BMW M6 Sets Ring Time

Thanks to the combination of lightweight technology, supreme handling and an F1-inspired drivetrain, an electronically restricted BMW M6 has lapped the tortuous Nordschliefe, the northern loop of the Nürburgring, in a time of eight minutes nine seconds.

The BMW M6’s 507hp V10 engine is capable of propelling it from zero to 62mph in 4.6 seconds before going on to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. But it is not just the drivetrain that is responsible for such a quick lap time of arguably the most punishing race circuit in the world. Lightweight components that include a carbon fibre roof which is 4.5kg lighter than a conventional steel item - a 50 per cent weight saving - have kept weight to a minimum while lowering the centre of gravity for greater dynamic capability.

Engineers predict that a derestricted M6 would achieve a time much closer to the illustrious eight-minute mark.