Autoblog

Rumormill: Aluminum and carbon fiber, KERS-equipped BMW M5 cometh?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, BMW, Rumormill, Luxury

What does the future have in store for BMW's high-performance M division? For starters, lots and lots of power, along with a smattering of light weight and plenty of cutting-edge technology. This all sounds familiar, but the rumored details coming out of Bimmerfile suggest that the 2011 BMW M5 would be nothing short of revolutionary.

Not surprisingly, we're told to expect a version of the twin-turbo V8 that currently powers the M division's hi-po X5 and X6 tallboys with somewhere around 570 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. On top of those prodigious figures may very well be a Kenetic Energy Recovery hybrid setup to recapture wasted energy from braking. The stored power would be used to send an extra shot of power via an electric motor contained in the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The KERS power boost reportedly would be controlled by the driver with a Formula 1-style button on the steering wheel.

Further performance would be found by putting the next-gen 5 Series on a diet consisting of a chassis wrought completely in aluminum with carbon fiber used in various body panels and optionally on the roof. We look forward to finding out just how much of this rumormill material turns out to be accurate, and we'll know for sure in early 2011 when the next M5 is slated for introduction.

[Source: Bimmerfile]

Rumormill: Aluminum and carbon fiber, KERS-equipped BMW M5 cometh? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lumma Design shows bizarre black-and-white BMW M5 with 730 HP

Drew Phillips — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Performance, BMW

Lumma Design CLR 730 RS - Click above for high-res image gallery

With its latest creation, the CLR 730 RS, it seems that Lumma Design is making a play for the title of Europe's most garish tuner. However, this two-tone widebody BMW M5 is actually subtle compared to previous Lumma Design models, and we think the title still firmly remains with Mansory.

So what's special about the CLR 730 RS? For starters, 730 horsepower. The 50% increase in chutzpah comes from a set of twin-superchargers courtesy of G-Power, and Lumma Design claims an impressive top speed of 228 mph. Additional performance upgrades come in the form of a sport suspension, six-piston front and four-piston rear brakes, and an upgraded exhaust system.

The candy cane interior of the CLR 730 RS is even more over-the-top than the outside, with a combination of carbon fiber, leather, and suede. It's not really our style, but we would probably be more accepting of it in a more subtle color. We have plenty of high-res photos in the gallery below, and Lumma Design's press release has full details after the jump.

Gallery: Lumma Design CLR 730 RS

[Source: Lumma Design]

Continue reading Lumma Design shows bizarre black-and-white BMW M5 with 730 HP

Lumma Design shows bizarre black-and-white BMW M5 with 730 HP originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: BMW builds E34 M5 Convertible, keeps it secret for 20 long years

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Convertible, Performance, Europe, BMW

BMW E34 M5 Convertible - Click above image for high-res gallery

Amongst M Division cognoscenti there rages an eternal debate concerning what's the best ever BMW M car. To the casual Bavarian-enthusiast the answer is quite simple: E39 M5. However, strong cases can be made for both the E30 M3 and the OG E28 M5, which featured the M1's race-bred 3.5-liter straight-six. In fact, there's a whole subculture of folks that feel a car's not really a BMW (let alone an M) without an inline-six. With that said, the E34 M5 is a pretty compelling candidate for best ever M car, as is the M1. Oddly, no one ever advocates in favor of the E60 M5. Moving on...

Think about it now -- the E34 M5 is the last of the totally hand built M cars. Sometimes one worker made an entire car, though usually the cars were built by specific teams. In fact, BMW test engineers could tell which person (or people) had built each individual car. That's pretty nifty. Only thing is, all those doors. And that roof! Who needs it? Sadly, it was only with the introduction of the E63 M6 that the big M cars got back to just two doors and a drop top. Or was it?

Turns out that back in the late '80s BMW built a convertible E34 M5 and they've kept it under lock and key for the past 20 years until showing it to a select group of journalists during a 25 years of M5 celebration. Based of the E34 chassis, the convertible version featured lengthened doors and was actually all set to go into production.

