We were expecting to see the new M6 making its global premiere at this week’s Frankfurt Motor Show, but apparently BMW has other plans set aside. Regardless of where the new M6’s debut takes place, we should see the high-performance model in dealership by the summer of 2012.

The third iteration of the M6 in both Coupe and Convertible flavors will borrow the inner works of the latest M5 sports saloon, which means power will come from a 4.4-liter eight-cylinder engine supplemented by a pair of turbochargers and direct-injection technology.

In the M6, the V8 will most likely produce the same output as it does in the M5 – 560-horswepoer between 6,000 to 7,000rpm and a peak torque of 680Nm (502 lb-ft) from 1,500 rpm.

A standard seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission will handle the delivery of power to the rear wheels, but there’s also the possibility of a traditional six-speed manual gearbox for certain markets such as the U.S.A.

An uprated chassis with a sport suspension, different steering wheel system settings and improved brakes, along with larger wheels and a bespoke but subtle in the tradition of the latest M models aero kit, will round off the changes over the standard 6-Series models.

PHOTO GALLERY