Audi BMW

The new 2012 BMW M5 is rumored not to be one of the best M to date, but also it will incorporate plenty of “green technology”, as part of BMW’s future plans and investment in the EfficientDynamics program. Latest spy photos are showing the M5 prototypes going through the usual winter testing, this time up north in Sweeden.

The new F10 BMW M5 is scheduled to be unveiled in 2011, a bit over a year after the 5 Series models. While the new M5 will incorporate fuel-saving technologies like the KERS system seen in Formula 1, the new super sporty seday strives to maintain its “King of the road” status.

Rumors mention an updated version of the engine found in the BMW X5 M and X6 M will make its way into the F10 M5. The 4.4-liter V8 twin-scroll powerplant will peak at 578-horsepower and 530 lb-ft of torque, 60 horsepower more than the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, but the same as the Audi RS6.

The transmission of choice seems to be the M3’s M-DCT system, but a second transmission option might be offered as well.

To keep the weight down, BMW will make extensive use of carbon-fiber and aluminum parts, starting with a carbon-fiber roof. The car’s construction will be a hybrid of an aluminum spaceframe for the front section and a traditional steel monocoque for the passenger compartment and rear. Up front will be an independent suspension with MacPherson struts, with a multi-link layout for the rear.

While no information have leaked on the expected 0 to 62 mph performance, we expect to see some times slightly above the 4 seconds treshold.

[Source: Car Magazine ]

BMW rumormill continues to churn and the latest rumor is that an M5 model based on the touring bodystyle is in works at the BMW M division. The same as always source, Scott27 returns with these breaking news that could excited the Touring fans all over the world.

Unfortunately, no other details are being released at the moment, but we can expect the M5 Touring to feature similar aggressive design elements as seen in the M5 sedan. The powerplant offering should be identical to the one offered in the sedan model, most likely an updated version of the 4.4-liter V8 twin-scroll engine found in the BMW X5 M and X6 M which will peak at 578-horsepower and 530 lb-ft of torque.

The big question remains whether the North American market will be the target for the new M5 Touring since regular 5 Series Touring sales have been disappointing last year.

Rendering of M5 Sedan front-end

With no other solid information at the moment, we are going to leave this at the rumor level, but we’re working our magic on getting further details.

[Source: Germancarforum ]

Early last year, we started to see more and more BMWs featuring aftermarket matte colors or in some cases, a vinyl coat miming the matte look. A few months later, BMW unveils their latest gimmick: the exclusive Frozen Grey matte color.

In Frankfurt, BMW unveiled the M6 Competition model featuring the aforementioned matte paint. Fast forwarding a few months later, a member of the M5board, Avlnch, uploads some photos of the first BMW M5 featuring the new Frozen Grey paint.

To stay on the same note, yesterday, new photos of the same car are being posted again, along with a lot of mods that have been used on the car.

Let’s have a look.

Frozen Grey Paint Matched Front Reflectors – By IND Distribution

Matte Cleared Side Signals – By IND Distribution

Matte CarbonFiber Front Grills – By IND Distribution

Matte CarbonFiber Side Gills – By IND Distribution

Matte CarbonFiber Lower Mirror Covers – By IND Distribution

Matte Black Powder Coated DINAN Exhaust – Local Shop

Matte CarbonFiber License Plate Frame (COMING SOON) – By IND

The work continues to be in progress and we expect to see more photos in the future outlining some of the changes on this M5. In the mean time, enjoy the Frozen Grey paint in all its glory.

[Source: M5board ]

With a year left before its official unveiling at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, the new BMW M5 rendering games continue and it will most likely keep going for a few more months. This time, the fellows over at InsideLine took a shot at visually designing the F10 BMW M5.

The results are a bit less aggressive than what we have seen before, but overall, the rendering incorporates all the M elements we would see on the M5.

While not necessarily portrayed in these photos, sources close to the brand claim that with the new 5er central grille being much larger, the central intake size has been diminished. The wheel arches are also larger in order to add some mass on the F10’s athletic body. A side air intake is placed underneath the character line which climaxes at the wheel arch. The side skirts are more sculptured allowing for good aerodynamics.

At the rear-end, the typical quad exhausts remain with a sculpted diffuser and central intake. A small bootlid spoiler allows the car to remain understated and restrained.

