Showing posts with label BMW. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BMW. Show all posts

BMW Concept Coupe Zagato

BMW Concept Coupe Zagato Concorso d'Eleganza in 2012 Villa d'Este will once again host the world premiere of a spectacular and, thus, building a tradition as a meeting of leading industrial coachbuilders. The premiere will see the time-honored Milan coachbuilder Zagato in collaboration with BMW to unveil the results of a unique collaboration: Zagato Coupé BMW. Zagato has worked in close collaboration to create an exciting and emotionally charged coupé in the finest tradition of automotive workmanship. The BMW Zagato Coupé embodies the unbridled fascination of cars and fuses the design DNA of the two companies into a fresh and desinctive whole. This one-off model is the product of many hours of skilled hand-craftsmanship and breathes new life into the tradition of coachbuilding. It is hard to think of a better occasion for the premiere than the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, one of the most exclusive events in the world of classic cars and motorcycles.
BMW Coupe Zagato
  The vehicles shown on the banks of Lake Como are hand-picked, the number of entrants limited and the surroundings simply without comparison. The Concorso began as a get-together of coachbuilders presenting one-off hand-built creations, and the BMW Zagato Coupé follows very much in that tradition. Made for the road. The two partners settled on a realistic and applied approach to the development of the BMW Zagato Coupé. "Zagato has always provided its customers with ready-to-drive cars which can be sent into action on the road or race track without further ado - and the BMW Zagato Coupé fits the same template," says Dr Andrea Zagato, who represents the third generation of his family to sit at the helm of the company. To this end, the car is registered for road use and meets all the legal requirements worldwide. "It is relatively easy to build a design study which is not intended for use on the road. 

Not having to meet any stipulations governing crash safety or pedestrian protection opens up a host of new avenues in terms of design," he adds. "The challenge lies in injecting the emotional appeal of a concept car into a road-legal machine. And we think we have succeeded in doing just that with the BMW Zagato Coupé." Indeed, the new creation has already cut a "bella figura" at high speeds during testing on the BMW test track. Zagato chief designer Norihiko Harada and van Hooydonk have been friends for many years, so when Andrea Zagato proposed a collaboration, it wasn't long before the decision was made to build a car at Zagato that embodies the two companies' passion for cars.Both partners can look back on a rich heritage, sharing as they do a passion for cars that stretches back over 80 years. Added to which, Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice-President BMW Group Design, and Andrea Zagato are long-time appreciators of each other's work; indeed, Zagato took home the prestigious Concorso d'Eleganza Design Award in both 2010 and 2011.
BMW Coupe Zagato
However, this collaboration is about more than mutual respect. BMW and the Italian design. After sawing in 1939 the creation of the first BMWs sporting tailor made Italian metalwork, a coupé based on the BMW 328 for the upcoming race season and specifically for the Mille Miglia (where it triumphed in 1940), BMW was back to Milan in 1954 to buy from Renzo Rivolta, founder of ISO, drawings, license and tooling necessary for the production of the legendary Isetta. Almost sixty years later BMW had the opportunity to re-establish a connection with the Rivolta family. As a matter of fact Marella Rivolta, wife of Andrea Zagato, is Zagato Art Director and responsible of BMW Coupé Zagato trim and colours. The hands of Italian designers were also responsible for the eye-catching looks of the BMW 3200 Michelotti Vignale (1959), BMW 700 (1959), BMW 3200 CS Bertone (1962) and BMW M1 (1978) - all of which retain the status of design icons to this day. The BMW Zagato Coupé heralds a new chapter in the tradition of cooperation between BMW and Italian designers.
BMW Coupe Zagato
Much has changed since those earlier collaborations, however, with the advent of new working methods such as digital sketching, Photoshop and CAD/CAS tools opening the door to an entirely new way of working. Despite these advances in the design tools available, the human touch is still essential to the process. "Working with Zagato was a fantastic experience. It was extremely enriching for us to create something with people who share our understanding of good design and passion for cars," explains Karim Habib, Head of Design BMW Automobiles. "And that is what makes the car so special - the open and constructive dialogue with Zagato, their experience, craftsmanship and incomparable sense for forms. All of these gifts are wrapped up in the BMW Zagato Coupé."

