• HOME
• 
• AUTO LISTINGS
• 
• FINANCE
• 
• NEWS
• 
• DIRECTORY
• 
• REVIEWS
• 
• FORUM
• 
• BLOG
• 

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

The new updated BMW M5 was unveiled at the Geneva International Motor Show this week. (Photo: BMW of North America)

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

The new M5s 500-hp V10 engine is said to be derived from BMWs race-winning Formula 1 efforts. (Photo: BMW of North America)

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

Compared to the normal 5-Series, the new M5 is more aggressive in appearance thanks to subtle design modifications. (Photo: BMW of North America)

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.

Page:  1

AUTOMOBILE REVIEWS BY MAKE

Acura  Audi   Bentley   BMW   Buick   Cadillac   Chevrolet   Chrysler   Daewoo   Dodge   Eagle   Ferrari   Ford   Geo   GMC   Honda   Hummer   Hyundai   Infiniti   Isuzu   Jaguar   Jeep   Kia   Lamborghini   Lexus   Lincoln   Lotus   Maserati   Mazda   Mercedes-Benz   Mercury   MINI   Mitsubishi   Nissan   Oldsmobile   Plymouth   Pontiac   Porsche   Saab   Saturn   Scion   Subaru   Suzuki   Toyota   Volkswagen   Volvo