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Report: 578-HP For 2011 BMW M5

 
21 37,317 views January 10, 2010

2011 BMW M5 spy shots

BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer has previously revealed that future BMW powertrains will be downsized in an effort to improve fuel-efficiency and reduce emissions--and that even the hallowed ‘M’ division would be affected by the new wave of environmental consciousness sweeping the automaker. BMW has always stood by the high-rev philosophy for delivering power from its M engines but all that is changing.

We’ve already seen the potential of a twin-turbocharged V-8 engine in the X5 M and X6 M performance SUVs, and according to a new report the same force-fed engine is destined for the 2011 BMW M5--albeit, an uprated version of it.

In the X5 M and X6 M the twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 M engine delivers 555-horsepower and 500-pound-feet of torque--enough to send the big SUVs from 0-60 mph in just 4.5 seconds.

Twin-Turbocharged BMW M V-8

Twin-Turbocharged BMW M V-8

Enlarge Photo

However, for the new M5, the engine’s output reportedly will peak at 578-horsepower and 530-pound-feet of torque--the same as the Audi RS6 but a significant 60-horsepower more than the E63 AMG.

Sending drive to the rear wheels will be a modified version of the M3's M-DCT dual-clutch system but a conventional 6-speed is likely to be offered as well. There will even be some EfficientDynamics technology on board as BMW is hoping for a 30% drop in emissions and consumption.

The 0-62 mph dash should take about 4.4 seconds, which is 0.3 seconds quicker than the current model. Top speed will be an electronically limited 155 mph but with this removed the new M5 should top out at 188 mph.

Performance will also be improved thanks to extensive use of lightweight materials including carbon-fiber and aluminum. The car’s construction will be a hybrid of an aluminum spaceframe for the front section and a traditional steel monocoque for the passenger compartment and rear. This will ensure a favorable front-to-rear weight distribution and improved handling. Up front will be an independent suspension with MacPherson struts, with a multi-link layout for the rear. Expect to see an unpainted carbon roof and more of the lightweight material possibly used for the boot and fender panels.

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HI-RES GALLERY: 2011 BMW M5 spy shots




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Comments (21)

  1. By raptor Posted: 7/7/2008 8:38am PDT

    I agree they should use lighter turbocharged engines, but inline 6 is the lowest they should go. Smaller displacement is ok, blowers are ok, just keep the number of cylinders.
     
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  2. By Foxfire Posted: 7/7/2008 9:57am PDT

    inline 6 for the next M3, V8 for M5/6
     
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  3. By Gus Posted: 7/7/2008 10:34am PDT

    Yep, a ripping twin turbo inline 6 is just what the M3 needs...

    And a twin turbo V8 for the others. Of course bringing back the old designers for the next 5/6 would be wise as well...
     
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  4. By worldbfree4me Posted: 7/7/2008 11:55am PDT

    BMW is finally starting to take cues from Mercedes..A blown or bi turbo Merc just feels way more powerful than anything in the Bavarians current stable. Torque and lots of it just feels better here in the states. Most people will not and cannot stand the thought of revving a modern $50k plus car to 7000 rpm and beyond, its just plain scary. But stand on a Merc and it pulls like a jet plane to 5000 revs at very low octaves which by the way gives a general perception of an ultra smooth and ultra luxury automobile. Don't get me wrong, I love the sound of multiple valves opening and closing, the shriek of the chain and rush of air being taking into the combustion chamber and ultimately getting flushed out of my Tri Flow exhaust in angry nasty yell to anyone listening to get the hell out of the way of my 02 Dinan chipped 540i as I slam into yet another perfectly synchronized gear. But a comparable E55 just seems to get the same job done a little easier.
     
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  5. By C6R Posted: 7/7/2008 1:10pm PDT

    Another victim of fuel crisis...
    Normal aspirated engines are the best IMHO.
     
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  6. By HECTOR Posted: 7/7/2008 6:30pm PDT

    This may be sacrilege but I think this is a good idea. I'm glad the horsepower war is over. It's over, right?
     
