BMW Brings V10 Powered M5 Concept to Geneva
Next-Generation M5 Will Once Again Be Segment Power Leader
With the 5-Series (E60) model lineup almost completely updated by first, the recent addition of a totally renewed 530i and 545i sedan, and more recently an all-new sport wagon, BMW has kept the best for last.
The ultimate 5-Series was unveiled in Geneva earlier this week to an eager audience. Despite looking ready for prime time, the M5 is still in its concept car stage, but according to reports its very close to reality.
As rumors suggested and this concept hints, the M5 will be powered by a naturally aspirated 500 horsepower V10 engine built with BMWs M division. This will land the new model exactly where its creators had anticipated, in the horsepower lead of its premium brand contemporaries that currently include the Audi RS6, Cadillac CTS-V and Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG.
Featuring many of the styling and technological advancements offered by new 2005 5-Series brethren, the new M5s engine is said to be derived from BMWs race-winning Formula 1 efforts - it is commonly accepted that BMW delivers the most powerful F1 engine on the grid. While not capable of the F1 engines stratospheric 19,000 rpm, the road cars Valvetronic engine will be able to achieve a stunning 9,000 rpm.
It has been said that BMW will offer this new engine with two transmissions, a 6-speed manual and 6-speed SMG II sequential gearbox. Though performance numbers have not been released, theyre bound to be impressive!
The concept M5, which has been finished in a delicious shade of pewter, has received a few appearance upgrades to help it stand out from its inline-6 and V8 powered siblings. Modest but eye-catching, a deep, flowing mesh-backed front valance has been installed. The more muscular front end flows up through the grille before integrating smoothly into the cars nose. Side and rear skirts are also added.
A small rear spoiler, large alloy wheels and the M5s trademark four-pipe exhaust system compliment the rear end design, signifying that this is the king of sport sedans.
While not official, the V10 utilized in the 2005 M5 will most likely be used in the upcoming M6, while a shortened 2004 spec M5 V8 will make its way into the next generation M3 engine bay.
Hopefully, the superb 6-cylinder M engine will remain somewhere in BMWs lineup, possibly as an M3 "light," or perhaps a Z4 M Roadster, an M version of the X3 or even a top-tier upgrade to the upcoming 1- or 2-Series cars.
The next-generation M5 is expected to make its way into European showrooms by autumn of this year, with North America to follow thereafter.