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BMW F86 X6 M Reveals Production Lights Testing on the Ring

Rumor has it that BMW is planning a double premiere of the M SUV models in its range, at the Moscow Auto Show this month. However, since the new X6 was just launched only online, the Russian show might allow us to see it in the flesh for the first time, leaving the X5 M and X6 M models for a different venue.
2015 BMW X6 M 1 photo
Photo: Screenshot from Youtube
Even so, testing is still going strong on the Nurburgring and our friends from TouriClips caught an F86 X6 M testing hard, revealing its production taillights to the audience. Admittedly, that’s probably one of the few parts that won’t be changed from the ‘regular’ model on the M version but it’s still a new detail for us to look at.

As for the technical details hidden underneath the impressive look, expect some big changes from the F15/F16 platforms. Even the codenames hint at big improvements, BMW deciding to adopt a similar strategy as on the M3 and M4 duo.

The chassis will be drastically improved as well as the suspension, that will be tweaked so that nobody can say it’s ‘soft’ anymore. The engine under the bonnet could be an upgraded version of the S63 units with more than 560 HP and 680 Nm (501 lb-ft) of torque.

In the meantime, to make the cars go faster, BMW also will make them lighter through usage of CFRP and aluminum throughout the production process. The biggest change compared to the previous hardcore models will be the transmission.

The E70/E71 X5/X6 M models used to be fitted with xDrive (of course) and a 6-speed automatic gearbox that, while pretty good to use, is no match to a proper 7-speed dual clutch DCT unit. That’s exactly what is heading this way, the X6 M being spotted testing around with it in the past.

With the new specs, transmission and weight figure, the X6 M could very well be a car with a 4.1-4.3 sprint time. The only question that remains to be answered is whether it will also be available with a manual. Probably not.

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