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Motor Authority - blog Category: M5

  • BMW Reveals One-Off M5 CSL In Celebration Of M5's 25th Anniversary

    BMW Reveals One-Off M5 CSL In Celebration Of M5's 25th Anniversary October 29th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson Nelson Ireson, Author, October 29th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 10 Comments

    BMW Reveals One-Off M5 CSL In Celebration Of M5's 25th Anniversary

    It's hard to believe the BMW M5 has been around for a full quarter of a century now, but since the E28's inaugural production run in 1985, the M5 has been barreling down backroads and impressing people the world over. Today BMW has released a new, lightweight version of the E60 M5, a sort of CSL, which took to the track in Germany in celebration of the 25-year benchmark.

    The car gets a modified version of the M5's 507 horsepower V-10 engine, brought up to 5.5-liters in the CSL application thanks to a longer stroke that ostensibly enables the car to churn out even more torque. If accurate, that would make the 5.5-liter V-10 the largest ever...

    It's hard to believe the BMW M5 has been around for a full quarter of a century now, but since the E28's inaugural production run in 1985, the M5 has been barreling down backroads and impressing people the world over. Today BMW has released a new, lightweight version of the E60 M5, a sort of CSL, which took to the track in Germany in celebration of the 25-year benchmark. The car gets a modified version of the M5's 507 horsepower V-10 engine, brought up to 5.5-liters in the CSL application thanks to a longer stroke that ostensibly enables the car to churn out even more torque. If accurate, that would make the 5.5-liter V-10 the largest ever in an M Division car. The power output of the enlarged powerplant sits at 580 horsepower and about 400 pound-feet, indicating the engine is still a peaky, high-revving beast. The standard 5.0-liter version screams to an 8,400 rpm redline, though peak power comes on at 7,750 rpm. But bigger engines and more power aren't really what a CSL version of an M car is all about. So BMW engineers have shaved about 110 pounds from the big Bimmer's weight, bringing it down to a still-hefty 3,916 pounds. That's a few hundred pounds lighter than the comparable Cadillac CTS-V, however. To get rid of the weight, some of the creature comforts had to go: carbon fiber-backed front seats and no rear seat at all. Suspension damping is also firmer but due to its variable nature, still also likely comfortable on the road. Between the lightening and extra power, the prototype M5 CSL is expected to nip under the 4.0-second 0-60 mph mark and generally provide a more responsive, edgier feel than the standard car. But before you get your checkbook out, we're sad to say that this special-edition M5 will never see production. It's just a one-off anniversary special that will always remind us of what could have been. For more BMW M5 info and to see what actually is being cooked up for the car's next generation--including potentially dropping the V-10 in favor of a turbo V-8--read up on our spy shot coverage. [Autocar] Read More

  • Report: BMW Confirms Turbo V-8 To Replace V-10 In 2011 M5

    Report: BMW Confirms Turbo V-8 To Replace V-10 In 2011 M5 September 26th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson's avatar Nelson Ireson, Author, September 26th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 0 Comments

    Report: BMW Confirms Turbo V-8 To Replace V-10 In 2011 M5

    Since mid-2008 we've been bringing you reports that the 2011 BMW M5 could be powered by a high-performance turbocharged V-8 instead of the high-revving 5.0-liter V-10 mill in the current model. Today, a new report has emerged alleging confirmation of that plan direct from BMW.

    Speaking with BMW engineers, Edmunds says it has received positive confirmation from "BMW insiders" that a turbocharged V-8 would be the powerplant for the 2011 BMW M5. Those insiders didn't give any details beyond that, but the TwinPower 4.4-liter V-8 from the current X5 M and X6 M is the obvious choice for an M-model V-8.

    Rated at 555 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of...

    Since mid-2008 we've been bringing you reports that the 2011 BMW M5 could be powered by a high-performance turbocharged V-8 instead of the high-revving 5.0-liter V-10 mill in the current model. Today, a new report has emerged alleging confirmation of that plan direct from BMW. Speaking with BMW engineers, Edmunds says it has received positive confirmation from "BMW insiders" that a turbocharged V-8 would be the powerplant for the 2011 BMW M5. Those insiders didn't give any details beyond that, but the TwinPower 4.4-liter V-8 from the current X5 M and X6 M is the obvious choice for an M-model V-8. Rated at 555 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque, the twin-turbo V-8 would be a 48-horsepower bump over the current model and could actually allow for more compact packaging thanks to the positioning of the two turbos and their manifolds between the cylinder blocks. Another possible inclusion on the next-gen M5 is a Formula 1-style Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) hybrid drive, helping to boost power as high as 600 horsepower in total. Unlike typical hybrid systems, the KERS-type hybrid is used to apply an extra boost of power when desired, usually at the push of a button. So far no confirmation of any production-car applications of the KERS system have come out of BMW, however, so it may yet be a generation off, especially with BMW's exit from Formula 1 at the end of this season. Marking a similar train of thought, Audi is also thought to be working on a move from its Lamborghini-sourced V-10 engine toward more turbocharged V-8 power. The first applications of the change would likely arise in the RS6, though eventually even the R8 would have to follow. [Edmunds] Read More