The body of the BMW Zagato Coupé has been built entirely by hand. As in the past, the new skin was tailored to fit the car's mechanical architecture, tracing its lines yet giving it space to breathe. The Zagato experts spent many hours crafting the aluminium sheet metal by hand and meticulously moulding it to give the car its unique form. BMW Zagato  Source : netcarshow.com

BMW 7-Series Individual Pure Black

BMW has simply unharness of the uber-exclusive BMW 7-Series Individual Pure Black
BMW created where restricted new vehicle, there are solely fifty units and can solely be sold in Russia and is predicated on the 750Li xDrive limo that carries four.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with 407 horsepower underneath the hood.
http://bestautoprices.info/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/bmw-7-series-m-sport-2-450-4e250f5d098b7.jpg
More than simply powertrain, a 7-individual Sieres exclusive Pure Black distinguishes itself with a finishing paint Sapphire Black, bi-xenon headlamps, a brand new set of nineteen "alloy wheels, and exterior package BMW 'Black Chrome to the door, round the grill, door handles, mirror casings, and exhaust pipes. match figures of the automotive and can have a prospective consumer, BMW limo dress with piano black trim components and Alcantara roof lining.

They conjointly place in an electrical adjustable seats with memory and massage operate for the motive force, four-zone automatic climate management, Bluetooth, HiFi System skilled, and web access via BMW ConnectedDrive system.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-G2Mpfhw_aEJbvRh_vZA87Lr7UM09Cv0-_HK1zuOMjznHy0zM0lmm2fr4hD4XsAiGUCghGta9DCqEvvTkY75xgzmFVxfRYQJ0tBpHtMW1DaL3gETUTOhXPBZjxMH4PqSlMkpDuS6Q8Ge/s1600/2009-bmw-7-series-individual-2.jpg
Obviously, the automotive has luxed to an excellent degree. and thus, don't expect atiny low worth for the vehicle as a result of it prices € 123,301 a unit, that is concerning $ 162,000 primarily based on current exchange rates.


Forza Motorsport BMW M5

While the rest of the country is feeling the effects of what may be another recession is imminent, game developers apparently have no problem giving away cars.
In what appears to be a response to the generosity of Electronic Arts, Microsoft, the creator of the video game Forza Motorsport franchise is willing to hand over the keys to a 2012 BMW M5 truly a lucky player.

http://newcarspecs.info/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/2012-BMW-M5-Front-View.jpg

From the new M5 can be seen in all his mug on the cover of Forza 4, which only seemed fitting that Microsoft would be choosing the car as a prize. In fact, Microsoft went so far as to associate themselves with BMW to create a virtual competition game called 'BMW M5 Forza Cup. "The goal is very simple, too. All you need do is post the best lap time virtual of the M5.
forza motorsport giving away a 2012 bmw m5 picture

http://cbkgamers.us/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/hd-cars-wallpapers-2012-bmw-m5-01.jpg
In a statement released recently, Microsoft came out with the details of how players can participate in the contest. "This competition allows players who have registered as members of the community of Xbox Live online or in www.bmw.de/forza4 to press for the fastest time in the new BMW M5. Visitors to selected branches BMW BMW Welt in Munich and the BMW showroom in Berlin, also have the opportunity to participate in the contest. The 16 finalists will face off in the final of the Copa Forza BMW M5 BMWWelt on November 26, 2011 . "
Source : Topspeed.com

