See 2012 BMW M6 Convertible Full Photo Gallery

After a two year break, BMW is bringing back its M6 Convertible as a 2012 model. The high-performance version of the 6-Series, the 2012 BMW M6 Convertiblefeatures new athletic styling with wide air intakes, contoured headlight pods and a new take on the kidney grille. There are classic M styling elements, including the gills in the front fenders and quad exhaust tailpipes in the rear. Inside there are new sport seats, leather upholstery with carbon fiber accents, classic M-style gauges and a 10.2-inch display for the iDrive system. A heads-up display, featuring selected gear, rev counter and shift lights, is optional.

See 2012 BMW M6 Convertible Full Photo Gallery

Powering the new M6 Convertible is a 560 hp, 4.4-liter V8 that produces 500 lb-ft. of torque over a broad range, which BMW says is almost three times as wide as the V10 in the previous generation M6. That's about 10 percent more horsepower and 30 percent more maximum torque than the previous model, yet with about 30 percent less fuel consumption. The 4.4-liter is mated to a seven-speed double-clutch automatic transmission with a manual drive mode with a sequential shift pattern on the shifter and paddle shifters on the new steering wheel. In addition, the transmission offers three shift programs in both automatic and manual modes to allow for the most fuel-efficient driving experience, a sportier experience that still emphasizes fuel economy or a full sport mode that maximizes driving dynamics. There is a Launch Control function that allows the driver to get maximum acceleration from a standstill with the stability control disabled, while the Active M Differential is programmed to optimize traction and stability with a sporty driving experience. BMW says the M6 Convertible will accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds.

Like all M cars, the M6 Convertible has been tuned to provide the most dynamic driving experience possible. There are three settings—Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus—that adjust the suspension and steering for the preferred ride. The latest generation of BMW's Dynamic Stability Control also has three choices: the default mode is with the system fully engaged, the M Dynamic allows for more spirited driving while still allowing the system to engage at higher thresholds, while the DSC Off mode completely deactivates the system. While high performance brakes are standard, the M6 Convertible will be the first BMW to have optional carbon-ceramic brakes, which are lighter as well as more heat- and wear-resistant.

The 2012 BMW M6 Convertible goes on sale in June. The coupe version will arrive in late summer as a 2013 model.

Here's what others are saying:

AutoTrader: "The M6 convertible provides impressive performance for drivers looking for maximum fun in the sun."

Automobile: "We've found the regular 6 Series coupe and convertible to be outstanding grand tourers, while the new M5 sport sedan is a fantastic performance machine. Mixing the performance of the latter with the bodies of the former should make for a thrilling new model."

Car and Driver: "Although we recently confirmed that the new M5 will be available with a manual transmission in North America, BMW isn’t saying yet whether the stick will be offered on the newest M6. That said, the last-gen M6 was available with a manual, and this new car is again being pitched as sportier than the already-ballistic M5. So we figure there’s hope."

Motor Authority: "With the new 6-Series Gran Coupe, the revised 6-Series Coupe and Convertible, and now the 2012 M6, BMW's 6-Series range is approaching the model proliferation of the 3-Series. In this case, that's a very good thing."

Note: In the weeks following this Blog posted BMW has since changed the introduction of this M6 Convertible to a 2013 offering.