2012 BMW M5 Review
Daniel Barron, Toronto Sun - June 2011Performance injection for new 5 Series
With the most recent generation M5 officially finished production, BMW has wasted little time in unleashing the 2012 version of the performance sedan - albeit in concept form - introducing it to the world from China, at the 2011 Shanghai Auto Show.
Furthering the lineage of four-seat high-performance sedans that began in 1984, the new M5 concept (which can seat five) is based on the design language of the current 5 Series sedan and is what BMW calls 'near-series,' meaning the production car won't vary too much from this show car.
Though BMW isn't divulging any specific power numbers (saying only that power output is 'significantly increased' over the fourth generation), the automaker says the vehicle uses a new high-revving V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo Technology (rumoured to be derived from the engine currently used on the X5 M and X6 M vehicles), mated to a seven-speed M double-clutch transmission (though a manual transmission has neither been denied nor confirmed).
Beyond M-specific suspension and steering, BMW says the rear-wheel drive M5 features numerous drivetrain innovations and other enhancements that lead to a reduction of fuel consumption and emissions of up to 25%. One of those innovations is an automatic start-stop function that switches the engine off at red lights. To restart the engine, the driver need only take his or her foot off the brake.
Even the sporty visual additions to the M5 exist for reasons other than to turn heads. Though the dual round bi-xenon headlights, complemented at the top by an accentuating light to create the road-focused look characteristic of BMW M automobiles, are present mostly to turn heads. The discreet rear spoiler and diffuser integrated into the rear apron help optimize aerodynamics, while the large air intakes help toward the engine's higher cooling requirements. In fact, the front apron was designed exclusively for the M5 concept and features racing inspired flaps at the lower edges to optimize airflow. The M typical fender gills have been reinterpreted on the M5, and start off a crease that continues at door-handle light back to the taillights.
The vehicle, which has been lowered for improved handling, sports 20-inch light alloy double-spoke wheels shod with 265/35ZR20 performance tires at the front and 265/35ZR20s at the back. The long wheelbase and set-back cabin creates a fast profile and emphasizes speed.
BMW says that extensive tests on the M5 were carried out on the northern loop of the famed Nurburgring race track in Germany. Helping the vehicle make the fastest lap times possible are an active M rear differential and wheel suspension systems.
The production car is due for introduction at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, with deliveries reportedly starting in late fall 2011.
No comments:
Post a Comment