M6 flame burns bright

This is the first picture to be published in New Zealand of BMW's new high-performance M6 coupe.

Like the standard 6-Series coupe and convertible, it is arguably the best execution yet of the carmaker's controversial new "flame" design direction.

It captures the evocative sporting spirit of the original M6 coupe, made during the 6-Series' production life of 1976-1989. Few cars better define their place in the scheme of things.

The M6 will also be available as a coupe and convertible. But unlike the standard models, which use a 4.4-litre V8 producing 245kW (333bhp) and 450Nm of torque, the M6 will be powered by a Formula One-inspired V10.

The engine and drivetrain is identical to the ground-breaking V10 used in the M5, the carmaker's halo performance model.

In the M5, the high-revving, all-alloy unit produces 378kW (507bhp) at 8250rpm and peak torque of 520Nm at 6100rpm and drives the rear wheels through an all-new seven-speed sequential gearbox.

More than 80 per cent (450Nm) of torque is available from 3500rpm. The M5 sprints from zero to 100km/h in less than five seconds and on to 200km/h in 15 seconds.

The lighter M6 coupe is expected to be marginally quicker to 100km/h. Top speed of both will be around 330km/h - or it would be if it wasn't electronically governed at 250km/h under an agreement between BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi.

Both cars will arrive in New Zealand later next year, the M5 in May, the M6 in November. Price? Between $230,000-$250,000.