Unearthed: 1988 BMW M6

This past week we saw the debut of the third generation BMW M6. Only the third. Making its original debut in 1983, the M6 is one of those rare cars that few automakers could truly pull off. It's perhaps the ideal combination of raw power, luxury, and a true GT sports car all wrapped up into one absolutely insane piece of machinery. After nearly 30 years, the all-new 2013 M6 is as wonderful and powerful than it's ever been. And many will also argue its exterior styling is also greatly improved.

While some enthusiasts may be disappointed that BMW dropped the V10 in favor of a twin-turbocharged V8, BMW remained true to their word that the new model would be even more powerful than its predecessor. The first generation (E24) was critically acclaimed from the moment it hit the market. Power came from a modified version of the 3.5-liter inline-six from the legendary M1. All told, it produced 282hp and 251lb-ft of torque. It had a top speed of 158 mph and was the second fastest European BMW at the time (the M1 was numero uno).

The US version, however, had an output of 256hp and 243lb-ft because it was equipped with a catalyzed engine. The Euro version could go from 0 to 60 mph in 6.0 seconds while the US-spec did it in 6.8 seconds. Production of the first generation ended in 1989 and it wasn't until 2005 when a replacement came. Despite what many considered to be a slightly deformed sharp-like appearance (and of course, it's notorious 'Bangle-butt'), the E63 M6 was powered by the much loved 500hp 5.0-liter V10. And because of the large time gap between the two generations, the new M6 came fully packed with all of BMW's latest technologies.