BMW M3 Convertible

BMW is sending its popular sports coupe in its fifth generation in just a few years and that has been dismissed with the usual array of variations, and a model inspired by the GT hatchback 5-Series.
http://cdn8.caradvice.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/bmw_m3_sedan_001.jpg
The model M3 Convertible will feature more than any current BMW retractable hardtop that folds neatly in 22 seconds. The new design, however, combine elements of the recently launched Z4, 5 Series and 7 Series. It will be a little bigger in size but with lower front and back projections and body with a mixture of steel and ultra-lightweight plastic reinforced with carbon fiber.
http://voiture.de.reve.free.fr/BMW/BMW%20M3%20-%202002%20-%2003.jpg
http://www.motorward.com/wp-content/images/2011/07/BMW-M3_Convertible.jpg
As far as engines are concerned, the 2014 BMW M3 has seen more than its fair share of rumors.
The more interesting speculation is that the future M3 will be powered by a new 3.3-liter six-cylinder, equipped with three turbos - one powered by electricity, rather than exhaust. Its production will be around 450 bhp (compared to the current output of 420 HP). That rumor was recently murdered and replaced with a new twin-turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine that is currently under development. One source describes the new engine "as very distinct from the company's existing dual turbo 'N54' and twin-scroll turbo 'N55' 3.0-liter engines." Apparently, the new engine will come with a management system, induction system, cylinder heads, pistons and connecting rods.

2013 BMW X3 M

Now that BMW is offering an M version, both the X5 and X6 SUV, the same treatment, no doubt apply to the smaller X3. There have been a strange look X3 test mule, but it is clear WildSpeed ​​things with their version of the model X3M future.
http://www.thedetroitbureau.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/BMW-X3-M-Sport.jpg
The new X3 M will join the X5 M and X6 M in terms of increasing power, but not with the same V8 twin-turbo 4.4-liter in their older siblings. Instead, BMW has chosen to use a modified version of the new six-cylinder engine used in the standard M3. This engine will get a boost of up to 450 HP, from the standard HP 306. It is possible that the engine uses three turbochargers - one electric and two gasoline - to get the power stroke and is coupled to the usual 6-speed automatic transmission sport M.
http://pitikbaratha.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/520.jpg
As with all other models of BMW M, the new X3 M is distinguished by the larger wheel arches, a muscular front and rear, and a sportier driving. The interior leather sports seats have high-performance, and a flyer M.
Source : Topspeed.com
Autoneus.com

2012 BMW 1-Series M Coupe by AC Schnitzer

With all adjustment programs to be added to the BMW 1 Series Coupé M, I found a bit strange that AC Schnitzer - one of the best BMW tuners in the world - had not yet come out with everything for the baby turns M. They were just waiting for the Frankfurt Motor Show 2011 to submit their first project for the 1-Series Coupe M.
http://www.carshowp.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/2012-bmw-1-series-m-coupe-front-side-view.jpg
Well, Frankfurt has arrived and we finally have an idea of ​​the market work done in the AC Schnitzer Series Coupe 1-M. Your new package has a mix of almost everything that can be searched in an adjustment program. Additions aerodynamic improvements offer plenty of stylish, while changes in management performance and ratchet drive system to the car is impressive and suspension tuning.
There is much to like about AC Schnitzer first to take on the 1-Series Coupe M. Kind of makes us think long and hard about whether going to be worth our hard earned money.
http://www.roadandtrack.com/var/ezflow_site/storage_RT_NEW/storage/images/highlights/luxury-cars/luxury-cars/revealed!-2012-bmw-1-series-m-coupe/2147076-5-eng-US/revealed!-2012-bmw-1-series-m-coupe.jpghttp://www.carshowp.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/2012-bmw-1-series-m-coupe-interior-view.jpg

BMW i8 Cars Concept

It’s been nearly two years since BMW’s Vision EfficientDynamics concept debuted at the 2009 Frankfurt show, and the car has now officially re-emerged one step closer to production as the BMW i8 concept. As you can see, little has changed in the styling department.

