The BMW M5 is a high-performance version of the BMW5-Series executive car built by the luxury automaker's Motorsport division. Unveiled at the Amsterdam Motor Show back in '84, the first iteration of the M5 was hand built utilizing the 535i chassis and a modified BMW M1 engine. It was the fastest production car in the world at the time or its introduction. Subsequent renderings have been built from each generation of the 5-Series platform, including the E34, E39, and E60/61. And, fully retuned, it will once again grace showroom floors in 2012.
In its latest evolution, the classic BMW M5 sports sedan will include:
- A new dual-clutch gearbox- Double-wishbone suspension at the front (replaces the MacPherson strut setup used for the past 25 years)
- Independent multilink arrangement in the rear (carries more aluminum parts)
- Variable dampening control (provides three levels of suspension stiffness)
- Deeper front-bumper housing
- Trio of air ducts
- Modified front fender panels
- Re-profiled bumper
- Subtle lip rear spoiler (for increased levels of high-speed down force)
- Fully-functional central diffuser element and fluted sections to the sides, each with a pair of chrome tailpipes
- 20-Inch alloy wheels
For the fifth-generation, the iconic four-door sedan will gain a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine. The first time Munich's class-defining performance sedan has gone without a naturally-aspirated engine since its original debut. Pumping out a robust 560 horsepower (hp) and 510 lb.-ft. of torque, the new power plant offers a noticeable 60 more hp and 127 lb.-ft. of torque compared to the outgoing model.
BMW claims the new engine will provide owner's with a welcome 25-percent improvement in fuel economy over the outgoing V10. This is largely due to the inclusion of cutting-edge features such as brake-energy recuperation, an alternator that disengages under acceleration, and an automatic stop-start function - all part of the German automaker's EfficiencyDynamics initiative.
If you're interested in learning more about the forthcoming BMW M5, contact Bert Smith BMW today. Or, visit us in person at 3800 34th Street North in Saint Petersburg, FL.
[INFO] http://www.autoweek.com/article/20110404/CARNEWS/110409967