A 6-speed manual coupled to 560hp? BMW beefs up performance features on 2014 M6 models

By Marcus Amick March 25, 2013

Shooting to appeal to more performance enthusiasts, BMW is adding an optional six-speed manual transmission to its M6 line-up.

The new gearbox, designed by BMW’s in-house M performance division, will be available in the M6 Coupe, Convertible and the hot new Gran Coupe models, according to Left Lane News.

Smart move by BMW. There’s just something about being able to manually control the gears (paddle shifts aside) in a car like the Gran Coupe capable of putting out 560 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. It’s the kind of option that’ll surely have a lot more high-performance enthusiasts checking out the new 2104 M line-up.

That and features like the Gran Coupe’s 0 to 100 kph (62 mph) time of 4.2 seconds as well as an optional M Driver Package available for the car that boosts its top speed to 189 mph.

Previous M6 models have featured a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The new M6 manual gear box uses a rev-matching feature when in Efficient and Sport modes of operation. But the system can be overridden in Sport mode for those who prefer controlling heel-toeing on their own.

In addition to the manual transmission, the M6 will now offer optional carbon ceramic brakes for more fade-free stopping power than the standard brakes and reduces the weight of the vehicle by nearly 43 pounds, reports Left Lane.

The new BMW M6 models are expected to arrive in dealerships in late May.

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Former Digital Trends Contributor

Marcus Amick has been writing about the world of cars for more than ten years and has covered everything from new automobiles…

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