Spy shots: Next M5 to feature twin-turbo V8, KERS

[LeMansX5]

Whilst it’s true that the M Division has come in for quite a few comments regarding current product or lets not beat about the bush The BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M. Identified as the “next Chapter” in M. Derided by enthusiasts and journalists alike. Has the M Division lost it? Has the M Division lost it’s focus? Does M stand for marketing now?
Does the M philosophy no longer remain pertinent?


The Pinnacle of Efficient Dynamics.

With the creation of BMW Efficient Dynamics. Technology aimed at reducing fuel consumption without sacrificing driving pleasure and carbon dioxide emissions spreading throughout the BMW portfolio. One question remained unanswered how will the M Division benefit ? And how will the M division remain relevant in the long term?

BMW M Division will become the pinnacle of Efficient Dynamics. Welcome to the Brave New World of Performance.

Lightweight construction.

BMW M cars will now separate themselves from the core cars by utilizing the same platform but for the relevant M model. The floorplan will be pressed in aluminium. As the core 5er begins to use lightweight materials such as aluminum on the door and bonnet skins, these will transfer over as will an optional Carbon Fiber reinforced roof – A first for an M5 , and a first for a BMW performance sedan.

BMW Active Aerodynamics

First showcased on the GINA Concept Car – A car that was way ahead of it’s time and key component in the BMW Efficient Dynamics programme.
In principle to reduce drag and boost downforce and lower fuel consumption. Special Aerodynamic aids that will move automatically incorporated in the front of the car including the outer-edge of the wheel arches , front bumpers and within the grille intake. Mini Turbines are incorporated in the grille which convert drag under braking into electricity.

KERS (Kinetic Energy recovery System)

The new M5 will spearhead a radical addition to further reduce consumption. Conceived well within when BMW were still commencing with their F1 Programme. With KERS developed for the F1 car , BMW also created a synergy for an application of such a system to a road car.
Successfully applied to the Road Car division the KERS developed by M division consists of an on-off-on again programme involving Twin Parallel Supercapacitors between the driveshaft providing 10 sec power boost at the press of a button. The idea is to have stored up the energy and allow the driver to unleash the power on demand. An adaption of this idea will feature in the six cylinder Active Hybrid 5 Concept Car that will be shown in Geneva in March 2010.
Tests carried out within the confines of BMW’s private proving grounds are ongoing as the KERS is relatively new tech. The development of the new car remains in status.

The Importance of Character

The V10 in the E60 M5 is truly a work of art. Although a V10 was considered and remains as a possible venture for an additional M model.
The new car inherits the V8 engine found within the BMW X5 and X6 M models. Although BMW stress that the engine will be unique to the M5 with just under 580 PS.
The V8 although shared with the X5M and X6M is completely individual and unique to the M5. With BMW adapting the engine to suit the M5 and it’s character it’s not a complete transplant. Character in an M5 is essential as is sound. The engine has to synergize with the DKG Transmission and the KERS.
The V8 will in turn be faster and more powerful than the outgoing V10 and sound just as spectacular.
The V8 will also feature cylinder shutdown also to aid fuel consumption with overall figures expected to be between 25-30% better than the E60 M5.

As well as a unique engine , The M5 will inherit a Dual clutch transmission which will be unique to the M5, based upon the 7 speeder found within the current M3 , eight Gears will be available and will be equipped with a stop-start control. The DCT will also be operated with steering wheel mounted paddles. The M5 although not at first will also be available with optional Carbon Fiber brakes, currently being trialled.
Customizable driving options will also feature as will a new electronic stability control with torque vectoring and roll control. Efficient Dynamics features will also be available from the touch of a switch.

Designed for Performance

The M5’s secret has always been to remain understated and discreet on the outside , but within lies the beast.
Typical M5 and BMW M aerodynamic features adorn the car. With the new 5er central grille being much larger the central intake size has been diminished , although the brake outlets are larger. Wheel arches are swollen to add some mass on the F10’s athletic muscle. A side air intake is placed underneath the character line which climaxes at the wheel arch.
The Side skirts are more sculptured allowing for good aerodynamics.
At the rear the typical Quad exhausts remain with a sculpted diffuser and central intake. A small bootlid spoiler allows the car to remain understated and restrained.

What Comes After?
In addition to the standard luxury performance sedan BMW will offer a more hardcore model in the same vain as the BMW M5 CSL 25th anniversary car. Swapping Luxuries for Performance and being as hardcore as they come. Not available at first but coming on steam eighteen months later. BMW want to expand the M cars by having the core model and something more inclined for enthusiasts.

