The car that started it all is due up for a refresh, and we have the most up-to-date information on it. Thanks to Edmunds, information from a company “insider” has leaked on one of the most iconic vehicles within the past two decades.
Since its incarnation, the BMW M5 was meant to stand apart from the crowd. It is solely responsible for starting the sport sedan revolution. By combining an exciting powertrain and solid handling characteristics, in a practical sedan setup, made the car likable with families and enthusiasts alike. As an M car, its duty is to set the benchmark in its class. With this in mind, BMW may be upping the ante for the fifth generation, which is rumored to include Formula 1 technology.
The details that broke on Saturday included information on the engine. BMW had two routes to choose from: natural aspiration or forced induction. The leaked information is telling us BMW has selected the latter. Car terminology 101 — Forced induction simply means that power will be upped by means of a turbo or supercharger.
Said to be propelled using a twin-turbo V8, derived from the X5/6M, it is likely the motor will be producing more than 550-horsepower. This is exciting news because the twin-scroll turbo setup in the X5/6M allows the vehicle to take off with virtually zero lag, which is common in normal turbocharged motors.
[Source: WorldCarFans.com]
Having driven the X5/6M at IMPA recently, I will be the first to say the car surpassed my expectations and performed at a level where M’s should. Between the dual-clutch transmission, Ferrari-like exhaust note and gobs of power, the X5/6M was my favorite drive(s) of the day.
If the turbo’d motor is not enough, speculation has been floating around suggesting that BMW may put F1-inspired technology into the next M5. Known as the Kinetic Energy Recovery System, the hybrid drive increases power at the touch of a button. This would bring total output to approximately 600-horsepower.
Whether or not this system will make its way into the fifth generation M5 remains unclear; Motor Authority believes it may still be a generation off.
What does all of this mean for the F10 M5? To be succinct, the future is very bright and likely it will be setting the bar very high for the competition.
By the sounds of things, it seems that things are on track to make up for the current generation E60 M5. Although it boasted a lovely V10 powerplant, it was lacking in the looks department. And if current spy photos are any indication, it appears the next generation M5 will be a pretty good looking car.
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[Source: Motor Authority]