BMW has, in the not too distant past, decided not to display at the British Motor Show for one reason or another, so imagine our surprise when the German company announced its intentions to give the BMW M6 Convertible its world debut at the 2006 London-based show ahead of UK sales in September.

Under the bonnet lies the 'familiar' 5-litre V10 work of art that some call an engine, as fitted to the BMW M5 and the regular M6 Coupe. Output is unchanged at 507bhp with the M6 Convertible reaching 62mph from rest in 4.8 seconds (only 0.2 seconds down on the Coupe). Top speed is limited to 155mph, though as with the other V10-engined models we've driven, the limiter will probably be quite relaxed...

Traditionally, large four-seat open-top cars such as the M6 Convertible would not be made for particularly enthusiastic driving, but BMW can't let the 'M' badge down, so the Convertible promises to be just as involving and super-capable as the Coupe. Weight reducing measures include plastic front wings and carbon fibre bumpers. BMW claims that the weight distribution is maintained at 50:50.

As on the Coupe, the M6 Convertible will be fitted as standard with 19-inch double spoke light alloy wheels shod with 255/40 R19 tyres at the front with 285/35 R19 at the rear. The brake discs appear to measure larger than the Coupe, with 374mm diameter at the front and 370mm at the rear pledging to haul the car down from speed.

All BMW 6 Series Convertibles features a triple-layered hood including a middle component of polyurethane foam for enhanced noise reduction, though if you own the M6 Convertible no doubt you'll want to have the roof stowed as often as possible to make full use of those quad exhaust pipes and the slightly scary noise that the V10 engine can make at high revs. That will be reason alone to buy the Convertible over the Coupe.

Full specifications and pricing will be announced closer to the launch later in the summer. We'll be there so watch out for the review on the BMW road tests page.

The BMW stand will also feature the new Z4 Coupe in 3-litre and M versions and a new BMW 730Ld Edition Exclusive.

Shane O' Donoghue - 21 Jun 2006