BMW's firebreathing new M6 duo | Manawatu-Wanganui Cars | 4WD, Green Cars and Motorcycling in Manawatu-Wanganui

BMW has released first official pictures of the M6 coupe and convertible, the luxury carmaker's fastest-ever two-door cars.

Both run a 412kW 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 mated to a seven-speed double-clutch gearbox driving the rear wheels, a powertrain lifted straight from the M5 saloon, which was launched in New Zealand last month.

They fire the lighter M6 Coupe from 0-100km/h in 4.2 seconds - two-tenths faster than the M5 - and from 0-200km/h in 12.6 seconds. The Convertible takes 4.3 and 13.1 seconds.

The M version of the convertible weighs 1980kg, 130kg more than the 1850kg coupe, despite the extensive use of lightweight materials.

But thanks to the addition of direct-injection, turbocharging and stop-start, the coupe and convertible claim a 30 per cent improvement in efficiency over the old 5-litre V10 M6.

BMW claims town-and-around figures of 10.3 litres/100km for the convertible and 9.9 litres/100km for the coupe, with CO2 emissions claimed to be 239 grams per kilometre (convertible) and 232g/km (coupe).

Nineteen-inch alloy wheels are standard, with 20-inch alternatives on the options list, along with ceramic brake discs.

Wider wheels contribute to a 30mm gain in track width, giving the M models a suitably muscular, hunkered-down look and traction is optimised by BMW's Active M Differential.

BMW M Division's dynamic damper control is also standard, along with the M version of Servotronic steering.

Both M6 models get BMW's trademark circular headlights, but this time with a line of LED daytime driving lights across the top.

The 6-Series' styling is beefed up with a lower and more angular bodykit and flared wheelarches.

Four tailpipes poke out either side of the rear diffuser, and M-branded gills double up as indicators.

There's even practicality, with usable rear seats, while the boot offers 460 litres of space in the coupe and 350 litres in the convertible (or 300 litres with the roof down).

Inside, there's carbon fibre trim, a custom steering wheel and sports seats to match the aggressive exterior.

Two M buttons on the wheel can be used to store favourite settings for suspension, steering, stability control and gearbox response, while carbon-ceramic brakes will be an option.

The new M6 coupe will make its world debut at next month's Geneva motor show. The convertible will be saved for the New York motor show in April. Both cars are expected in New Zealand later this year.