BMW reckon the new BMW M6 Convertible is the fastest soft-top they have - but that's not strictly true.

The BMW-powered Sauber F1 cars piloted around the world's Grand Prix tracks in the hands of Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica should properly claim that accolade.

But the M6 would certainly give them a run for their money. The 5.0-litre, 507hp V10 engine could approach the 200mph mark if it was left unchecked.

Even with the electronic tinkering which has been carried out, it is still capable of covering the 0-62mph sprint in 4.8 seconds, before going on to an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph.

If those statistics are not mind-numbing enough, check out the price, insurance group and fuel consumption in the panel below - this is a rich man's car, employing an engine which has been voted the best in the world. Power is fed to the rear wheels via a seven-speed sequential manual gearbox. The SMG system's Drivelogic function offers the driver a choice of 11 gearchange options - five in auto mode and six in manual.

The new BMW M6 Convertible showcases lightweight materials that help cut unsprung weight, improving ride and handling.

In comparison to a standard 6 Series Convertible, the M-variant has revised front, side and rear bodywork to improve the aerodynamic efficiency and to help engine cooling. It also has a triple-layered hood with a middle component of polyurethane foam to give refined closed-roof driving. The hood has also been designed so that the roof-up profile has a near identical silhouette as the M6 Coupé. The M6 Convertible is also equipped with adaptive headlights as standard. This innovative system turns the car's headlights in relation to steering input by up to 15 degrees when cornering. Other technological treats include brake force display and head-up display.

The former illuminates additional lights at the rear during heavy braking to warn other road users, while the latter system displays speed, navigation, cruise control settings and check control messages on the windscreen, in the driver's line of sight, for safer driving. If you don't like it, you can turn it off.

With no spare wheel and tyre, the M6 Convertible features BMW's tyre puncture warning system and the M Mobility System.

The former gives an audible and visual warning if a loss of tyre pressure is detected, while the latter provides the driver with a get-you-home method of tyre repair.

I never did get to make those four exhausts emit the blood-curdling howl of which they are more than capable. Probably the Hangar Straight at Silverstone is the appropriate place for that - with Heidfeld at the wheel.

Auto facts BMW M6 Convertible

  • Price: £87,365
  • Ins group: 20
  • Fuel consumption (Combined): 18.6mpg
  • Top speed: 155mph
  • Length: 487cm/191.7in
  • Width: 185.5cm/73in
  • Luggage capacity: 10.6 cu ft
  • Fuel tank capacity: 15.4 gallons/70 litres
  • CO2 emissions: 366g/km
  • Warranty: 3 years/unlimited mileage