Exremely impressive acceleration for the M6. Takes the awesome performance of the M5 that one step further.
Do note, however, that the M6 was shod with tires not even available as an option.
"The M6 (measured weight 1761 kg) with its Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires is 2,1 s faster on the small Hockenheim circut than its about 80 kg heavier M5 sibling (measured weight 1844 kg) which was tested with the Conti SportContact 2 tires. On the slalom course the M6 (67,9 km/h average speed) drives the M5 (64,9 km/h average speed) into the ground. The r-compound tires on the M6 *should be* the main reason for that results. The dealers are now faced with the problem to explain their customers why BMW fits the M6 press cars with Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires but the customers only get the Conti SportContact 2 tires. The reason for this fact is that BMW has got clear-cut agreements with Continental. Therefore the Pirelli tires are subject to the add-on market, and surely the better choice for sporty-oriented drivers. The fact that the Pirelli tires – in contrary to other r-compound tires like the Michelin Cup tires used for the M3 – are amazingly good on wet surfaces makes decision very easy."
The M5's Conti's have treadwear rating of 280. The Pirelli's (as equipped on the M6 for this test) are rated 60. Not the same manufacturer, but nevertheless it's safe to assume vastly different levels of compound.
Tires make a huge difference in performance and lap times. It was Autocar that tested a Monaro fitted with all-season Continentals vs the identical car tested on R-compound street Dunlops. With the softer rubber and more aggressive tread, the car was some 3-5 seconds faster per lap in the dry. In the wet it was another matter. The Continentals were quicker and by a substantially larger margin.
|