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

 
10 9,600 views Oct 29, 2009
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2009 BMW M5 CSL

HI-RES GALLERY: 2009 BMW M5 CSL

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]





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Comments (10)

  1. fb_1518955678 avatar Chen Lee Posted: 10/28/2009 3:26pm PDT

    No rear seat, what is the purpose of buying a 4 door sedan?
     
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  2. By Raghav Posted: 10/28/2009 8:30pm PDT

    yah ......... rite ..bt i jus hopes this car makes dere to kick bob luitzs cadillac ......!!
     
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  3. By Bummer Posted: 10/28/2009 9:35pm PDT

    I hope there's space for a mattress at the back.
     
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  4. By wtfbmw? Posted: 10/28/2009 10:47pm PDT

    i agree with chen.. why not make a 2 door version of the m5 then if no rear seats lmao
     
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  5. By  azlan Posted: 10/28/2009 11:28pm PDT

    they should have made an m6 csl... that would solve the 4 door car with no back seats issue lol.
     
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  6. By Ben Posted: 10/29/2009 7:50pm PDT

    BMW is trying to tell the world that they too can match the horsepower of the Audi RS6.
     
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  7. By  My Wheels On Walls Posted: 10/29/2009 8:46pm PDT

    In reference to an article posted last week and commented on by Mr. Jean Todt (post #19): Did BMW make this variation of the M5 to beat the RS6 then?
    My tongue once again placed firmly in my cheek....
    http://www.motorauthority.com/blog/1036671_bob-lutz-cadillac-cts-v-challenge-results-announced
     
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  8. fb_791454744 avatar fb_791454744 Posted: 10/31/2009 8:40am PDT

    @My Wheels On Walls
    You make it sound as if you have discovered fire. CTS-V is so much more powerful than the M5, more power, more torque, bigger engine with S/C setup for its 2nd generation lineup. With more power and torque, and a solid, skilled driver, the CTS-V is going to be quicker in the straight and track.
    Now, take this car for example. Put it up against the CTS-V and I'd really expect a decent fight. =]
    Don't underestimate M division potential or any M car that has the 'CSL' mark.
    As a matter of fact, their old E46 M3 CSL is a solid 9 seconds faster than a CTS-V, it has less power and torque by a long shot. Now I'm not even going to bother comparing the tuning company 'LOADED's E46 M3 CSL to the CTS-V; because that's just cruel.
     
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  9. By  My Wheels On Walls Posted: 11/2/2009 12:50am PST

    John Pham-I was being sarcastic with another poster. Hence the comment "my tongue once again placed firmly in my cheek"
    Please keep up the jokes as I'll be here all week, so try the veal- That was more sarcasm but most likely way over your head!!!!
    Did you even follow the link?
     
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  10. By  r4i Posted: 11/17/2009 10:48pm PST

    Hi Guy's,
    BMW is trying to show the world that they can match the horsepower of audi...
     
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