  • Next-gen BMW M5 could get KERS hybrid, up to 600hp

    Next-gen BMW M5 could get KERS hybrid, up to 600hp June 25th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson Nelson Ireson, Author, June 25th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 4 Comments

    Next-gen BMW M5 could get KERS hybrid, up to 600hp No one that's driven the current BMW M5 is likely to complain about a lack of power or technology, but BMW is fixing to up the ante on both accounts, according to the latest news. Replacing the current V10 with a twin-turbo V8 will boost power to around 600hp, while an F1-derived KERS system could see production as well.

    The KERS, or Kinetic Energy Recovery System, is a type of hybrid system that translates unused momentum into stored energy. But unlike typical regenerative braking systems or traditional hybrids, the KERS system uses that stored energy for an extra punch of power - at the press of a button.

    KERS is highly complex and... No one that's driven the current BMW M5 is likely to complain about a lack of power or technology, but BMW is fixing to up the ante on both accounts, according to the latest news. Replacing the current V10 with a twin-turbo V8 will boost power to around 600hp, while an F1-derived KERS system could see production as well. The KERS, or Kinetic Energy Recovery System, is a type of hybrid system that translates unused momentum into stored energy. But unlike typical regenerative braking systems or traditional hybrids, the KERS system uses that stored energy for an extra punch of power - at the press of a button. KERS is highly complex and expensive to integrate, however, so this addition may or may not yet see production. Even the BMW F1 team is having some trouble with the technology, so adoption of this particular bleeding-edge item may have to wait a few more years. Turbocharging, on the other hand, is a well-known tool, and BMW intends to use it to replace the current high-strung 5.0L, 507hp V10 with an even more powerful V8. The upcoming X5M and X6M will both get a 564hp version of the twin-turbo eight-pot, but the M5 is expected to get an even higher-spec variant rated at up to 600hp, reports AutoExpress. Whatever BMW uses for its next-gen M5 drivetrain, however, expect it to be a tour de force of technology and capability, as the rumored M7 is not likely to make production, leaving the M5 as BMW's executive performance flagship. The next 5-series (preview pictured) is expected to make its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, but the M5 may wait until early 2010 for its debut.Preview: 2010 BMW 5-seriesBMW M5 rendering Read More

  • Wiesmann GT MF5 picked as Official Safety Car for 2009 FIA GT Championship

    Wiesmann GT MF5 picked as Official Safety Car for 2009 FIA GT Championship April 30th, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, April 30th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 1 Comment

    Wiesmann GT MF5 picked as Official Safety Car for 2009 FIA GT Championship Wiesmann’s MF5 has been in production for just over a year but the striking GT’s combination of a BMW M5 V10 drivetrain and seductively retro styling has made it very popular among performance circles. One group that has noticed the car is the FIA, which has picked it as the Official Safety Car for this year’s GT Championship. The new series kicks off on May 3 at Silverstone in Britain.

    As previously mentioned, the MF5 packs the same 5.0L V10 engine used by BMW’s M Division for its M5 and M6 models and is based on Wiesmann’s current GT. Differentiating the MF5 from the normal GT is the aggressive rear wing and... Wiesmann’s MF5 has been in production for just over a year but the striking GT’s combination of a BMW M5 V10 drivetrain and seductively retro styling has made it very popular among performance circles. One group that has noticed the car is the FIA, which has picked it as the Official Safety Car for this year’s GT Championship. The new series kicks off on May 3 at Silverstone in Britain. As previously mentioned, the MF5 packs the same 5.0L V10 engine used by BMW’s M Division for its M5 and M6 models and is based on Wiesmann’s current GT. Differentiating the MF5 from the normal GT is the aggressive rear wing and diffuser, necessary for maintaining downforce on the rear axle at high speeds. With an available 507hp (378kW) on tap, the MF5 sprints from 0-100km/h in just 3.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 310km/h – essential for keeping the GT race cars at their peak. This year’s FIA GT Championship will be one of the most interesting in years. All 49 GT race cars took to the track recently at a special event at the Paul Ricard HTTT circuit earlier this month, where we saw the debut of cars like the new R35 Nissan GT-R GT1 race car, Ford GT GT1 and the Audi R8 LMS.Wiesmann MF5Wiesmann GT MF5 Official Safety Car Read More

  • G-Power goes the supercharging route for new BMW X5 Typhoon

    G-Power goes the supercharging route for new BMW X5 Typhoon March 25th, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, March 25th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 1 Comment

    G-Power goes the supercharging route for new BMW X5 Typhoon German tuner G-Power is known for its lack of restraint when it comes to modifying BMWs – the firm’s modified M5 currently holds the title of the world's fastest street-legal sedan. Now, G-Power has turned its focus to another BMW stablemate, the X5 SUV.