In fact, other than a new wheel design, the only other notable change we’ve spotted concerns the doors, which seem to have claimed some territory along their bottoms and thereby reduced the size of the blue body-side accent. Interestingly, the car didn’t show that change when BMW paraded it around for spy photographers this past March, but we like it.
Passenger Compartment + Powertrain = LifeDrive
As with the i3 city car concept that debuted at the same time (you can read about it in full here), the story of the i8 begins with its LifeDrive architecture. BMW says that its experiences in creating the Mini E and 1-series-based BMW ActiveE showed that adapting cars engineered for internal-combustion power to electric propulsion results in a lot of excess weight and compromises in packaging. As a result, both the i8 and i3 are built using two purpose-built modules: one to house passengers, dubbed “Life,” and one for propulsion and suspension components, called “Drive.” Combine them, and you have a car—and marketing-friendly “LifeDrive” branding.
While the i3 and i8 share the LifeDrive architectural philosophy, the cars differ in execution. That’s because the i3 is fully electric, while this i8 is a plug-in hybrid, so its Drive component is actually split in two, with an electric motor at the front axle and a gas engine at the rear. Unlike the i3, which situates its batteries below the passenger compartment, the i8’s lithium-ion cells are actually part of the Life module, stacked through a central tunnel that might house a transmission and driveshaft in a conventional car. Arranging them this way allowed BMW’s engineers to achieve yet another claim of perfect 50/50 weight distribution, thereby preserving peace in the city of Munich. As in the i3, the i8’s Drive components are largely crafted of aluminum, while the life module uses a carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic monocoque. Using so much lightweight material essentially cancels out the added weight of the heavy electric drive components, thereby allowing the car to weigh less than 3300 pounds, according to BMW. The rigidity imparted by the carbon fiber also allows for long, dramatic doors that ease access to the two small rear seats, and is a boon to crashworthiness, too.














While most other so-called “through-the-road” hybrids (meaning the propulsion systems each drive their own axle) are based on existing front-drive vehicles—meaning they add electric power to the rear wheels—BMW had the luxury of starting from scratch. Because most braking energy gathers at the front of the vehicle, the i8 has its electric motor up front for the sake of recapturing energy. The motor is shared with the i3, and its peak output is 170 hp and 184 lb-ft or torque. It’s fed juice, of course, by those lithium-ions, which take about two hours to charge and return 20 miles of all-electric driving.
Three’s Company: 220-Horse Three-Cylinder
The original Vision EfficientDynamics concept used a three-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, but the i8 makes use of BMW’s new gas-fired 1.5-liter turbo three-cylinder, which we first reported on in April. It makes 220 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, helping the i8 to its governed top speed of 155 mph. The run to 60 mph will come in under five seconds, says BMW, who also claims the i8 will return 78 mpg on the European cycle. But that test is notoriously optimistic, and the company says normal driving will realistically result in economy of just half that figure. The engine and electric motor can power the car on their own or in tandem for better traction, with the stability-control system’s whims playing a large part in deciding when to team them up. Each axle also contributes regenerative electricity; the front houses the regenerative braking system, while the engine at the rear has a high-voltage alternator that can recapture energy. No mention was made regarding what type of transmission is installed in the i8.
A button-activated “Eco Pro” mode dulls throttle response, caps speed between 56 and 74 mph, and reduces the load of the climate-control system. (Because the climate-control system also is responsible for keeping the batteries at an operating temperature of 68 degrees, it always runs to some extent, however.) The i8 also features an intelligent navigation system that can decide the most energy-efficient route to a destination.














What i Looks Like
While not much has changed about the i8’s styling, a few themes have emerged now that it has a sibling in the i3. The laying of white panels over a black and clear sub-layer is meant to reference the car’s Life and Drive components. Besides just looking flat-out futuristic, BMW i models will be marked by a BMW roundel with a blue ring around the outside, blue accents on the grilles and side sills, and the “stream flow” C-pillar treatment.
Inside, the i8 concept foregoes traditional gauges in exchange for a more future-tech 8.8-inch display screen for reporting road and engine speed, as well as battery and fuel levels. In Eco Pro mode, the digital gauges glow blue; in Sport mode—details of which were in short supply—they glow orange. A second screen tops the dash above the center stack to display navigation and infotainment functions, and the rest of the interior is clean and simple.