But then, just one week before its introduction at Geneva (they'd booked space for the car and everything), BMW pulled the plug and canceled the M5 convertible, fearing demand for non-M5 convertibles would cut into the highly profitable 3 Series convertible sales. Too bad, as this thing looks sweet. Also, if BMW pulls the long-rumored-though-(maybe)-never-built M8 out from some dark corner of the storage bin, well, we'll be pretty upset. Yet thrilled at the same time.

Gallery: BMW E34 M5 Convertible

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: BMW builds E34 M5 Convertible, keeps it secret for 20 long years originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW creates an M5 CSL, and no, you can't have it

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Performance, BMW, Luxury

BMW M5 CSL - Click above for image gallery

To celebrate 25 years of the M5, BMW has created a one-off version of the E60 super saloon that Albert Biermann, head of BMW's M division calls, "the M5 CSL we never built."

The transformation began with a modified version of the standard M5's 5.0-liter V10, which has been stroked to 5.5-liters and fitted with a carbon fiber intake, secondary oil cooler and a new fascia. BMW remains mum on official power figures, but Biermann says the mods are good for around 580 hp and 400 lb.-ft. of torque over the standard 507 hp engine.

Mated to the modified mill is a fortified version of the seven-speed dual-clutch Getrag gearbox fitted to the current M3, while a carbon fiber roof joins a set of lightweight, carbon fiber seats up front. That, combined with the removal of the rear seats, sheds around 110 pounds from the M5's curb weight.

Although performance stats haven't been released, BMW says the M5 CSL laps the Nurburgring around 20 seconds faster than the standard model, so something around the 7:50 mark isn't out of the question. What is out of the question is the opportunity to buy the CSL. BMW has no plans to offer it to the public, and to that we say... fine. We'll wait for the twin-turbocharged V8 version coming in 2011.

Gallery: BMW M5 CSL

[Source: Autocar via BMWBlog]

BMW creates an M5 CSL, and no, you can't have it originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: BMW M5 dropping V10 for turbo V8

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Technology, BMW, Rumormill

BMW M5 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The straight six in the first BMW M5 supersedans was silky smooth and plenty powerful, but it was getting a bit long-in-the-tooth, so it had to go. It was replaced by the 400 hp V8 in the E39, then later with the fire-breathing V10 in the current M5 (above) that pushed horsepower into the stratosphere, particularly when you activated the 'M' button. That engine remains powerful, but with CO2 concerns, fuel economy standards and the fact that the V10 isn't available in much of anything else in BMW's lineup, it seems like the next-gen M5 will probably find its motive power supplied by a V8 instead. If a V8 is good enough for the Audi RS6 and Cadillac CTS-V, perhaps it's good enough for the BMW M5, too.

We saw speculation about a V8 M5 as far back as May, 2008, and more recent speculation that it was going to be a twin-turbo V10 instead, but now Inside Line is reporting that BMW reps have confirmed that a V8 will indeed be in the next M5's engine bay - although they didn't confirm which one. Most likely, it will be the 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 that first appeared in the X5M and X6M. With 555 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque, it falls right in the ballpark with other supersedan outputs. That new powerplant will sit in a new cradle as well, with the all-new 5-Series just months away. Around these parts, we're starting to refer to this next generation M5 as the Goldilocks Edition. Six wasn't enough, ten was too much and eight is just right. Thanks for the tip, Derick!

Gallery: Review: BMW M5

[Source: Inside Line]

REPORT: BMW M5 dropping V10 for turbo V8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2010 BMW 5 Series nearing completion

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Spy Photos, Sedan, BMW

2010 BMW 5 Series - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The 2010 BMW 5 Series is due to hit the market early next year and these latest spy shots are a clear, if predictable, indication of what styling changes are on their way.

The front fascia adopts the upright nose, elongated twin-kidney grille and contoured headlamps (Dame Edna be gone!) originally shown on the 2009 7 Series, while the rear takes on a set of similarly styled tail lamps and looses the Bangled rump we've come to know and loathe.

