I just read that.. not sure if the twin turbo thing is true tho knowing how BMW hates turbos.
The next BMW M5 is already undergoing testing. And, according to an e-mail Wheels24 has received from a US reader, dealers are already taking deposits for the car, which they confirm will definitely be powered by a new V10 engine.
Power output has not yet been revealed, but insiders say the 5.5-litre unit will produce 410 kW, with massive torque to match, to give the sports sedan sub 5-seconds 0-100 km/h acceleration.
It will have a seven-speed SMG gearbox, with paddle controls direct from the BMW-Williams Formula One team, and will have styling based very much on the new 7-Series.
No M5 pictures have yet been shown, but expect it to look similar to these photographs and computer generated pictures of the next 5-Series, dubbed E60, but with larger front air intakes, as with the current model.
We have been told that current 5-Series production in Germany will only run to the first quarter of next year, and will then switch over to the new model.
As part of a refresher leading up to the change, the current 540i will be upgraded to get the same front and rear treatment as the M5.
Twin turbo motor
Other news is that the 5-Series range will feature a new 284 kW twin-turbo 3-litre inline six-cylinder engine in the lineup, with performance almost on a par with the current M5 - 0-100 km/h in the 5.5 seconds bracket, with top speed limited to 250 km/h.
Great news is that pricing for the 530 turbo will be a lot less than that of the current M5
Other engines will include a 2-litre inline four in addition to the current 2.2, 2.5 and 3-litre sixes, plus the 3.6 and 4.4-litre V8s. The transmission systems on offer will include a six-speed manual and a six-speed Steptronic semi-auto gearbox.
Already equipped with Valvetronic, the latter will be upgraded to include the new direct-injection system unveiled by BMW on the 760i at last year's Frankfurt motor show.
The new 5-Series will be roughly the same size as the current car, save for a slight increase in wheelbase - and overall length - to give more rear seat space, a sore need.
Weight saving has also received lavish attention, with the front section based around a lightweight aluminium space frame, a new approach borrowed from the limited volume Z8 and upcoming Rolls Royce - both of which boast full space frame construction.
Lightweight steel is also used, together with a high percentage of aluminum in the suspension, which features MacPherson struts up front, with a multi-link rear. Total savings in mass are expected to be in the region of 80 kg, despite new technological features.
Auto damping
These include automatic damping control and dynamic drive as found on the latest 7-Series, as well as a sophisticated new steering system, Active Front Steering - developed by ZF- which automatically corrects the angle of the front wheels in heavy side winds and heavy braking.
Following heavy criticism of the much vaunted iDrive system unveiled on the 7-Series, BMW has overhauled it for use in the new 5-Series, with an improved menu that makes features such as stability and traction control accessible through a simple press of a button rather than a long scroll through the iDrive's system.
Other features from the 7-Series include the electronic handbrake, and air conditioning that takes into account the intensity of the sun.
The really good news is that despite the innovations, power increases and high development costs, prices are expected to stay roughly similar to those of the current model
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