Review: Better than the BMW M5?

There's no getting away from it; this is the mightiest BMW of them all. Fabulously fast and furious, decadent to the core, technologically breathtaking, incredibly quick, immaculately built and luxuriously trimmed, this is the ultimate heavyweight coupé. De-restrict its 2005 International Engine of the Year V10 and punch up all 507bhp on the MDrive button and it can charge to 205mph - but not with me at the wheel and certainly never as a passenger.

To take this car anywhere near its considerable limit needs skill - and even more restraint. It's the restraint I'd worry about! This car wants to be driven hard. In normal tune the 90-degree V10, voted International Engine of the Year in 2005, delivers a "mere" 407bhp, but punch the MDrive button on the wheel or the Power switch on the transmission tunnel and at 7750rpm you've got 507bhp. That's more than 101bhp per litre and with it comes titanic torque peaking at 6100rpm, where there's 383lb/ft available.

Full review here

rack - 1/5/2006 12:20:15 AM

+1 Boost

Is it just me, or does the 6 look like the design was never finished. It looks roughed in, but like they got to a certain point and just quit on it.

gtdegamo - 1/5/2006 11:33:30 PM

+1 Boost

I have a 2004 645. It's a great car, and I might trade it in for an M6, but I'm just disappointed in BMW for creating a very heavy sports coupe. Although I do like the HP, the torque is way anemic. I can bench press more torque than the M6 for goodness sake! Sure the engine is a race engine, but c'mon man.

It weighs about 3800 lbs. That's alot. The Z06 weighs less than a Subaru WRX, at about 3100 lbs. It has the same HP, but more importantly a ton more torque. It's about half the price, and has better fuel economy. Sadly, I really think BMW has come up short.

No, don't tell me that the Z06 is a 2 seater and the M6 a 2+2 seater. I have a 6er and the back 2 seats are practical for midgets; they are really just extra trunk space.

Steve - 1/6/2006 12:40:31 AM

+1 Boost

I predict "not a hot seller".

BMW's use of a Killer Engine in this sort of package can be likened to the porn industry where lack of an important talents (acting, in the case of porn, styling and a semblance of defect-deficiency for autos) is over-compensated by going "over the top" in other ways.

It's no coincidence that BMW is creating monster motors, a quantum leap over their previous offerings. Aside from a great ride (in most cases), what else are they offering the buyer?

(PS: I'm a BIG BMW fan. Have 3 Bandgle-free ones of my own. Just don't like BMW's current offerings)

Steve - 1/6/2006 12:40:31 AM

+1 Boost

lewissalem - 1/6/2006 2:08:55 PM

+1 Boost

..the car is designed by Hooydunk. I can not get used the look. I know, other car companies have added creases to their designs... But theres creases, and then there's the polarizing looks of this car.

I admire Bangle/Hooydunk for thier contribution to automotive design, and their confidence in doing what they feel is right. However, I think that their styling push will be a fad that will fizzle out in a few years (look at the pics of the new 7).

Remember, perms on men were in style at time.

gtdegamo - 1/7/2006 1:07:39 AM

+1 Boost

No doubt the M6 will be a fine car, but a great track car? The Z06 is much better track car. It's been tested on the 'Ring and it's numbers beat alot of the supercars. No doubt the M6 will be up there too, but the weight is something you can't hide. The M6 weighs more than some SUVs that are out there, for goodness sake.

Yes, you are right there are people weighing the merits between an M6 and a Z06, just like me. But, these are the people waivering between a luxury centric sports car and a race centric sports car. The race centric driver has already made up his mind. He's not on the M6 waiting list, cause he's decided on the Z06.

pnsb24a - 1/8/2006 9:39:20 PM

+1 Boost

It never ceases to amaze me that people will pay the price just to drive a Bmer. Worst yet is the porsche. 385 of torque is just to low to talk about. Another BMW rip off