A Touring model is under consideration.

Just as BMW teased the E60. The F10 BMW M5 will bow as a Production concept at the 2011 Geneva Autoshow with the production model debuting in the early summer before the world premiere at the IAA Frankfurt in 2011. European sales begin at the same time.

[LeMansX5]

2012 BMW M5 Rumors - An Alleged Insider's Overview

[LeMansX5]

Having already introduced the next generation 5-Series sedan, BMW and in particular, its M division, is now concentrating on the development of the flagship version of the series, the M5 that was caught here testing at the Nordschleife. The hotly anticipated M5 will debut about a year after the standard 5-Series that is due to make its first public appearance at the 2010 Geneva Show next March.

Until recently, it wasn't clear if the new M5 would continue to use the current model's exotic V10 powerplant or if the Bavarian's would go for the new 4.4-liter bi-turbo V8 that debuted in the X5M and X6M. However, BMW officials have now confirmed that the new M5 will indeed be equipped with the turbocharged V8.

In the X5M and X6M, the bi-turbocharged unit produces an output of 555 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 680Nm or 501-lbs/ft of peak torque, available between 1,500 and 5,650 rpm. In comparison, the current M5's naturally aspirated V10 makes 507HP and 520Nm or 383-lbs/ft of peak torque.

Details on the new M5's engine specs remain scarce, though it has been suggested that the direct-injection V8 may be further honed, boosting output closer to the 600HP mark.

The new V8 will not only be more powerful than the V10, but also more compact in size, lighter in weight and more fuel efficient with lower CO2 emissions.

Along with the new powerplant, the 2011 M5 will get a re-engineered version of the BWM M3's seven-speed twin-clutch transmission (DCT), and hopefully for purists, a classic manual gearbox.

As with every other product bearing the M badge, the 5-Series-based model will benefit from suspension, brake and steering system upgrades to further improve handling and driver's feedback.


Even though the prototype model seen in these spy pictures features the standard roof, it is rumored that BMW is working on a carbon fiber top similar to that of the current M3 and M6. Other cosmetic differences will include engorged wheel arches housing larger rims and of course, a full body kit.

If BMW keeps its usual time schedule, we should see the new M5 breaking cover at a major auto show in 2011, with sales starting in Europe towards the end of the same year, and the rest of the world including the U.S., in 2012.

[LeMansX5]

From Car magazine:



BMW will launch the new M5 in 2011, the super saloon variant of the F10-series new 5-series family. Our artist's impression reveals how the hot Five will look at launch next March, after a show debut in late 2010 or early 2011.

We have the full four-page lowdown from Georg Kacher in the latest January 2010 issue of CAR Magazine, but here are some nuggets to whet your appetite:

• 4.4-litre V8 bi-turbo
• 578bhp, 530lb ft
• 155mph limited top speed
• 0-62mph 4.4sec
• Unlimited top speed 188mph

That direct-injection 4.4 lump is the same engine you'll find under the hood of the X5 M and X6 M, but further tweaked by M Division to liberate more power. Forced induction makes it the first M saloon to be turbocharged.

Will there be a new BMW M5 Touring?

Not this time. Dog owners in a rush will have to shop at the neighbouring Audi or Mercedes showrooms for RS and AMG variants.

We interview Klaus Draeger in the new issue of CAR Magazine, and he discusses the need to downsize and explains how even the new M5 will benefit from Efficient Dynamics.

New M5 cleans up its act

Yes, even BMW's fastest saloon now concentrates on lowering its CO2. Internal targets are gunning for a 30% drop in emissions and consumption.

[FSETH]

Looks bad ass. Hopefully the 0-60 will be lower than CAR reported. The current M5 gives up 78 hp and 147 lb. ft. of torque and is only 1 tenth of a second slower according to BMW figures. It needs to be faster than that to steal the CTS-V's thunder.

[Weasel]

Well, they were 0.3 to 0.5 off with the 0-60 time on the X5M compared to all the tests done by various car mags... I an't really think of one they were fully accurate with.

So I'd expect at least a 4 sec flat time, maybe 3.9 with rollout

[LeMansX5]

Another CGI in Atlantis blue. Somehow the stance reminds me of E39 M5.

[Viperfreak2]

Missing the hood bulge? or not?

[LeMansX5]

FEP phase pics

[m5james]

Cold weather? Test it in the heat of a desert and put that notorious BMW cooling system to the test.