Engine wise, an updated version of the unit found in the BMW X5 M and X6 M will make its way into the F10 M5. The 4.4-liter V8 twin-scroll powerplant will peak at 578-horsepower and 530 lb-ft of torque, 60 horsepower more than the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, but the same as the Audi RS6.

The car is rumored to feature a modified version of the M3’s M-DCT system, but a second transmission option might be offered as well.

To keep the weight down, BMW will make extensive use of carbon-fiber and aluminum parts, starting with the a carbon-fiber roof. The car’s construction will be a hybrid of an aluminum spaceframe for the front section and a traditional steel monocoque for the passenger compartment and rear. Up front will be an independent suspension with MacPherson struts, with a multi-link layout for the rear.

The 2012 BMW M5 will debut next year in March wit sales commencing shortly after.

[Source: InsideLine ]

BMW fans can be an eccletic, inventive bunch when it comes to their cars. In looking at most BMW enthusiast forums, you can easily find a large number of members who have modified their cars in at least some sort of manner. Whether it be short-shift-kits, the addition of Euro bumpers, or aftermarket wheels – BMW owners love to make their own cars unique and pop with personality. Even BMW modifies their own cars from time to time!

One user on MyE28.com decided to really set apart his late 80’s E28 – by turning it what can only be called a M5 CSL. In reading through the posting about the car, owner and forum member Matts Kinnby constructed his Frankenstein E28 for two purposes: to build something unique and to win races.

To build the one-off CSL, Kinnby took the body of an E28 M535i, stripped out the interior and discarded the engine replacing it with a modified S38B38 – the 3.8L inline-6 from the E28 successor the E34 M5. Additionally, the home grown race car received special lightweight brakes and the obligatory straight 80’s-style 16 inch deep dish, gold BBS rims, a fully revised race suspension and big, fat racing tires – all topped off with an enormous, nearly cartoonish, period-piece rear wing. To complete the look of a true Coupe Sport Light – Kinnby molded from another E28 a custom front and rear widebody kit requiring that the rear doors be sealed shut to accomodate the intakes for the brakes and round out the full replication of the 3.0 CSL body – effectively making this a true coupe. The E28 has even been topped off with the very 70’s M tri-color paint scheme. For those with very sharp eyes will notice the side vents of the current E60 M5 to supplement the longer, thinner vents of the standard E9 CSL.

To top it all off, Kinnby and his crew took the impressive one-off Bavarian racing across Europe in older touring car and BMW Car Club events. While 2009 was a bit of a teething season for Kinnby and his group, they plan to campaign the unreal E28 throughout the 2010 season – with all of the kinks being worked out this custom M5 coupe should be a formidable adversary on the track. For those interested in finding out more about the M5 CSL you can find pictures and information on Matts Kinnby’s website or follow the evolving discussion on MyE28.com.

Have a extra special BMW that you think deserves attention? Let us know!

[Source: MyE28.com via Bulgogi Brothers | Photo Credit: MickeOlsson]

One of the cool features in the BMW M5 and M6 is the F1-inspired “Launch Control”. The current BMW M5 and M6 uses a a 7-speed SMG III semi-automatic transmission. The SMG III includes the “Launch Control” feature, which allows maximum performance standing starts automatically (it limits wheelspin in hard starts to what BMW says is an optimum 18 percent).

However, the US spec vehicles have a reduced RPM to prevent vehicle damage and abuse.

A video posted by RideStory gives us a visual on how the Launch Control feature works, but for those of you that would like to have some printed instructions, please continue reading.

Launch Control is available when Drivelogic is set to the most aggressive manual shifting mode, S6. To use Launch Control, deactivate the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system, hold the SMG shift lever forward, and press the accelerator down all the way.

The engine automatically revs to 1,500 rpm, and the car will not move until the shift lever is released. When the shift lever is released, engine speed rises to 8,000 rpm while the M6 launches with automatically balanced clutch and wheel slip. The result is a standing-start launch just as flawless as what a pro driver could muster with a regular manual transmission.

However, you cannot use Launch Control at every stop light. The system requires several minutes between launches to keep from overheating the clutch.

While this might not be news to the BMW M5 and M6 owners, we figured it could be useful for new and future buyers.

The next generation BMW M5 is due out in 2011 and the not-yet released car is already creating huge buzz among BMW fans. But while the new M5 is rumored to bring out some amazing technology, the current E60 M5 is still here and it’s going stronger than ever.

