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

[LeMansX5]

BMW has joined the hybrid bandwagon in a big way, contributing to greener cars, with lower carbon dioxide emissions. While its M series of cars is extremely fast and performance and speed oriented, BMW will probably use the KERS hybrid drive system on the new M5 model which is being designed, though the car will not be available till 2011.

In all likelihood the high output version of the new 4.4-liter V8 like the one in the X6 M will replace the 5.0-liter V10 in today’s M5. It is also possible that BMW will add a power on demand button which will use available power to boost engine power. Though there are rumors that two cylinders will be added, this is unlikely because the increased torque on the V8 should be sufficient to give higher performance with lower weight.

BMW to use hybrid engine on M5? | GlobalMotors.net

[LeMansX5]

According to Carscoop sources, BMW's engineers will ditch the current model's 5.0-liter V10 and replace it with a tweaked version of the more powerful, yet lighter, twin-turbo V8 that was introduced on the X5M and X6M crossovers.

In those two models, the compact 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 makes 555 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 680Nm or 501-lbs/ft of peak torque available from 1,500 to 5,650 rpm. In the M5, the turbocharged V8 could flirt closer to the 600 horsepower barrier. In comparison, today's V10 churns out 507HP and 520Nm or 383-lbs/ft of torque

We must note though that some recent reports sourced from the UK suggest that BMW may go for for a twin-turbocharged V10 engine generating around 600 ponies.

Either way, power will be sent to the rear wheels through a seven-speed twin-clutch transmission, and if we're lucky, BMW may offer a manual gearbox option as it does with the current M5 here in the U.S.

And for those that want a bit more practicality, BMW will also develop a Touring variant of the M5 that should arrive after the sedan model sometime in late 2011.

2011 BMW M5: Twin Turbocharged Uber Sports Sedan Spied - Carscoop

[vinuneuro]

The next M5 is going to CRUSH the competition. I bet MB and Audi engineers have already started wearing diapers reading all this news coming out.

[Weasel]

MB and Audi... Hell, I bet even Porche and Austin Martin and all the other supersport cars that are releasing 4 door versions in the performance catagory are now thinking "why bother"

[FSETH]

Yeah, not to open a can of worms, but that is why I said enjoy it while you can Caddy.

Those brakes look massive by the way.

[m5james]

Hey, let's make the car look like Frankenstein so it's OBVIOUSLY something new coming out....or we could just test the motor in, ohh....a NORMAL body car. WTF is w/ the normal 5 series trunk, then Ferrari California tailights?! Between that and those Civic style exposed headlights, I hope to god that's now what they stick with down the road.

[vinuneuro]

They're just trying to do what'll piss you off the most. Not only good at making great cars..

Originally Posted by m5james

Hey, let's make the car look like Frankenstein so it's OBVIOUSLY something new coming out....or we could just test the motor in, ohh....a NORMAL body car. WTF is w/ the normal 5 series trunk, then Ferrari California tailights?! Between that and those Civic style exposed headlights, I hope to god that's now what they stick with down the road.

[dsm2925]

looks ao much bigger... what will the price be? 100k?

600hp wow

[J.Belknap]

love love love those brakes.

[m5james]

Originally Posted by vinuneuro

They're just trying to do what'll piss you off the most. Not only good at making great cars..