REPORT: Next BMW M5 to feature twin-turbo V10 with 600 hp
BMW M5 - Click above for a high-res image gallery
The next BMW M5 is due to arrive sometime in 2011 or 2012 and as the release date draws near, more details about BMW's newest 'Bahn-burner have begun to surface.
Two reports indicate that BMW may continue to use a V10 powerplant in the next M5, although there's still some evidence that the twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 currently fitted to the X5M and X6M could be tweaked and fitted in its place. However, if BMW decides to stick with the bent-ten, a thoroughly revised version based off the 'utes' V8 would be employed, packing a duo of turbos to boost output up and over the 600 hp mark, and giving the Audi RS6 a run for its money.
But it won't be all about power. BMW is also expected to use an F1-style KERS system to increase performance and fuel economy, along with an engine start-stop setup and an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox. If the rumors are to be believed, expect the next M5 to make its debut sometime in 2011, with sales beginning in early 2012.
Gallery: Review: BMW M5
[Sources: BMWBlog, AutoExpress]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
freeskihp 3:34PM (6/25/2009)
Your title is wrong
Reply
Freeskihp 3:35PM (6/25/2009)
I'm wrong
Mondo 12:08PM (6/26/2009)
Nothing wrong with 600 ponies.
Looks like it's time to start saving up. I'll be needing a stupidly fast sedan to replace my 335 by about 2013. This looks like as good an option as any, especially with Euro delivery.
Toy Yoda 3:37PM (6/25/2009)
I need this in my life right now.
Reply
Vincenzo 3:56PM (6/25/2009)
To bad it looks like my grandma's car
I'll go with a CTS V anyday
Coolio 4:04PM (6/25/2009)
CTS-V has them scared....
Kooshball 4:33PM (6/25/2009)
it'll be awesome... too bad it'll be a 5000lbs car by then.
Gomi 4:40PM (6/25/2009)
+1. When this car debuted it was unlike anything else, if memory serves, but subsequent models haven't looked as unique (enter cts-v, etc...). a TWIN TURBO V10 brings the crazy back, imo.
Other Man 3:43PM (6/25/2009)
Two things:
1) It does make me wonder what AMG would then have in store. With 518 hp, the E63 would almost certainly be overhauled in a couple of years like the E55 was from 03-06 with a new AMG-engined model. Autoblog reported almost a year ago about AMG having some new 5L TTV-8 with 575 hp/700 lb-ft. What every happened to that?
2) I hope these stupid stop/start functions have defeat switches. It's one thing on an eco model, but I wouldn't buy a 600 hp M5 for its economy, fuel mileage standards or not. If that's what they need to meet company standards, build a uber-mileage 3-Series and 1-Series to try and make up the difference.
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william tell 4:34PM (6/25/2009)
AMG did say the horsepower wars are over [for them], with their focus being making their cars more efficient. The idea of an efficient uber saloon is far more appealing to me than a thirsty one (rumour has it with minor mods a CTS-V can hit 28-30 mpg highway)
Other Man 7:42PM (6/25/2009)
I didn't understand it as them haulting outputs. Simply put, AMGs for most of their lives have been a sort of German muscle car. I love them, but the reports had AMG talking about weight and handling focus.
Like I said, that to me meant that they would stop focusing on sheer power and concentrate on overall. A super-powered AMG E-Class still seems very possible to me, just not one that's got 625 hp and little else.
mk3 5:03PM (6/25/2009)
Why are you against start/stop system. It has nothing to do with the performance of the car. Or is it bad for your ego?
I think is good for every car. Come on don't you hate wasting all that fuel while standing still?
Other Man 7:46PM (6/25/2009)
Because I like to hear cars idle. I love hearing a powerful car burble at idle.
Don't jump to conclusions about people's preferences until AFTER you get their explanation.
BigMcLargeHuge 3:44PM (6/25/2009)
I'd be more impressed if BMW got 600hp out of a 4.4L V8 than having to twin-turbocharge a 5.0L V10 to get that much like Audi did.
Drive innovation BMW, don't be a sheep!
Reply
Ligor 3:58PM (6/25/2009)
either way you can't complian much about 600HP
i'd say the .0L v10na is just fine and has enough power,
but then who am i to get inthe way of HP wars
Coolio 4:05PM (6/25/2009)
Chevy can get more than that out of a super charged V8.
timwang2006 4:13PM (6/25/2009)
People get that much power from Civics too but there is so much more to a good engine than huge boost. That aside, the LS9 and the BMW V10 NA are both impressive, if in different ways.
BigMcLargeHuge 5:15PM (6/25/2009)
Coolio,
The LS9 is a fine engine, but it sounds like you're bragging about lower cylinder count? With pistons the size of pineapples, that's not really all that difficult.
Mercedes got more power and torque out of a 5.4L V-8... from the factory.
jv2k 5:19PM (6/25/2009)
I think the point is it's not naturally aspired. It's a twin turbo. This isn't the usual
"lol my turbo'd civic si has as much hp as a mustang"/"GTR turbo v6s is as powerful as N/A corvette lol v8s are inferior!" argument. Both engines use forced induction to generate extra power and despite the extra cylinders they make about the same power.
Of course I personally don't think it matters how a car gets it's power so long as it gets it(and the engine doesn't wind up being too heavy or big), but it is interesting to see. Of course we don't know anything else about the engine. We don't know it's torque curve, how it sounds, how high it revs, or how smooth it is. All we know is that it's based off the v8 and it is being "considered."
zamafir 5:35PM (6/25/2009)
"than having to twin-turbocharge a 5.0L V10 to get that much like Audi did."
Agreed. This copying audi's intitivie needs to stop. yes the new m3 is fun, no it didn't need to just copy the displacement of the RS4 and power. no, the new M5 doesn't need to copy the RS6. As has been mentioned, make the M5 lighter, take a new novel approach, just tearing sheets out of quattro gmbh's playbook will only go so far.
More awesomeness like the twin turbo 6 featured in the 135/335 plz.