The BMW M5 needs no introduction anymore and everyone acknowledges that the M5 has been, as Mr. Clarkson says also, “the ultimate sport saloon”….well, sedan as we call it here in the U.S. The E60 M5 is powered by the amazing and soon to be phased out, 5.0-liter V10 S85 naturally aspirated engine which produces 500 horsepower and redlines at 8250 rpm. Torque? An impressive 384 lb-ft (520Nm) at 6100 rpm.

Top speed is limited at 155 mph(250km/h). Official numbers show 0-60 mph(0-100km/h) at around 4.5 seconds, but we’ve heard of people that have done better.

Power is transmitted to the rear wheels through an equally innovative 7-speed sequential manual gear box that uses Formula 1 technology to shift much faster than would be possible with a manual gear box. For the true enthusiasts, a manual transmission is being offered at no-cost.

Another innovative feature in the E60 M5 is the BMW M Drive system that allows the M5 owner electronically to select the level of damping desired (comfort, normal, and sport), with electronic steering assistance tied to damper setting. In addition, the system allows selection of three levels of engine power and throttle response, several shift-program settings on the SMG gearbox, and variable dynamic stability control settings.

Some of these features and even more, will continue to be offered in the F10 M5.

While we’re not ready to retire the current M5 yet, we’re still fans of the several tribute articles we’ve seen lately, including the video above published by Motor Trend.

2010 BMW M5 Photo Gallery

Individual colors are starting to become more and more popular amongst BMW owners. From Ontario Gold Metallic to Laguna Seca and Atlantis Blue, new BMW owners are spending thousands of dollars on some of the most exclusive exterior colors.

At around $5000 a piece, these unique colors are far from being considered inexpensive, but for some of the most loyal and enthusiast BMW fans out there, beauty has no price.

Now add one of these colors to an already amazing car, BMW M5, and you’re getting a gift that many dream of.
Avlnch, a member of M5board, has recently placed an order for an Individual Frozen Grey Metallic BMW M5, the very same color that made its debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show back in September, at that time, on a BMW M6 model.

The Frozen Grey Metallic mate finish is slowly becoming one of the most popular Individual colors. It is based on Space Grey Metallic paint and a special matte clear coat (FF95-0550) makes for the matte finish.

Looking at the photos below, we have to admit we’re a bit jealous to see that combination and we certainly look forward to more unique BMWs.

Thanks for the tip avlnch!
[Source: M5board ]

With a unique combination of High Tech engineering and an innovative, solely for maximum power constructed design, LUMMA Design introduces, in cooperation with G-Power, one of the fastest limousine worldwide. Do you need a true-bred sports car for a spectacular appearance?

By no means! With this unique sports limousine CLR 730 RS LUMMA Design, basic vehicle BMW M5 E60, benches many sport cars. Ten cylinders, bi compressor engine, 730 hp and 700 Nm. Is there any room for improvement? Definitely not! The new LCR 730 RS from LUMMA Design is a commitment to racing. But also concerning style and luxury the CLR 730 RS goes strong.

Aerodynamics is of elementary importance to get a more then 360 km/h maximum speed. The body of the BMW M5 is improved with ultra light but extremely compact carbon components. The LUMMA Bodykit “CLR 730 RS” consist of a hood, a trunk lid with integrated tearing edge, mirror caps, door handles, entrance strips and fenders – all made of carbon.

The LUMMA chassis brings true racing technology on the street. The sport suspension is multiple adjustable on both axles in bound and rebound and lowering the car up to 45 mm.

Extra light and forged wheels were produced for the ultra broad track. On the front axle are LUMMA Racing rims in 10×21” with tires size 255/30-21, on the rear axle 12Jx21 with tires from Michelin size 295/25-21. The wheelwork is three piece crafted, the rim star is forged, and dull black anodized and has stainless steel outer rims.