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  7. By Hammy Posted: 7/7/2008 7:19pm PDT

    damn this sucks, 400hp M5 vs 580hp Rs6. Looks like Audi will remain on top for a while.
     
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  8. By NaBUru38 Posted: 7/9/2008 1:02pm PDT

    I agree with Foxfire, but just only for the next decade. For 2020, luxury and sports car buyers will have become used to four- and five-cylinder engines.
     
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  9. By James May Posted: 1/10/2010 6:20am PST

    BMW is the best engine maker in the world and thats a fact. BMW is not into big displacements like Mercedes. The only way mercedes can get horse power is by force feeding and large displament. The only reasons why BMW is turning to turbos is because they have found away past lag. and its cheeper and they have to cut co2. Dont forget BMW were the first to put a turbo in a production saloon.
     
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  10. By BavNut Posted: 1/10/2010 7:34am PST

    Its still to early.
    Hammy.. WTF are you talking about. this M5 will have upwards of 578bhp,not 400. Im guessing by the time it is in production it will be sold as 600bhp.
    3.9 to 60 limited to 155mph but capable of speeds of over 200+ MPH like the E60..
     
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  11. By worldbfree4me Posted: 1/10/2010 8:56am PST

    @By BavNut
    Hammy made that comment in 2008 (7/7/2008 you duntz and he was right..
     
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  12. By AtlM5 Posted: 1/10/2010 9:09am PST

    WTF are the numbers soo off in this...4.4 to 60 is not .3 quicker, its .1 slower than the E60 and the E60 tops out at 207 so why would the F10 top out at 188...haha just shows what a load of crap this article is...anyway they are using that ttv8...I really wish they would have used a TT version of the MV10 with around 620hp...think of the modding possibilities but aslong as the v8 pumps out around 600hp i'll be happyish
     
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  13. By AtlM5 Posted: 1/10/2010 9:12am PST

    @ worldbfree4me... Even in 2008 WTF was Hammy talking about...then the E60 had the 507bhp MV10 engine and there was no chance that it was gonna downgrade back to the e39 engine...
     
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  14. fb_1071016701 avatar fb_1071016701 Posted: 1/10/2010 12:54pm PST

    This should be one epic car.
     
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  15. By  nintendo ds zubehör Posted: 1/10/2010 7:16pm PST

    its nice to see that im not the only one who thinks the M Division has kinda lost the plot, now all we'll do is talking about their history, about how the e39 was the most beautiful M5, the e34 was the last hand made M division car and how the e60's engine will never be equaled. for they've lost all of what we thought were their core virtues.
     
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  16. By chris Posted: 1/10/2010 11:10pm PST

    cts-v anyone? 2?
     
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  17. By Jim Posted: 2/25/2010 12:57pm PST

    I agree. the new CTS-V has still been proven to beat ANY BMW on the road today or tomorrow. They are already at 3.9 Sec 0-60. who would be dumb enough to waste more money on an over-priced BMW for the same speed? For the same $$'s.. buy his / hers!
     
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  18. By Dmitri Posted: 10/19/2010 7:31am PDT

    You ether dumb or just never driven European cars. American cars are garbage. The only cars you can compare are European, and we can really compare M5 to anything until it comes out.
     
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  19. By Andrew Posted: 11/6/2010 12:47am PDT

    Maybe I am feeding a troll, but, can you really accuse someone of being dumb with spelling and grammar like that? I had to read that post three times to make sure my misunderstanding was because of how it was written and not me being tired.
    Back on topic: I would kill a man for either a CTS-V or an M5. I have killed for less. And then, if I did, nobody could catch me.
     
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  20. By Jamalj Posted: 4/18/2011 12:59pm PDT

    Hey Dmitri you need to sit your ass down somewhere and read a damn book. Your confusing people with that illiterate bull****.
     
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  21. By Jamalj Posted: 4/18/2011 1:32pm PDT

    Typo sorry (you're). That's what I get for laughing at you while typing.
     
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