Hamann showed its latest creation at the Geneva Motor Show; the Tycoon Evo M is based on the BMW X6 M. It features more power, a re-trimmed interior and a striking new look.

It is hard to imagine the Tycoon winning any beauty contests but it does have presence. Up front there's a new bumper assembly with large air intake and four LED running lights. The carbon bonnet incorporates vents and at the back there are new tail lights, a re-shaped valance and spoilers on the roof and tailgate. Between the two ends there are flared wheelarches, adding 60mm to the car's width, and side skirts.

Forged, anodised, cross-spoke alloy wheels are fitted, measuring 11 x 23-inches at the front and 12 x 23-inches at the rear. The car sits 40mm lower than the standard X6 M thanks to new front springs and a 'refining kit' for the rear axle.

Driving all four wheels is a 661bhp engine with 701lb.ft of torque. The increase in output comes chiefly from a new titanium exhaust system with catalyst replacement pipes. The 155mph speed limiter has been removed and Hamann claims a top speed of 186mph with 0-62mph taking 4.2 seconds. A set of ceramic brakes takes care of stopping.

The interior also gets a makeover with 'nanai salmon' leather, which apparently combines the appearance of salmon skin with the characteristics of leather. The sides of the transmission tunnel and the footwell are finished with diamond stitching. Aluminium pedals are fitted to co-ordinate with the illuminated sill tread plates. A three-spoke sports steering wheel is included and the boot is lined with a chequer-stitched mat.

John Lambert - 14 Mar 2011