Because of the combination of lightweight, enormous engine power and innovative aerodynamics the LUMMA CLR 730 RS from Winterlingen achieves acceleration times which were so far only subject to true race cars. The 730 hp V10 bi-compressor engine obstructed from G-power is the most powerful engine that has ever been obstructed into a road-legal BMW. Off the top off one’s head the car catapults itself within 4.2 seconds up to speed 100. After 10 seconds the sport limousine has already doubled the speed. After 29.5 seconds the car achieves 300 km/h. Top speed is at 367,4 km/h. This power explosion is traced back to the core of the G-Power compressor system, the ASA radial compressor. Also used is a LUMMA sport exhaust system with 100 cells racing catalysts and 105 mm end pipes made of stainless steel and engraved LUMMA logo.

Of course LUMMA Design does not count on the original brake system. Also at this the best just isn’t good enough. LUMMA Design obstructed a 6-pistons (rear axle 4-pistons) brake system, which affects on the front- and rear axle on a drilled brake disc dimension 405 mm (380 mm).

The cockpit of the CLR 730 RS unites a pure racing look in a combination of carbon, leather and Ultra suede with the comfort that is nowadays expected from a luxury sport car. The comfort features are: a bicolor complete leather interior in red/white with stitched diamond patterns and white fancy seems. The Ultra suede improvement includes the dashboard, the seat consoles and the coverages. All panels on the dashboard and the center console, the transmission control, the steering wheel, the hand brake lever and the backside of the sport seats are beautified with carbon. Finally everything is completed by suede car mats edged with leather, a trunk mat and sporty aluminum pedals and a footrest.

Ever since the news broke that the next generation BMW M5 will be powered for the first time by a turbocharged engine, many BMW fans, and not only, have posed THE question: why a turbo engine and not the almighty NA powerplant that made us all happy?

After a discussion with Albert Biermann, head of development at M Division, Autocar UK reports that the decision was influenced by BMW’s aggressive plans to cut fuel consumption as part of the EfficientDynamics programme.

“We’ve been forced to switch to an engine offering greater low-end torque than the naturally aspirated engine to ensure it can cope with the longer axle ratio,” Biermann said. “It’s the only real way we can balance achieving the environmental improvements we want while retaining similar levels of performance to today’s car.”

Could this be a concern? Sure, but if all the past rumors come true, BMW’s use of new technology and even a KERS system will put the new M5 ahead of the current model, both in performance and fuel efficiency. Biermann estimates a 20% cut in CO2 emissions.

Since not all the details can be revealed way ahead of its launch time, the mystery around the engine used remains large. Based on our sources’ reports and what other magazines reported, a V8 twin-turbo engine is the powerplant of choice in the new F10 M5. Output? Unknown, but we expect higher than the 555 ponies outputted by the X5 M and X6 M.

Biermann gets into more details regarding the turbocharged vs. naturally aspirated powerplant. While the 500 horsepower from the current V10 comes at 7,750 rpm, the V8’s highest output should come before 6,000 rpm. But then we have the impressive torque coming from a turbocharged engine. Biermann indicates a 30% increase in torque, so that gives the new M5 around 500 lb-ft of torque at very low rpm.

The added power and V8 turbocharged engine requires additional cooling capacity and current test mules, seen in previous spy photos, are focusing on cooling solutions. The process is still at an early stage.

In the past, we reported that two gearboxes were being considered, an updated 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DCT) or a more advanced 8-speed SMG. Although we cannot confirm this at the moment, Autocar reports that the M5 will also get a new gearbox, a beefed-up version of the current M3’s 7-speed DCT. The gearbox was featured last week on the M5 “CSL” at the 25th anniversary event at Nurburgring.

Even though a hybrid model is being considered in the 5 Series line-up, the M5 will not be featuring any sort of hybrid system due to the extra weight would add to the car. Another significant change in the next M5, is the control-arm front suspensions that will replace the MacPherson Struts and at the rear. This will be a multi-link layout.

With a car growing in size, a new large engine, M5’s weight concerns are being addressed by using plenty of carbon fiber design elements. The newly unveiled wind tunnel in Munich will play an important role in the aerodynamics of the new M5. Autocar states that the car will get Active Aerodynamics, which blanks off parts of the grille and cooling intakes during warm-up and under light throttle load.

The F10 M5 will continue to feature different levels of ride comfort, leaving the choice to the driver.

Once again confirming some our previous reports on the new technology available in the next BMW M5, Biermann mentions a new, fully electric power steering that offers similar levels of response and feedback to today’s hydraulic set-up.

The F10 BMW M5 will launch a year after the regular 5 Series models and the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show would be the perfect venue.

[Source: Autocar ]