The 560hp 2012 BMW M6 Convertible debuts at the NY Auto Show

Following what we saw when the 2012 BMW M6 Coupe debuted earlier this year at the Geneva Motor Show, the new BMW M6 Convertible is powered by the same twin turbocharged V8 from the hardtop high performance 6 Series as well as the new M5 sport sedan. This 4.4L V8 mill uses BMW’s TwinPower Turbo technology with twin scroll turbochargers and direct injection to produce 560 horsepower from 5,750 – 7,000 rpm and 500lb-ft of torque that kicks in at just 1,500rpm and shoves just as hard all the way to 5,650rpm. This incredible range of horsepower and torque allows the M6 Convertible to launch hard from a stop, pull hard through the midrange and quickly reach the electronically limited top speed of 155 miles per hour…like a proper M vehicle.

The 560hp twin turbo V8 of the 2012 BMW M6 Convertible is mated to a 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission that has been specifically tuned for the engine for this new convertible. The gears themselves can be controlled by the steering wheel mounted paddle shifters when the M6 Convertible is in S (manual) shift mode but when left in basic Drive mode, the M6 will deliver quick shifts, smooth shifts market without a second thought by the driver. Also, regardless whether the driver picks the manual or automatic shift modes, the new M6 has a trio of transmission settings.

When the 2012 BMW M6 Convertible automatic transmission is set to the automatic D setting, there are three different modes that control the shifting characteristics of the 7-speed transmission. D1 is the default mode and this setting adjust the shifts for the smoothest, most efficient shifts possible. D2 mode is intended for casual cruising, with the shifts coming early and being fairly gentle, although when the driver hammers the throttle and demands more performance out of the M6 Convertible, the D2 mode can adapt. The D3 mode is for high performance driving when you don’t want to shift your own gears and this mode holds the car in the given gear until the engine is higher into the revs for optimal performance.

When the BMW M6 Vert is set to manual S shift mode, there are once again three settings for different driving conditions. S1 is designed to deliver smooth, quick shifts during everyday driving. S2 provides slightly harder shifts, especially when running at higher RPMs and S3 is the manual shift setting for those who want the most performance out of their M6 droptop. In S3, the shifts are as hard and as quick as they get, allowing for maximum acceleration from stop to top speed. Also, S3 is the mode in which the driver can activate the Launch Control system.

In addition to the high performance drivetrain, the 2012 BMW M6 Convertible is equipped with a sport tuned M suspension system and high performance braking components – although those who want even better braking capabilities can opt for the optional M Carbon Ceramic brake setup that is mated to a set of special 20” lightweight wheels. Inside, the M6 Convertible features all of the comforts and amenities that you would expect from a $113,995 sports car including plush leather upholstery, power everything and a high tech infotainment system. Click here for more on the pricing of the M6 Convertible and other new M products.

The 2012 BMW M6 Convertible is expected to hit US dealerships later this year, before the M6 Coupe arrives stateside.