BMW’s M division has started testing of their seriously fast M5 sedan and we have the most revealing photos fresh from Germany’s legendary Nurburgring. While other photos have shown this prototype with fabric covering the front end, that camouflage is not present in our photos.
Up front, an M-style front fascia with larger, more aggressive intakes will be present, along with “M” fender vents. In back, we can see the traditional quad exhaust setup that graces M models. Larger brakes with cross-drilled rotors and sportier wheels and tires can also be seen.
While the current M5 is powered by a 5.0-liter V10, this latest M5 is said to be packing the twin-turbo, direct injected 4.4-liter V8 from the X5 and X6 M models. Prototype M5s with this engine are claimed to be producing around 540 horsepower – and fuel consumption is down compared to the V10.
The next M5 should surface at a major auto show sometime during 2010, but the high-powered sedan might not hit dealer showrooms until 2011.
11/18, 3:02 PM
posted by:
leftwingagenda
creative use of tape to simulate lights on the trunk lid…it looks like they stole the tail lights themselves from ferrari, though, sticking way out on the corners like that…
11/18, 4:29 PM
posted by:
kingston
whats the point in the new photos if they don’t show anything new?
11/18, 5:32 PM
posted by:
AutoCritical
comparing with the LLN sketch, I’m not convinced that the lower front fascia grilles will appear that tall. Overall it makes the car look too narrow at the front when there are ways of making it look more planted to the ground. In the new spy shots, I think it looks better, but then again, who knows what stage any of the body parts are at on that car.
11/18, 11:05 PM
posted by:
nickkop
why dont they just use the 4.4 V8 from the M3 GTS ?? …….and make this car a lot lighter….
11/19, 9:31 AM
posted by:
Z06ified
Because it wouldn’t be nearly enough power to move this car quickly. Remember, this car is competing with the 556hp CTS-V, and 513? hp E63 AMG.
11/19, 12:07 PM
posted by:
nickkop
the M5 was never about sheer power as much as an ideal combination of handling prowess, nimbleness, weight and chassis balance, subtle and classy yet aggressive appearance, stability, luxury, and then increased yet appropriate and rational amounts of power…
why??
because power is less of a challenge for them… any decent team of engineers can extract big power by enhancing any decent engine.
balance and moderation of priorities, my friend…
those who think an M5’s purpose and priorities are placed solely on power, or any ///M car for that matter, simply don’t understand the Motorsport division’s traditional values, and unfortunately may be causing them to be diluted….
11/19, 12:09 PM
posted by:
nickkop
this car may have the potential to beat both the caddy v and mercedes amg around a serious roadcourse or “nurburgring” with fifty or even a hundred less horsepower, if executed correctly…
11/19, 12:13 PM
posted by:
nickkop
unfortunately they do not and probably will not not make it light enough for my point to be relevant, so in that case it will need well over 500hp at this point, and you would be correct my friend…
11/19, 1:25 PM
posted by:
Stix
With the amount of technology being packed in the new M5, I highly doubt it’s going to be anywhere near light. So, yes, they will need more than 500 HP to even compete with Caddy and Mercedes.
But, knowing BMW’s ///M division, that shouldn’t be much of a problem either.
11/19, 7:08 PM
posted by:
nickkop
true stix, true…
11/19, 8:47 PM
posted by:
norby413
I’m glad they’re going turbo. Most M5 buyers NEVER see the far side of 6500 RPM, so most of the power is wasted anyway. The TT V8 gushes torque in the midrange and will appeal to a wider audience. Plus, living at high altitude, we get gipped on HP with non turbo/SC engines. An M5 up here makes around 430hp.
11/19, 9:00 PM
posted by:
nickkop
most does not mean all, my friend….. most M5 buyers have no business buying such a car because they do not posses the driving skill or enthusiasm, they only do because they can… as some sort of display of success… thats not what these cars used to be for, i mean success was necessary, but not the reason to buy one…. once upon a time…
11/19, 9:02 PM
posted by:
nickkop
exclusivity should not only be based on financial means….
11/19, 9:02 PM
posted by:
nickkop
but this is a cruel cruel world… hahah… fack it…
11/19, 9:03 PM
posted by:
nickkop
i believe that in some ways they are going soft….