THE BMW X5 LE MANS EXPERIMENTAL VEHICLE - A TRULY UNIQUE CAR

An impressive study demonstrates the sheer size of the technical
potential the X5 can offer under extreme conditions: The X5 Le Mans is
propelled by the V12 engine carried over from the Le Mans winning car,
with unparalleled performance at a corresponding level. This means that
the engine of the X5 Le Mans experimental vehicle performs a power unit
developing 700 bhp (514 kW) and has a torque of 720 Nm (531 lb-ft) at
5000 rpm, which accelerates this experimental car from a stand-still to
100 km/h in 4.7 seconds. Top speed is 278 km/h (173 mph). The idea
behind the X5 Le Mans experimental vehicle originates primarily from a
technical ambition: BMW's engineers wanted to explore and demonstrate
the X5's real absolute limits in practice. As a positive side effect,
their efforts produced a compelling showpiece whose powerful looks
reflect its impressive inner values. Racing-car technology The most
striking change to the exterior is the bonnet scoop for the air from the
radiator. Further exterior modifications were made to the front and rear
bumper covers, the wing skirts and sill covers, the exterior mirrors and
wheels. The chassis with 20-inch wheels was lowered by 30 millimetres
(1.18 inches). Depending on the type of duty this car is applied to,
315/35 or 275/40 tyres are mounted on its front wheels, while its rear
wheels are generally fitted with 315/35 tyres. Axle load distribution is
almost ideal, at 51:49% front/rear. Exterior dimensions are basically
the same as on the standard X5. The interior, on the other hand, looks
quite different, with a definite high-tech touch. The more comfortable
standard seats were replaced by four bucket seats with a particular
emphasis on sportiness, and aluminium stands out as a predominating
element throughout. Award-winning power unit: BMW engine sets
racing-sports standards BMW's six-litre V12 engine is the perfect
engine to meet the chal-lenge of sports-car competitions. In 1995 this
engine celebrated its first great triumph as the winner of the 24 Hours
of Le Mans - powering the closed McLaren BMW sports car. BMW's greatest
success with this power unit was the BMW V12 LMR's final win in the
legendary 24-hour race in 1999. For racing use, the engine's output was
derated to approx. 580 bhp (426 kW) by installing air supply limiters.
The X5 Le Mans is a one-of-a-kind vehicle and it is not for sale. There
are no plans to produce it in small batches or on a larger scale.