The overall effect should tie in well with the recently revealed BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo, and expect similar powertrain options to be available, including the 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8, 3.0-liter inline-six and a host of diesel options offered abroad. Transmission choices will likely include a six-speed manual and an all-new eight-speed gearbox supplied by ZF. And then there's the 2011 M5 to look forward to.

Expect the next M-fettled 5er to pack the X6 M/X5 M's tweaked twin-turbo'd eight nestled within a revised chassis sure to use considerable amounts of aluminum and carbon fiber. It's obvious that development of the next 5 is well underway, and we wouldn't be surprised to see it unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September, with the M5 appearing later in 2010.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2010 BMW 5 Series

Spy Shots: 2010 BMW 5 Series nearing completion originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Jul 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Next BMW M5 to feature twin-turbo V10 with 600 hp

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, BMW

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]

REPORT: Next BMW M5 to feature twin-turbo V10 with 600 hp originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Audi Q7 V12 TDI versus BMW M5

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 12:24:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, SUV, Etc., Videos, Audi, BMW, UK

Click above to watch the Audi Q7 V12 TDI take on the BMW M5

Autocar decided to find out which was faster among two unlikely bedfellows sharing one common trait: 500 horsepower. In one lane you've got the BMW M5, with ten petrol-powered cylinders. In the adjacent lane there's the Q7 V12 TDI, with twelve oil-burning cylinders. The M5 is much lighter. The Q7 has Quattro. And being England, of course it's wet. Follow the jump to see who won and by how much.

Continue reading VIDEO: Audi Q7 V12 TDI versus BMW M5

VIDEO: Audi Q7 V12 TDI versus BMW M5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 25 Apr 2009 12:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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G-Power takes 4-door sedan top speed record with M5 Hurricane RS

Drew Phillips — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Sedan, BMW

Click above for a high-res gallery of the G-Power BMW M5 Hurricane RS

For all the hype about supercars' top speeds, the statistic is generally good for nothing more than bragging rights. The likelihood that your Bugatti Veyron will ever meet up with an SSC Ultimate Aero on the street is next to none, and even if you did, good luck trying to find a place to safely exceed 250 mph. Peak velocity seems even less important when it comes to sedans, but that doesn't stop various tuners from chasing the title of world's fastest four-door. Brabus has long held the title, first with E V12 that hit 206 mph in 1996 and most recently upping that mark to later upping the mark to 227.23 mph with the CLS "Rocket". With that number set in their sights, BMW tuner G-Power took an upgraded version of their M5 Hurricane to the ATP High-Seed test track in Papenburg, Germany last month hoping to set a new record. That they did, eclipsing the Rocket's top speed with a best run of 228.4 mph. Lest Brabus seek to take back the title, G-Power claims that they can improve on the number by increasing the boost from the twin superchargers mounted to the BMW's V10. More info on G-Power's new record following the jump.

Gallery: G-Power M5 Hurricane RS

Continue reading G-Power takes 4-door sedan top speed record with M5 Hurricane RS

G-Power takes 4-door sedan top speed record with M5 Hurricane RS originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Dec 2008 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2008 BMW M5

Dan Roth — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Sedan, BMW

2008 BMW M5 - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW's M5 is understated enough to fly under the radar of the general public, but those in the know, familiar with its capabilities and the legacy it carries, grow silent with reverence if you pull up to them at the gas pump. Who can resist a vehicle that can stop conversations mid-sentence, and accelerates strongly enough to extinguish candles on the next block? We certainly couldn't, and thus began our week with the mighty M5.

