Axel Mittler, Loris Capirossi and Alfardan Automobiles general manager Mohamed Kandeel pose alongside a BMW M6 Gran Coupe at the Alfardan Automobiles showroom yesterday. PICTURES: Sami el-Thalathini.

The newest member of the BMW M6 family was unveiled to regional audiences yesterday ahead of its appearance as `Safety Car’ at the 2013 CommercialBank MotoGP, the premier Grand Prix motorcycling racing event, taking place over four days at the Losail International Circuit from tomorrow.
The BMW M6 Gran Coupé follows the successful regional debut of the next generation convertible and coupé models last year and is the new flagship of BMW M GmbH, a subsidiary of the premium automotive manufacturer for sports and high performance vehicles.
Representing the ultimate in four-door high performance sports coupés, the new model occupies an exclusive position in the premium segment, thanks to a unique combination of outstanding dynamics, hallmark M model harmony and everyday practicality.
Head of Cooperation MotoGP at BMW M GmbH Axel Mittler to participants at the launch how BMW viewed the Middle East’s importance to BMW M GmbH following a 61% sales growth achieved across the region in 2012. The top selling M model was the M5, followed by the X6 M and the X5 M.
Globally, BMW M GmbH concluded 2012 with a significant boost in sales with the number of BMW M and BMW M Performance cars sold rising by more than 40% to 26,872 cars sold.   
Commenting on his visit and the importance of the Middle East to BMW M GmbH, Mittler said: “The results achieved by BMW Group Middle East during 2012 were excellent. The region is important for BMW M GmbH because of its distinguished customers who have an appreciation and passion for high performance sports cars. This is a remarkable achievement and is the result of our fantastic M cars and efforts made by all our importers, including Alfardan Automobiles.”
Mittler’s trip was also for the 2013 CommercialBank MotoGP, of which BMW M is the official car partner. He is joined by retired Italian Grand Prix motorcycle road racer, Loris Capirossi, who is the new BMW M MotoGP expert and member of the MotoGP Race Direction and Safety Commission.
As Alfardan Automobiles’ special guests, Mittler and Capirossi will witness firsthand BMW’s continuing support of the premier Grand Prix motorcycle racing event with the provision of a fleet of 29 BMW vehicles for riders, officials and organisers as well as the all-new BMW M6 Gran Coupé and M6 Coupé as the official safety vehicles.
Alfardan Autombiles general manager Mohamed Kandeel said: “We are delighted to have Capirossi and Mittler as guests of honour at the 2013 CommercialBank MotoGP.”
He also recalled that the MBW vehicles recorded a growth of 150% in Qatar in 2012 compared to the previous year.
On the exterior, classical proportions and the sporty yet elegant lines of the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé form the foundations for the new M model’s striking body. Combining superior elegance with the comfort and functionality of a four-door saloon and the prowess of a top-class high performance sports car, its dimensions and equipment features ensure that luxury does not come at the price of everyday usability.
It boasts a distinctly low stance and impressive length at 5,011mm, 11cm longer than the two-door BMW M6 Coupé.
Inside the cockpit of the BMW M6 Gran Coupé, ground-breaking ergonomic design guarantees perfect mastery of the vehicle in every situation. The standard equipment includes leather trim, heated driver and front passenger seats, automatically dimming rear-view and exterior mirrors, an alarm system and the BMW Professional radio with hi-fi loudspeakers.
Available as an alternative to the standard 2-zone automatic climate control is a 4-zone system with a control panel in the rear compartment. Other highlights of the options list include M multifunction seats, Comfort Access, the soft close automatic function for the doors, electrically operated sun blinds and the new generation of the Professional navigation system.