When you’re arguably one of the best luxury automotive brands on the market, coming off of a banner sales year, and charged with protecting the reputation of the “ultimate driving machine”, what do you do next?Why, offer selective and well-to-do buyers the 2006 BMW M6, of course.

BMW enjoyed sales of more than 266,000 vehicles in the U.S. last year, marking the marquee’s best effort ever and capping off a ten-year period of impressive growth. Recently, the lineup has been bolstered by revised 3 and 7 Series models, a new 5 Series wagon, and soon Bavarian Motor Werks fans will be able to get their hands on a few new vehicles bearing the M badge, a group of outstanding rides that BMW calls the brand’s “crown jewel.” Blazing to the front of that lineup is the 2006 M6, powered by the same 5.0-liter, naturally-aspirated V10 as found in the M5 sedan, pushing 500 horsepower through a seven-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) transmission. That powertrain is bolted to a body and chassis that have been designed to be lightweight, complete with an aluminum front structure, thermoplastic front fenders, and the use of carbon fiber for the bumper supports and entire roof panel. Thanks to their efforts, engineers are able to boast of the 2006 BMW M6’s 0-60 mph time of only 4.5 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.

Any ride that is that freakin’ quick requires some serious control, and the 2006 BMW M6 comes prepared. Included is Electronic Damping Control, a suspension system that provides different setting for firmness dependent on driving style and road conditions; a locking rear differential controls wheel spin and puts hundreds of ponies directly to the pavement; and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) helps to protect drivers who end up a bit above their heads. But, for enthusiasts who really want to test their skills, DSC can be turned off, resulting in a battle between the driver and the road, with little intrusion from the vehicle. For such Mario Andretti wannabes, we wish you luck, and pray that you’re on a deserted strip of asphalt far away from the roads we travel in California.

Differences between the 2006 BMW M6 and the regular 6 Series include a revised front air dam, a rear air diffuser, quad tailpipes, unique mirrors, tweaked rocker panels, and gills in the front fenders. Like all BMWs, the M6 will be sold with a free maintenance plan spanning four years or 50,000 miles, because, as BMW Chairman of North America, Tom Purvis, puts it, “It’s the premium thing to do.” Maybe that added bonus will help buyers get past the $96,795 starting price.

The 2006 BMW M6 is due to go on sale in May of this year.