Yes, the i8 is technically a concept, although in typical BMW fashion, it’s pretty well fleshed out and likely very close to what you’ll see when the production car launches in 2014. While the diminutive i3 is certainly intended to capture the attention of the general public, the i8 appears to be an effort to keep enthusiasts under the BMW umbrella as sustainability and efficiency become increasingly important. While it remains to be seen if the i8 will be satisfying to pilot, we applaud the idea, since there’s not much that we want to see more than a long future for driver’s cars.Source : Caranddriver.com

2013 BMW 6-series Gran Coupé Spy Photos - Future Cars

BMW readies a car for people who think its 5-series is too commonplace but don’t like the 7.

2013 BMW 6-series Gran Coupé Spy Photos
If you liked the BMW Concept Gran Coupé at the Beijing auto show last April, prepare your checkbook: The Bavarians are readying it for a production launch next year. Our spy photographers caught what will be called the 6-series Gran Coupé looking remarkably showroom ready, with only a few camo stickers plastered over the side and rear.
Actually, BMW had plans to launch a large, elegant four-door a few years ago. Previewed by the Concept CS from 2007, the “four-door coupe”—a marketing phrase that makes as much sense as ”fixed-roof convertible”—was going to be longer, wider, and lower than a 7-series, and propelled by super-powerful V-8 and V-12 engines. But the project was killed when the economy turned turtle, and the man in charge, BMW M development guru Gerhard Richter, retired.
BMW Concept Gran Coupé
But the idea of a graceful, low four-door lived on at BMW. In Beijing last year, the company showed the Concept Gran Coupé, a sedan with the basic shape of the 6-series coupe. Aside from the number of doors and stretched roofline, it varied from the coupe only in minor details: larger air intakes, smaller side mirrors, a metal accent strip on the front fender, and rectangular exhaust pipes. Close inspection of the prototype seen in these shots shows that all of these details are gone. The front fascia is interchangeable with that of the 6-series coupe and convertible, and this car has a regular 6-series exhaust system.
Heavy Metal
A large panoramic sunroof is new, and hopefully doesn't add too much weight to the top of this already heavy car. The lightweight future that BMW loves to talk about will have to wait: Even though the company uses aluminum and composite materials for some exterior panels, we expect the Gran Coupé to tip the scales at around two tons. The previous 6-series was more consistent in its use of lightweight materials, with a complex front structure made entirely from aluminum.
Under the skin, the Gran Coupé shares virtually everything with the 6-series coupe and convertible— and, of course, the 5-series, which serves as the technological basis for the 6. Thanks to those roots, the Gran Coupé could theoretically be equipped with a large number of engines, including numerous inline-sixes and the super-powerful twin-turbo V-8 from the recently announced M5. But we suspect the lineup will be limited to remain in character with this model's elegant and discreet personality. Likely choices are the 300-hp, 3.0-liter, single-turbo inline-six; the 400-hp, 4.4-liter, twin-turbo V-8; and—in Europe—a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel six. Eight-speed automatics will be standard. The U.S. might get a six-speed manual, although we expect that option will remain confined to the two-door 6-series and the M5. All-wheel drive is technically possible, but unlikely.
Recently, BMW has ventured into perhaps a few too many niches—the so-called 5-series “Gran Turismo” comes to mind. But the Gran Coupé is a beautiful entry in a burgeoning segment that offers style and sophistication without the ostentation of a full-fledged luxury flagship like the 7-series. Direct competitors will include the Audi A7, Jaguar XF, and Mercedes-Benz CLS, while fully loaded Gran Coupés will encroach upon the territory of the Maserati Quattroporte and Porsche Panamera. Even in these spy photos, we can see that BMW's offering in this chic class will come with very few aesthetic compromises.
Source : Caranddriver.com

BMW M3 CRT Lightweight Sedan

BMW builds a lightweight M3 GTS with four doors—and all of its color on the inside.


