BMW has finally gone official and has announced the M6 ultra high-performance convertible, putting an end to months of blurry spy shots and specifications based on conjecture alone. There’s no surprise with the powerplant for this droptop supercar: they’ve opted for the 2006 International Engine of the Year. Thanks, in part, to the 5-liter V10 powering this open-air beast, you’ll be able to rocket from a standstill to 100 km/h in less than five seconds (4.8 to be exact).

As expected, the M6 Convertible is “mechanically identical” to its Coupe counterpart, including the standard seven-speed Sequential M Gearbox (SMG). Other key features include the Variable M Differential Lock, Dynamic Stability Control with M Dynamic Mode, and the Electronic Damper Control system, the last of which allows drivers to customize their suspension settings.

Being a convertible has hurt the performance just a tad, though, because the drop top is only “almost as fast” as the Coupe when it comes to lap times at the Nurburgring Nordschleife. For lots of official pics, check out the source link, but for the real up close and personal experience, you’ll have to head over to the British Motor Show next month.