Gallery: Review: BMW M5

Continue reading Review: 2008 BMW M5

Review: 2008 BMW M5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Dec 2008 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next BMW M5 will nix V10 in favor of twin-turbo V8

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 11:02:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, BMW

BMW may begin straying from its long held tradition of equipping its M models with rev-happy, naturally aspirated engines. According to a source speaking with Automotive News, the twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 currently equipped on the new X6, could be stroked out to 4.8-liters and fitted on future Ms, including the new M5, due out in 2011. The twin-turbo'd 3.0-liter inline six found in the 335i, 535i and entry-level X6 proved that BMW has the chops to create highly efficient and eminently entertaining blown mills, and there's no doubt that significant tweaks to the turbocharged V8 could boost power levels over the stock mill's claimed 407 hp, to take take serious aim at Audi's 572 hp RS6.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Next BMW M5 will nix V10 in favor of twin-turbo V8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Jul 2008 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW M division celebrates 30 years and 300,000 vehicles

Dan Roth — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Europe, BMW

Click above for high-res gallery of BMW's latest M3

It's been 30 years since the first BMW wearing a trademark tri-color marking was introduced in a homologation effort as the M1. Since then 300,000 vehicles have been graced with that coveted "M" telltale, and still countless others have had the logo applied in the hopes the letter would add some magic to a plebian 318 or 528. Fully one percent of BMWs sold in 2007 were M models, and the milestone 300,000th car, an alpine white M3 Coupe, will live with its owner in the town of its birth, the East Bavarian hamlet of Regensburg. The M3 is likely the most legendary M car, with the original E30 version also existing for homologation purposes and morphing into the current V8-powered technical tour de force that can now be had in Coupe, Sedan or Convertible guise - a true triple threat. There appears no end in sight for BMW's M division's masterful application of the art and science of high performance engineering. Now, if BMW would just return our calls, we can permanently add the 300,001st M-model to the Autoblog Garage, though we're certain it's already built and sold. Press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2008 BMW M3

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW M division celebrates 30 years and 300,000 vehicles

BMW M division celebrates 30 years and 300,000 vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jun 2008 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 twin-turbo'd BMW M5 to produce 550 hp

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, BMW

It's no surprise that BMW plans to attempt to bring its uber-saloon up to AMG-levels of power when the new M5 debuts in 2011. That means that output needs to surpass the current model's paltry 501 hp, so BMW will bore out the current V10 to 5.5-liters, slap on a couple of turbos and use direct-injection to bringing power levels up to 550 hp, or more. Grunt will be shoveled to the rear wheels via either a six-speed manual transmission or the new seven-speed M DCT dual-clutch 'box.

But it's not all about pavement-pummeling power. The use of the twin-turbochargers and DI is as much an attempt to reduce emissions as it is to boost output, and BMW is intent on making the next 5-series, due out in 2010, one of its most fuel-efficient vehicles. That means that start-stop technology will be used on the engine, along with its Efficient Dynamics system that uses regenerative braking to reduce load on the alternator, improving both fuel economy and engine output.

[Source: Autocar]

2011 twin-turbo'd BMW M5 to produce 550 hp originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 May 2008 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW builds big @$$ ad in Moscow

Michael Harley — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 07:57:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, BMW

In terms of sheer size, Russia is the largest country in the world. That must have something to do with this gargantuan advertisement found in Russia... According to the caption, the surface area measures more than 1.5 acres (billboard haters should stop complaining right about now, as it appears we have it pretty good over here).

More interesting than the sheer massiveness of the super-colossal ad are the full-sized BMWs, lights ablaze, mounted sideways as if zooming across the surface. Those aren't base model Bimmers, either -- sharp eyed readers will recognize them as the Z4 M Coupe, M3, M5, and M6. Now, that is what we call an advertising budget! Thanks for the tip, Hank!

Gallery: Russian BMW Billboard

[Source: English Russia]

BMW builds big @$$ ad in Moscow originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Apr 2008 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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G-Power Hurricane M5 takes the crown as fastest, road-legal BMW

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 07:35:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Sedan, BMW

Click above for a high-res gallery of the G-Power Hurricane.

No, the G-Power Hurricane isn't one of Fifty-Cent's Smart concoctions; it's the new record holder for the fastest, street-legal BMW on the globe. The modified E60 M5 was clocked doing 225 mph (360 km/h) at Germany's Papenburg speed bowl this past weekend, taking the title from the AC Schnitzer Tension M6.