We first told you about BMW’s upcoming lightweight M3 sedan when it debuted as a concept car in April, following that up with a series of spy photos in May. Well, June is nearing its end, and we’d feel just horrible if we missed a monthly installment, so today we’re on to the thrilling conclusion in this three-part series. (At least until the surprise follow-up, when we drive the thing.)
http://www.carsendse.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/2012-BMW-M3-CRT-Front-Angle-2.jpg
In the lead-up to the Nürburgring 24 Hours race, BMW used its “M Night” celebration to debut the production version of this supersedan, officially called the BMW M3 CRT Lightweight Sedan, CRT standing for Carbon Racing Technologies. Unless you think every sports car needs a roll cage, which appeared on the M3 GTS coupe, the CRT won’t disappoint. (BMW has released video of the car; you can watch it here.)

 








Our earlier reports speculated that the sedan would make use of a standard M3’s 4.0-liter V-8, making a healthy 414 horsepower, but that won’t be the case. The CRT instead shares the GTS’s 4.4-liter, delivering 450 hp at a screaming 8300 rpm and 324 lb-ft of torque peaking at 3750 revs. Its crankcase is constructed out of an aluminum-silicon alloy, it has individual throttle butterflies, and its exhaust gasses exit through a sport exhaust system with a lightweight titanium muffler.
Carbon Fiber, Now With More Rigidity
This car isn’t called the M3 CRT Big Horsepower though, so let’s get to the things that make it lighter than a standard M3 sedan. Benefitting from new manufacturing processes developed for the carbon-intensive BMW i3 and i8 models coming in 2013, the M3 CRT has a hood that consists of two carbon-fiber sheets encasing an aramid composite honeycomb for added rigidity. As a result, it has the strength of a traditional steel hood with just a quarter of the weight. Compared to a normal M3’s aluminum piece, the weight is halved. Inside the cabin, the front bucket seats use the same process and therefore benefit from the same weight savings. The result is a car that weighs just 3483 pounds despite standard equipment that includes a dual-clutch transmission, navigation, a high-end BMW Individual audio system, and parking sensors. BMW says that, while the official weight savings is 100 pounds, if all this equipment is considered, the real savings is over 150 pounds. And considered alongside the car’s added horsepower, the cuts are good for a ratio of 7.7 pounds for each pony to carry, an improvement of roughly one full pound over the regular M3 sedan.

 








The M3 GTS carry-overs continue behind each of the car’s 19-inch lightweight wheels (wearing 245/35 rubber up front and 265/35 at the rear), with a set of more-rigid subframes and individually-adjustable dampers. The six-piston front brakes, also from the GTS, use calipers made of a special low-weight compound construction and, in the name of consistent pedal feel, stainless steel brake lines have been fitted.
Freeze Frame
Up until now, we’ve seen the car running around the Nürburgring in dark blue paint, but for its official debut, it now wears frozen (BMW’s word for matte) silver metallic paint with brick-red accents on the grille kidneys, spoilers, and side vents. Inside, the red theme continues, thankfully toned down by numerous swatches of black leather and aluminum trim, both in a carbon-fiber-weave pattern. Each car gets a numbered plaque and the most heavily bolstered rear seats we’ve seen since the old Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16V. It almost looks as if the outboard seats were scooped out and red leather was glued in the holes.

