BMW Previews Its High-Powered Summer with New M6 Convertible

HARTFORD, CONN. (04/10/2012)(readMedia)-- There is no car more reminiscent of summer than a drop-top, and BMW recently announced that power junkies will have a new open-air option in time for beach season: the 2012 BMW M6 Convertible. Introduced at the New York International Auto Show last week, the newest M6 Convertible will go on sale at BMW dealerships in June, a couple months ahead of the new hardtop M6 Coupe that debuted at the Geneva Motor Show last month.

When they arrive, both the 2012 M6 Convertible and 2013 M6 Coupe will feature a high-revving M TwinPower Turbo V8 that generates the highest output of any engine ever featured in a production BMW M vehicle. Also found in the 2013 BMW M5 super sedan, the 4.4-liter powerplant is rated at 560 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque, and it is expected to propel the M6 Convertible from 0 - 62 mph in a swift 4.3 seconds.

"If you just want to feel the wind through your hair, you can buy any convertible, but if you want to feel like you're taking on g-force at the same time, you get an M6 Convertible," said Tim Parker, general manager of Hartford, Connecticut BMW dealer New Country BMW. "The 2012 M6 Convertible is not only more powerful than its predecessor; it's expected to be more fuel efficient and even safer than before."

The new BMW M6 Convertible will offer an optional M Head-Up Display, which projects critical information like vehicle speed, navigation instructions and the gear selected onto the windshield to keep drivers focused on the road. BMW's power-packed drop-top also features high-strength aluminum rollover-protection bars, which extend from their position behind the rear head restraints in a fraction of a second to protect occupants in the event of a rollover.

Another new BMW model also made its debut in New York last week: the 2013 BMW X1 sport activity vehicle. The luxury compact crossover is the automaker's smallest X model, but new design elements should give the X1 a larger presence when it arrives at U.S. dealerships for the first time this fall. A revised front fascia builds on the vehicle's muscular appearance, while chrome accents heighten the vehicle's luxury feel. The 2013 X1 also features newly designed headlights, which can be fitted with optional LED accent lights.

Though a new angled center console adds a nice sporty touch, drivers of the 2013 BMW X1 will likely pay more attention to what the TwinPower Turbo engines can deliver from under the hood. Those who opt for the four-cylinder-powered X1 sDrive28i or X1 xDrive28i will have 240 horsepower at their disposal, while a six-cylinder powerplant elevates output to 300 horsepower in the X1 xDrive35i. Meanwhile, a Brake Energy Regeneration feature will help improve fuel efficiency without sacrificing power.

"The BMW X1 has had a lot of success overseas, and the U.S. market seems primed for it now," added Parker. "Americans want their luxury crossover to be able to deliver impressive performance, but they need something practical and fuel efficient in today's economy. The X1 finds the sweet spot; it's agile and efficient like a sedan, but it offers the comfortable space and capability utility shoppers desire."

About New Country BMW:

Hartford BMW drivers trust New Country BMW when they need to service their high-performance models, but New Country offers much more than just outstanding BMW service. When it comes to buying a new or certified pre-owned BMW, Connecticut BMW drivers can rely on New Country BMW for a stress-free buying experience that extends beyond the sale. Part of the New Country Motor Car Group, New Country BMW is located at One Weston Park Road in Hartford, Connecticut. They can be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NewCountryBMW or reached by phone at 866-498-7471, and their extensive online inventory can be found at www.newcountrybmw.com.