Thursday 4th March 2004

BMW M5

V10 powered fat man car could hit the streets in 12 months

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After some leaked pictures appearing last week we've now got official word from BM about the next M5.

Translating Formula 1 technology directly into a road car, the BMW Concept M5 is powered by a massive V10 engine – a BMW first. It's joined the power struggle in Germany and BMW have raised the ante by de livering around 500 bhp and 500 Nm of torque.

Such levels of performance are made possible by specially modified Bi-VANOS camshaft timing, individual throttle butterflies and engine electronics derived from the BMW Williams F1 car. These are linked to an enhanced DSC traction control system, a variable limited slip differential and adapted brakes

Alongside the engine developments, Formula 1 technology is carried over to the gearbox. The Concept M5 is equipped with a seven-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox – another first for BMW.

Under the skin, the BMW Concept M5 is based on the 5 Series saloon launched in 2003, both cars benefiting from an aluminium chassis and lightweight aluminium front body panels. Visually, the BMW Concept M5 stands apart from its ‘standard’ 5 Series brethren by the addition of modified front and rear air dams, side sills, side air vents and four exhaust tailpipes. Additionally, it has M alloy wheels of an exclusive design measuring 8.5J x 19 on the front and 9.5J x 19 on the rear, with 255 / 40 ZR 19 and 285 / 35 ZR 19 tyres respectively.

BMW are claiming that the the show car is strictly a concept, but adding that a production version of the car could (will) be available within a year.

[dino ferrana]

I see they still haven't managed to make the boot look like it actually is shut!

[britten_mark]

Yes, it gets no better looking does it? Usually when they make a "GT" version of some twat-chariot it always manages to look vaguely appealing; not this time eh?

[dick dastardly]

I've got to disagree with you guys, I think it's gorgeous. Can't wait to see them on the road

[Frik]

Seems like a bit of a styling oppotunity missed. BMW's M cars are usually at least more visually exciting than their equivalents at Merc. What about the M-style mirrors? Then again, it seems you can't polish a Bangle designed turd...

[powelly]

Front air dam from a mondeo? Wing mirrors from a compact? Design from a turd?

[craigw]

be an interesting comparison with the new audi rs6 which will have the gallardo engine..

[The Witchfinder]

Completely hideous. Hopefully they'll be sub-25 grand in three years' time like the old one

[bad company]

Well I think it looks great and I cant wait to get my hands on one. I put a deposit down about a year ago so I will be at the front of the queue.

[chippy69]

I think it looks great, I remember people saying the E39 looked rubbish when it first came, they also (I know it's a cliche)look much better in the flesh,
The M5 was always supposed to be the subtle M car and the M3 was supposed to be lairy and in your face


>> Edited by chippy69 on Thursday 4th March 13:38

[conner]

Is it me or does it look like a TVR!!!!!!

[ScoobyZoom]

conner said:

Is it me or does it look like a TVR!!!!!!

just you mate

[thanuk]

I mostly like it, but even with 19" wheels it's still looks like the back wheels are too small. The wedge shape does that I guess.

[conner]

thanuk said:

I mostly like it, but even with 19" wheels it's still looks like the back wheels are too small. The wedge shape does that I guess.

See SCOOBY DOO!!!!


Thank you Thanuk for point out which model of TVR it looks like.
It's the WEDGE I should of guessed!!!

[medic_02]

V10 and 500hp... i know there are no displacement figures but damn, i can see the viper/truck engine hp/liter arguments coming.

[flooritforever]

BMW said:

...a massive V10 engine producing 500 bhp and 500 Nm of torque

With those kind of figures it can afford to be ugly! Can't wait to see the performance stats for this thing.

[Dogsharks]

Well let's hope BMW can figure out what connecting rod bearings are for and avoid all the blown up motors they had with the M3. BMW can build a powerful motor, but they seem to have designed in some major flaws in the past. I hope they fired that engineer, who-ever the heck it was.

http://members.roadfly.com/jason/m3engines.htm

Dogsharks

>> Edited by Dogsharks on Thursday 4th March 18:59

[laner]

Well i for one would be happy to be sat in it!!

[B 7 VP]

Specifcation Looks the BIZ, Do we hope they got it right with the Bi-Vanos ??.Many E36 M3 car owners are still paying for being the development Department of M tec, Garching.

[Waveboy14]

Like the front very much, getting used to the back, but the roofline reminds me of the previous Lexus 430LS! (not nice!)

[neon_fox]

I don't think it looks like a TVR, but it sure is 'urg-ley' enough!

Am I the only person slavering over a seven-speed sequential _manual_ box?

Fox in a Box
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