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2005 BMW M5 Preview

The Perfect Car Reborn

Im a giant motorsport fan. I suppose Im one of a small minority of F1 and Champ Car enthusiasts in North America, choosing not to tune into the Indy Racing League (IRL) and NASCAR as Im not big on going in circles.

I find its a little more fun to have someone to root for while watching, so for the past few years Ive chosen BMW Williams driver Juan Pablo Montoya in the F1 circuit, as he was a great interview in his Champ Car days and looks to still be an amiable sort, not to mention hes one of the most exciting racers around. Ive also owned a bunch of BMWs, never wanted a Renault and only had the opportunity to lust after Ferraris, so the reason to cheer is complete.

Unfortunately the BMW

A personal favorite, Juan Pablo Montoya with the controversially designed FW26 has had an up and down F1 season thus far. (Photo: BMW of North America)

Williams team has been a little off-pace this year, with moments of brilliance and the odd podium being the only reason to cheer against the dominance of the boys in scarlet. Still, JPM is usually out there mixing it up with his controversially designed FW26, twin-tusked 2004 car and adding excitement to the "parade."

The recently introduced BMW 5-Series is equally controversial in the styling

As with all of the Bangle/Hooydonk designed BMW cars, the new 5-Series is controversial, with little middle ground. BMW enthusiasts either love it or hate it. (Photo: BMW of North America)

department, with some dedicated roundel fans cursing the automaker for producing "anything so ugly" and others appreciative of the bold new design trend that has saved BMW from boredom. I happen to fall in the latter camp, having never been taken by the overly conservative lines of the previous generation.

While the Bangle/Hooydonk design continues to stir up conversation, the car itself is the best 5-Series ever from a driving dynamics

BMWs M5 is the epitome of sport sedans, having held title to worlds best since its inception in the mid-80s. (Photo: BMW of North America)

standpoint. And being that the 5 was the benchmark in its market segment, it can be argued that its the best handling luxury sedan available period. Not only does the chassis incorporate that special magic which BMW has sprinkled on all of its cars and SUVs over the years, technological advancements such as Active Steering and Dynamic Drive literally alter the oncoming landscape.

But as good as the new 530i and 545i are there will always be one model that will outpace, out-maneuver and outshine them. BMWs M5 is the epitome of sport sedans, having held

The production M5 hasnt deviated from the prototype which was unveiled in Geneva earlier this year. (Photo: BMW of North America)

title to worlds best since the first generation came on the scene in the mid-80s.

I remember when I drove my first M5, a black on black 1988 E28 model which produced an awe-inspiring (for the time) 256 horsepower from its inline-6. I later tested a 1992 E34 M5 that made 315 horsepower and a 93 that put out somewhere between 330 and 340 - it had been chipped. Both were sensational, and I knew I had to have one. When the new 396 horsepower V8-powered E39 M5 debuted, I joined a group of journalists at a 330Xi event, effectively cornering the brands PR rep. We wouldnt let him leave until he promised to get us one to test. He agreed, came

Nothing less than a 507 horsepower 5.0-liter V10 powerhouse hides under the M5s sleek hood. (Photo: BMW of North America)

through and I had one of the most memorable weeks of my career. Thanks again Tobias.

BMWs current corporate communications manager had better get an even bigger stick to bat off aggressive journalists who gang up on him to get their hands on the upcoming M5. The German automaker teased automotive journalists and well-heeled enthusiasts alike earlier this year in Geneva with the introduction of its M5 Concept, and as predicted the production car hasnt deviated from the prototype, at least in styling. Even the wheels look identical, which makes a person wonder why BMW didnt just introduce the "concept" as a production car.

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