    Known as the Typhoon, the modified BMW X5 has had a number of both aerodynamic and mechanical upgrades installed to make it match the other G-Power creations we've seen over the years.

    On the aerodynamic front, new fender flares and strikingly styled aprons and spoilers feature at the front and back. The curved fender flares on the front and rear axle come complete with... German tuner G-Power is known for its lack of restraint when it comes to modifying BMWs – the firm’s modified M5 currently holds the title of the world's fastest street-legal sedan. Now, G-Power has turned its focus to another BMW stablemate, the X5 SUV. Known as the Typhoon, the modified BMW X5 has had a number of both aerodynamic and mechanical upgrades installed to make it match the other G-Power creations we've seen over the years. On the aerodynamic front, new fender flares and strikingly styled aprons and spoilers feature at the front and back. The curved fender flares on the front and rear axle come complete with matching fender liners and add a full 7cm to the width of the X5 - thus creating the space necessary for extra-wide wheels and tires. Other aerodynamic modifications include large air ducts that make the vehicle look more aggressive while improving cooling to the engine and brakes. The top-end version of the Typhoon features 23in wheels at the front and back, which were custom developed for the vehicle. The wheels themselves are shod in high-performance Michelin tires. Under the hood, a much more powerful engine than even the standard 4.8L V8. Working with ASA Engineering, a world-renowned engineering firm and OEM supplier of high-tech superchargers, G-Power has developed a supercharger system that increases power output of the engine to 525hp (386kW) at 6,100rpm and boosts peak torque to 600Nm at 5,300rpm. Other adjustments include a new intercooler and a high performance exhaust system with racing catalysts. All the engine work gives the ungainly BMW X5 SUV certain sports-car capabilities, including the ability to sprint from rest to 62mph in just 6.2 seconds, with 124mph coming up after just 18.4 seconds. Meanwhile, top speed is now 170mph (275 km/h). Inside, the Typhoon's cockpit can be upgraded with accessories such as an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel, a Typhoon-design speedometer and a number of sporty aluminum accessories.BMW X5 Typhoon by G-Power Read More

  • Report: BMW’s M division moving to four and six-cylinder turbos

    Report: BMW’s M division moving to four and six-cylinder turbos March 19th, 2009 ByJames Martinez James Martinez, Author, March 19th, 2009 James Martinez 18 Comments

    Report: BMW’s M division moving to four and six-cylinder turbos BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer recently revealed plans to phase out diesel V8 engines across the board, but as drastic as this sounds it could be just the tip of the iceberg for the carmaker’s future plans to shakeup its powertrain lineup. BMW’s hallowed M division could also be affected by the new wave of environmental consciousness sweeping carmakers across the world, the end result being smaller engines and turbochargers in future performance models.

    Speaking with MotorTrend, high-ranking BMW sources, including M division CEO Ludwig Willisch, revealed that the 4.0L and 5.0L high-rev V8 and V10 engines in the current M lineup will... BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer recently revealed plans to phase out diesel V8 engines across the board, but as drastic as this sounds it could be just the tip of the iceberg for the carmaker’s future plans to shakeup its powertrain lineup. BMW’s hallowed M division could also be affected by the new wave of environmental consciousness sweeping carmakers across the world, the end result being smaller engines and turbochargers in future performance models. Speaking with MotorTrend, high-ranking BMW sources, including M division CEO Ludwig Willisch, revealed that the 4.0L and 5.0L high-rev V8 and V10 engines in the current M lineup will make way for forced-induction engines, possibly as early as next year. The first of these are likely to appear in the new M versions of the X5 and X6 SUVs, which have been spotted testing recently in both Germany and the United States. These performance SUVs, designed to challenge the Porsche Cayenne and Mercedes Benz ML63 AMG, will pick up a new twin-turbocharged 4.4L V8 delivering more power and torque than the current 5.0L V10 in the M5 and M6 line of cars. According to one source, output could be as high as 550hp (410kW) and 516lb-ft (700Nm) of torque – enough for 0-60mph times of less than five seconds and an electronically top speed of 155mph. As for the next-generation 3 and 1-series models, new performance M versions are due to hit the streets in the 2014 model year. While it’s still too early to confirm what powertrain options the cars will feature, a turbocharged six-cylinder is expected to appear in the M3, while a turbocharged four-cylinder with more than 300hp (225kW) will appear in the hotted up 1-series. Before their arrival, however, a new M5 and M6 is set to be launched. These are expected to feature more powerful versions of the twin-turbocharged V8 engine appearing in the X5 and X6 M models. In addition to turbocharging, BMW will add automatic engine stop-start and brake regeneration technologies to further reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Although purists may scoff at the idea of a turbocharged M3 or even M5, it’s a direction rival performance house AMG is planning to take as well, and with the current practice of one-upmanship amongst carmakers BMW may not have a choice.BMW X5 M Spy shots - AugustBMW M X6 spy shots Read More

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