The M5's V10, which normally produces 507 hp, was tweaked to the tune of 730 hp through the use of the firm's Evo II twin-supercharger setup. The duo of belt-driven compressors huff around seven pounds of boost into each one of the cylinder banks, and partnered with a higher differential, the G-Power crew maintains the Hurricane could have reached 250 mph if rain and light snow hadn't caused traction issues.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Gallery: G-Power BMW M5 Hurricane

G-Power Hurricane M5 takes the crown as fastest, road-legal BMW originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Feb 2008 07:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Corvette ZR1's LS9 inspired by BMW M V10?

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 17:57:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Technology, BMW, Chevrolet, GM

It used to be that American muscle cars were competing against themselves when it came to power. But rumor has it that, in the case of the Chevrolet ZR-1, the domestic horsepower war has a new international benchmark: the BMW M-division V10.

Word is that "German competition is driving the higher horsepower and torque numbers coming to the Corvette." Chevy engineers said that the new LS9 was created to "match up favorably" with the V10 found in the M5 and M6. The supercharged 6.2-liter LS9 has 620HP and 595 lb-ft of torque, with 535 lb-ft available from 2,600 RPM and a 6,200-RPM redline. The high-revving, naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V10 has 507 HP and 385 lb-ft of torque, and goes all the way up to 8,250-RPM.

It's good to see Chevrolet taking its cues from the best, no matter whether its domestic or international. Especially when it's applied to an engine created with a different philosophy (large-displacement, low-revving grunt) to go in a car with a vastly different purpose than the M5 or M6. BMW's S85 V10 has won at least two International Engine of the Year awards for three years straight, and the LS9 still needs to prove itself. In the mean time, the far more powerful LS9 can gloat that it gets better highway gas mileage: 20 MPG versus. the V10's 17. American ingenuity, +1.

[Source: The Car Connection]

Gallery: 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

Gallery: Supercharged LS9 V8

Corvette ZR1's LS9 inspired by BMW M V10? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Jan 2008 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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G-Power Hurricane M5 claims mantle as fastest BMW with 730HP

Noah Joseph — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Sedan, BMW

click above to view more high-res images o fhte G-Power Hurricane M5

Coaxing more power from an engine as finely-tuned as BMW M-division's 500-horsepower V10 is no easy task. But that didn't stop German aftermarket tuner G-Power, which managed to get total power output up to a staggering 730 hp for its Hurricane M5, claiming the hotly-contested mantle of the world's fastest and most powerful street-legal Bimmer.

To extract that kind of juice, G-Power fitted not one, but two superchargers - one for each cylinder bank - with stratospheric spooling redlines of 100,000 rpm. They've also fitted an overhead intercooler, swapped in a bigger oil cooler and tinkered with the M5's notoriously intricate electronics. The result: half a second off the M5's already supercar-like 0-60 time, now down to just 4.2 seconds. With all that extra power and the electronic limiter removed, the aptly-named Hurricane is claimed to hit a top speed of 340 km/h - that's over 211 miles per Autobahn-storming hour.

More after the jump, including all the specs and G-Power's official press release, and be sure to scope out the photos in the gallery below.

[Source: G-Power]

Gallery: G-Power BMW M5 Hurricane

Continue reading G-Power Hurricane M5 claims mantle as fastest BMW with 730HP

G-Power Hurricane M5 claims mantle as fastest BMW with 730HP originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Jan 2008 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dinan strokes the M5/M6's V10 to 5.7-liters, 628 hp

Chris Shunk — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 16:03:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Coupe, Sedan, BMW

The hefty price tag and somewhat limited availability of the BMW M5 and M6 ensures that only a select few get behind the wheel of a 500 HP masterpiece. That kind of power, coupled with the razor-sharp performance of a precision-tuned BMW suspension make for a driving experience rivaled by few automobiles on our planet. No matter how great these M-tuned Bimmers are, however, there are some who strive for more. That's why companies like Dinan are around to transform the sublime into the ridiculous.

