What’s under the hood

Power for the 2006 BMW M6 comes from the same normally-aspirated, 5.0-liter V10 as found in the magnificent M5 sedan, a car with which this new large coupe shares the MDrive system. Under normal driving conditions, the engine puts out 400 horsepower, more than enough for most folks. But with some quick programming, drivers can unleash 500 horses with a simple tap of the M button on the steering wheel. Torque is rated at 383 lb.-ft. Furthermore, there’s a Sport setting that ties maximum power with a stiffened suspension and a tightened steering system.

A seven-speed SMG transmission with Drivelogic directs the 2006 BMW M6’s power to the rear wheels, while a variable locking differential and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) ensure that all those ponies don’t go up in smoke. That tenacious grip allows the M6 to reach 60 mph in a mere 4.5 seconds, and top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.