Report: New BMW M5 to drop V10 in favor of turbo V8

Posted Mon Jul 7 2008 7:01 AM by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer has revealed in the past that future BMW powertrains will be downsized in an effort to improve fuel-efficiency and reduce emissions, and that even the hallowed ‘M’ division could also be affected by the new wave of environmental consciousness sweeping the carmaker. BMW has always stood by the high-rev philosophy for delivering power from its M engines but that may be about to change.

Inside sources have revealed that the next-generation M5, due in 2011, will be powered by a high-performance twin-turbo V8 engine instead of a naturally aspirated V10. The source also revealed that initial tests of variations of the 400hp (298kW) turbocharged 4.4L V8 found in the X6 crossover is showing promising results, reports Automotive News.

Additionally, BMW’s M engineers are also finding good results from the award-winning 3.0L straight-six turbo. It comes "very close to a large-displacement, naturally aspirated engine," the source told reporters.

Prototypes of the current M5 have been seen sporting front-mount intercoolers and additional air-intakes, confirming that a high-performance turbocharged powertrain is being developed. And, while purists may scoff at the idea of a turbocharged M car, the decision by rivals to launch forced-induction competitors such as the new twin-turbo RS6 and upcoming SL Black-Series, which is expected to get a twin-turbo V12, may leave BMW with little choice.

2010 BMW M5 rendering

2010 BMW 5-series rendering

Gallery: BMW M5 rendering

Gallery: 2010 BMW 5-series rendering

Reader Comments

Mon Jul 7 2008 8:38 AM
raptor says

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.
Mon Jul 7 2008 9:57 AM
Foxfire says

inline 6 for the next M3, V8 for M5/6
Mon Jul 7 2008 10:34 AM
Gus says

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...
Mon Jul 7 2008 11:55 AM
worldbfree4me says

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.
Mon Jul 7 2008 1:10 PM
C6R says

Another victim of fuel crisis...
Normal aspirated engines are the best IMHO.
Mon Jul 7 2008 6:30 PM
HECTOR says

This may be sacrilege but I think this is a good idea. I'm glad the horsepower war is over. It's over, right?
Mon Jul 7 2008 7:19 PM
Hammy says

damn this sucks, 400hp M5 vs 580hp Rs6. Looks like Audi will remain on top for a while.
Wed Jul 9 2008 1:02 PM
NaBUru38 says

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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