The New BMW M5 V10
The new M5 will be the most powerful BMW road car ever built, generating 507bhp and surpassing the magical 100bhp per litre mark. Translating BMW's Formula 1 experience directly into a road car, the new BMW M5 is powered by a normally aspirated five-litre V10 engine - a first for BMW. Redlined at 8,250rpm, the 507bhp and 520Nm of torque propels the car from zero to 62mph in 4.7seconds and to 124mph in 15 seconds before reaching an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. Without the limiter, the new M5 would be capable of an awe-inspiring 205mph. These levels of performance, when combined with the lightweight aluminium chassis and body panels from the 5 Series, ensure the new M5 can lap the infamous Nürburgring in approximately eight minutes - a time rarely achieved even by high performance sports cars.
The new BMW M5 produces over 25 per cent more power than the outgoing M5 that itself set the benchmark as the ultimate sports saloon. This is made possible, in part, by the bi-VANOS variable valve timing and individual throttle butterflies fitted to the new car. Ensuring an optimum charge from every combustion cycle these features increase performance, flexibility and responsiveness, offer inspired fuel consumption and emissions figures and ensure the car exceeds EU4 standards.
Power is transmitted through the world's first production car seven-speed sequential gearbox with Drivelogic. The new M5 also features a new DSC traction control system specifically developed for the car. Offering three settings, the default mode offers drivers the high levels of performance and stability you would expect of a car wearing the 'M' badge. But by pressing the DSC button once the car reverts to M Dynamic Mode to allow an enthusiastic driver the ability to push the M5 to the absolute limits of traction.
Assisting further with performance the BMW M5 also comes with an MDrive button on the steering wheel, offering a one-touch function that changes the settings on the car to an enhanced sporting character. The function of the standard fit Head-up Display is also altered when the MDrive button is activated. The default setting sees speed, navigation instructions, check control messages and cruise control settings projected onto the windscreen in the driver's line of sight. However, if MDrive is activated the display changes to a rev counter including vehicle speed that both flash at the driver when the next gear needs to be selected.
While the chassis, suspension and steering of the M5 are based on the design of the 5 Series, almost all components are new. The M5 also features a variable M differential lock that offers a high level of driving stability and traction, especially when accelerating. Stopping power in the M5 is also enhanced courtesy of a high performance braking system with cross-drilled ventilated discs and twin-piston callipers. This braking system, in combination with the lightweight materials incorporated in the 1,755kgs car, ensures that the M5 decelerates from 62mph to zero in just 36 metres or 124mph to zero is reached in 140 metres.
Visually, the new M5 takes the distinctive looks of the 5 Series to another level, with modified front and rear aprons and side sills. For the first time on an M5, the front wings now incorporate an air duct, which helps keep the engine bay cool during operation, and a new door mirror design. Wider wheelarches house the exclusive 19-inch M5 alloy-wheel while BMW M's signature four tailpipes alert drivers behind to the potential of the car in front.
The BMW M5 will be launched in the UK in Spring 2005.
Text courtesy of BMW GB Press Dept.
