed-proportional steering system.


Safety

The BMW M6 Convertible offers the highest standards of passive safety. A-pillars made of high-strength steel and rollbars behind the rear headrests form a top-level safety cell in the event of a rollover. Active rear seat head restraints also pop-up in extreme circumstances should the Dynamic Stability Control system detect an imminent rollover to provide the optimum occupant protection.

The M6 Convertible is designed with deformable body panels to absorb impact energy while high strength steel is used at key points of the chassis to prevent any intrusions into the passenger compartment.

Fitted as standard with four airbags, the driver's and front seat passenger's intelligent airbags offer two-stage deployment, depending on severity of impact. The safety belts on all four seats come with belt force limiters and the integrated restraint systems on the front seats also feature belt latch tensioners.

The M6 Convertible is also equipped with Adaptive Headlights as standard. This innovative system turns the car's headlights in relation to steering input by up to 15 degrees when cornering. As a result, the direction the car is travelling is illuminated for greater night-time visibility. The M6 Convertible is further equipped with Brake Force Display and Head-up Display. The former illuminates additional lights at the rear during heavy braking to warn other road users, while the latter system displays speed, navigation, cruise control settings and check control messages in the driver's line of sight for safer driving.

With no spare wheel and tyre, the M6 Convertible features BMW's Tyre Puncture Warning System (TPWS) and a second generation M Mobility System (MMS). The former gives an audible and visual warning if a loss of tyre pressure is detected, while the latter provides the driver with a get-you-home method of tyre repair.


Market and history

The M6 Convertible is unique - it is BMW's first ever M-badged high performance 6 Series Convertible and comes to the market at a time when demand for soft-top cars has never been greater. In 1993 UK car buyers bought 22,510 soft-top vehicles, while in 2005 108,618 convertibles were sold.

The UK has traditionally been the third largest worldwide market for M-cars and the second largest European market for soft-tops. The introduction of the M6 Convertible is, therefore, a logical step for BMW. The M6 Convertible promises to be one of BMW's most exclusive cars and, in its first full year, BMW UK expects to sell 150 cars.



2. The new BMW Z4 3.0si and M Coupe

Making its UK debut at the British International Motor Show, BMW's ninth brand-new model in three years* goes on sale in August. BMW designers and engineers have recreated an exciting derivative seen only twice in the last 65 years - the roadster-based coupe.

In the words of Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Brand Design: "The new BMW Z4 Coupe is best described as a Pocket GT. The car has been designed to feel 'shrink-wrapped' around its components and occupants to create the tightest-packaged high-performance long-distance GT car possible."

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