Awesome New M5 Is Shaping Up - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

HSE2 · 06-14-2002, 00:47

I know this isn't Ford related but some might find it interesting!

BMW is beaming in to steal Audi's thunder! Hot on the heels of the RS6, which we drove in issue 706, BMW is upping the ante with the next-generation M5 � and our spies have caught it testing in the current issue of Auto Express magazine. Powered by an all-new 5.5-litre V10, it will make the current 400bhp model look weedy as it kicks out 550bhp.

The car marks BMW's answer to the 450bhp Audi RS6 and supercharged 476bhp Mercedes E55 AMG. The V10 will also go into the flagship M6 version of the forthcoming 6-Series sports coup�. Taking cues from the 7-Series with a raised bootlid, narrow rear lights and angular front end, the M5 will also come with the i-Drive system fitted as standard. On top of this will be a new seven-speed SMG gearbox with paddle controls, bringing technology pioneered by the BMW Williams Formula One team to the mainstream market.

The car is tipped to debut at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show, alongside the rest of the new 5-Series line-up, and go on sale later that year. But Audi isn't taking the news lying down. The company is developing an RS8, based on the next-generation A8. According to insiders, it will use a twin-turbo version of the VW Group's W12 engine to develop around 600bhp.

XR_Strider_GuY · 06-14-2002, 02:46

Phoooaaaaa 550hp, definitly some serious mumbo under hood there. Wonder what it will look like with cues from the 7series. I was walking past a the latest 7 Series yesterday and must say i'm not too keen on the front or back for that matter with the blinkers going across the headlights. I guess i'll haev to see if it looks any better over time.

Mr Sparkle · 06-14-2002, 04:24

That's a serious pot of herbs!! Now THIS is a power war!!!

Just hope these 7-series "styling cues" aren't too extensive

Venom XR · 06-14-2002, 04:30

Audi vs BMW in Germany is rather similar to Ford vs holden here. :s3

XR6VCT · 06-14-2002, 05:55

Yeah sounds like its going to be a beast of a car that new M5. Its going to fly, thats for sure. The current one has 400bhp and is pretty sharp, this new one is going to have a V10 and 550bhp!! Thats got to be good!

As mentioned above I just hope they don't make it look too 7 series-ish. That would be a great shame to have a car with this much potential look dog ugly. Mind you have a look at the M3, it proves that BMW can still make a car look great.

Ohh and lets not forget the fact that the chasis will be tuned on the full Nurburgring! :s3

PURSUTE · 06-14-2002, 07:02

It took some time, but i must admit that the current 7 series has grown on me. i for one, am hoping for at least a little of the look of the 7 put into the 5/6.

XR6VCT · 06-14-2002, 07:12

Yeah some parts of the new 7 I don't mind that much anymore. However I really dislike that "taxi style" rear end. IMO it just doesn't look right.

Cobra · 06-14-2002, 08:31

Yeah It might be quick but whats the best it will look like shit? I love the E39 M5 (current one) and I love the E46 M3, but the 7 series looks like shit.

I bet it will add some weight too. I only hope Ford's GTHO can still hang with it.

Martin · 06-14-2002, 08:47

I thought the rumours of using a V10 was just that, a rumour? But in reality they are using a revised 5L V8 with ~450Hp???

Cobra · 06-14-2002, 08:48

Quote:

Originally posted by Martin
I thought the rumours of using a V10 was just that, a rumour? But in reality they are using a revised 5L V8 with ~450Hp???

Yep that's what I thought too. But maybe they will use a V10 afterall?