ˆ SPY VIDEO: 2011 BMW M5 prototype whines its way 'round the Nordschleife

tags : 2011 bmw m5 , 2011 bmw m5 turbo , 2011 bmw m5 turbo v8 , 2011bmwm5 , 2011bmwm5turbo , 2011bmwm5turbov8 , bmw , bmw m5 , bmwm5 , spy , spy photos , spy shots , spy video , spyphotos , spyshots , spyvideo , video , video footage , videofootage

If you were disappointed by reports that BMW was planning to retire the award-winning, high-revving V10 engine from the current M5 in favor of a twin-turbo V8, well...we can't really blame you. It's one heck of an engine, and we'll all miss it dearly. But all is not lost. The Bavarian automaker is hard at work on the next 5 Series, and with it the next-gen M5. And now spy video footage of the uber-sedan lapping the Nurburgring has surfaced.

With all the swirly camouflage, it's hard to tell much about the car's styling. You can expect it to follow the lead set by the new 5 Series Gran Turismo, though. But the engine – well, just follow the jump, watch the video and tell us if you're not hearing that telltale turbo whine.

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posted : 10/23/2009 @8:04:20 PM

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

tags : 2011 , 2011 bmw m5 , 2011 bmw m5 turbo , 2011 bmw m5 turbo v8 , 2011bmwm5 , 2011bmwm5turbo , 2011bmwm5turbov8 , bmw , breaking , m5 , turbocharged m5 , turbochargedm5 , twin turbocharged m5 , twinturbochargedm5

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.

posted : 7/7/2008 @9:24:50 PM

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

tags : 2010 bmw 5-series , 2010bmw5-series , 2011 , 2011 bmw m5 , 2011bmwm5 , bmw , m5

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.

posted : 5/8/2008 @6:03:23 PM