If you have a passion for power and an additional $40,000 in your budget, Dinan can transform your "ordinary" M5/M6 into a race-ready athlete with the heart of the champion. For your 40-large, Dinan will take the 5.0L V10 that powers the "standard" M5/M6 and bore and stroke it to 5.7 liters. The end result is a legitimate road beast that cranks out 628 hp and 482 lb-ft. The additional hp under the bonnet of the Dinan M's still revs freely to 8100 RPM, and much of the torque is available as low as 3000 RPM. To keep Dinan's 5.7L flamethrower breathing freely, the engine tuner added high flow Intake/air mass meter assemblies, high flow throttle bodies, free flow mufflers and a racing exhaust. Sure the extra $40k can almost buy you a spare 335i, but if you want to make your M5/M6 even more exclusive, Dinan's solution is as good as any.

Thanks for the tip, slblack.

[Source: Dinan]

Dinan strokes the M5/M6's V10 to 5.7-liters, 628 hp originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Dec 2007 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2007: The camera shy Wiesmann GT MF 5

Damon Lavrinc — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 14:24:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Performance, Supercars

Click the image above for more shots of the Wiesmann GT MF5.

While we never did see the official premier of the Wiesmann GT MF5, we were able to catch a sneak peak of the V10-powered blue beastie during an exclusive party held in the bespoke coupe's honor. Finally, Wiesmann was kind enough to provide some detailed shots of the MF5 along with a press release (after the jump), and it turns out that it's as brutishly awesome as we expected.

Made up of an aluminum monocoque and composite body panels, the GT MF5 has been dropped, widened and lengthened compared to its MF4 sibling. As we already knew, power is provided by a BMW-sourced five-liter V10 producing 507 HP. But with the MF's new diet and a seven-speed sequential gearbox, the trip to sixty will take a click under four seconds and on to a top speed of 193 MPH. Nineteen-inch wheels are fitted at all four corners, with 245/40ZR19 tires up front and 275/30ZR19s out back, while customer-fitted carbon fiber seats find their way into the cabin.

Although we were only able to adore the Wiesmann GT MF5 from afar (and through a pane of glass), it's probably better off that way. At a cost of $250k, we'd gladly sell off a few unnecessary organs and move abroad to take delivery when it goes on sale this spring.

Gallery: Wiesmann GT MF5: Pre-preview

Continue reading Frankfurt 2007: The camera shy Wiesmann GT MF 5

Frankfurt 2007: The camera shy Wiesmann GT MF 5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 15 Sep 2007 14:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankurt 2007: AC Schnitzer has gas, runs with it in GP3.10

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 05:56:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Frankfurt Motor Show, Tuners, Coupe, Hybrid, Green

Click the image above for a host of high-res pics of the AC Schnitzer GP3.10

For over two decades, AC Schnitzer has built its brand on motoring madness with looks to match. Normally, this involves a bevy of modifications to enhance every performance-related aspect of the vehicle, but with the GP3.10, they've made the bold move of trying to balance fuel efficiency with sporting dynamics.

The GP3.10 houses an M5/M6-sourced V10 that runs on liquefied petroleum gas and produces 552 HP and nearly 400 lb.-ft. of torque. 60 comes up in a cool four-and-a-half seconds, and between high-speed runs you can fill up at one of the 2,700 LPG-packing fuel stations sprinkled across Germany. Of course, the Schnitzer folks couldn't leave the GP looking like a standard 3, so they unfortunately took the interior and exterior to an unhealthy extreme.

You can read up on all the details in the press release after the jump, and peruse through the gallery below.

Gallery: AC Schnitzer GP3.10 GAS POWERED

Continue reading Frankurt 2007: AC Schnitzer has gas, runs with it in GP3.10

Frankurt 2007: AC Schnitzer has gas, runs with it in GP3.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Sep 2007 05:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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