You’ve probably been reading all of this knowing that there has to be some disappointing news somewhere. Here it is: The M3 CRT is limited to just 67 units, and not a single one will make it to the United States. According to BMW USA, items like those revolutionary front seats, which lack airbags, wouldn’t fly here. Because of the extremely low production volume, it’s simply easier to leave our market out of the mix than to give it special treatment. We’d try to be more upset, but let’s be honest: We all saw it coming.
Source : Caranddriver.com

Cars BMW M5 Photos and Info


CARS REVIEWS - Meet the most powerful M5 ever




2012 BMW M5


Things are about to get a lot more normal under the hood of the BMW M5. The outgoing car packed an utterly insane 5.0-liter V-10, which made 500 hp—at a screaming 7750 rpm. Prior to that, the E39 M5, which was sold in the late 1990s and early 2000s, roared along with a 394-hp, 4.9-liter V-8. In terms of bringing ecstasy to drivers, that car didn’t so much compete with AMG-tuned Benzes as it did with freebasing. And now, BMW has given us the full scoop on the all-new, fifth-generation M5. Read on to find out just what the men from Munich have done to the 5er.
The First M5 to Come With a Turbocharger
The present and future of the automotive industry—even in the salacious world of high-performance über-sedans—sees big, naturally aspirated engines replaced by smaller mills, force-fed air through turbo- or supercharging. BMW’s M5 is no exception, banishing the wild V-10 from last generation to the history books, and installing a direct-injected, twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8. BMW North America will advertise the powerplant at 560 hp. That would be four more than the Cadillac CTS-V’s supercharged V-8. The company promises 502 lb-ft of torque starting at a mere 1500 rpm, as well. These numbers may sound familiar if you’re a fan of the Bavarian propeller brand: the engine is already in service, making slightly less horsepower, in the X5 M and X6M.
Where the powertrain differs from that of the monster SUVs, however, is in delivering the goods to the pavement. The M-fettled X5 and X6 use a six-speed automatic and feature all-wheel drive, M’s latest 5-series will instead feature a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox—a close relative of the transmission doing duty in the M3 and 335is—and while it hasn’t been announced yet, we expect a six-speed manual to be on offer to us Yankees. Regardless of the transmission, power is dispatched to the rear wheels only.
BMW projects that the M5 will be capable of a 0-to-62-mph run in 4.4 seconds, and a top speed of 190 mph for cars fitted with the M Driver’s package. (BMW hasn’t yet indicated whether this option will be available in the U.S.) Considering that we’ve seen times in the low-four-second range for the last-gen M5, we won’t be surprised if BMW’s acceleration estimate turns out to be conservative.







On to the Rest of the Car
The magic of the M brand may start with the engines, but we have high hopes for the rest of the M5 as well. The new sedan will feature BMW’s Active M differential—it’s essentially an electronic limited-slip—as well as the full M Drive feature set, allowing drivers to tap a button to make their M5 go from caged monster to outright fire-breather. Throttle response, damping, steering responsiveness, and the dual clutch’s shift program can all be altered with the flick of a switch, too.
Fortunately, BMW has installed hydraulic power steering for the new M5, not the electric power-steering system that's in use on most other 5-series models. We’ve been less than enthused with that system, so hope the retention of older-but-better hydraulic steering results in some actual steering feel in the M.
A New Suit—But Not Too New
Despite the often-raucous performance of cars festooned with the legendary M badge, most of the BMW M cars are tastefully upgraded with body kits and wheels. The effect isn’t as subtle as Audi’s S and RS treatments, but falls short of the baroque fittings on recent Mercedes-Benz AMG offerings. The new M5 should carry on this tradition, flaring its wheel arches, and adding the sub-brand’s characteristic chrome fender vents, a new lower rear fascia with a diffuser, quad exhaust outlets, and an integrated “Gurney-style” rear spoiler. The M5 will ride on standard 19-inch rims, with 20s available as an upgrade.

The interior of the M5 will be slathered with the high-end leather that you expect and your caboose demands. Sport seats bend and contour in every imaginable direction, there’s “aluminum trace” interior trim, and the car packs every gadget the Bavarian company offers: a head-up display, active and adaptive headlights, lane-departure warning, and enough cameras to satisfy the Department of Homeland Security.
BMW is planning to reveal the M5 to a live audience at the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring, and we’ll bring you any updates on the car’s specific tailoring for the U.S. market as soon as they’re available.
Source : Caranddriver.com