Sunday, September 18, 2011

IAA 2011: New V8-Powered BMW M5 is More Powerful but Also More Frugal than V10 Predecessor



Many consider the i3 and i8 to be the most impressive models on BMW’s stand because they are showcasing the company’s environmentally-friendly future.

Petrol heads, on the other hand, may find another BMW far more interesting. The all-new M5 may have been surfing the web since June, but the 64th IAA in Frankfurt marks its first public debut.

The subtle exterior modifications, as with all M-badged cars, were expected. What is a surprise is that for the first time, the M5 is powered by a turbocharged engine. You see, downsizing due to stricter emissions regulations is practically inevitable if you don't adopt a hybrid configuration.

Therefore, BMW’s M-division had no choice but to abandon the normally aspirated route ditching the previous model's acclaimed V10 and borrowing the X5M / X6M's 4.4-liter twin turbocharged V8.

The smaller displacement engine with two less cylinders trumps its predecessor in raw power by a wide margin: it delivers 57 more horses, for a total of 560HP, and a maximum torque of 680 Nm (502 lb-ft) from 1,500 rpm.

Power is still transferred to the rear wheels, this time through a seven-speed double-clutch gearbox. The M5 accelerates from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4.4 seconds and with the optional M Driver’s package can reach a top speed of 305 km/h (190 mph) instead of the standard electronically limited 250 km/h (155 mph).

Although power and torque have increased by 10% and 30% respectively compared to the outgoing model, average fuel consumption has dropped significantly by 30% to just 9.9 lt/100 km (23.8mpg US).

 

PHOTO GALLERY

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