PressClub South Africa · Article.
The new BMW M5.
Tue Dec 04 14:34:37 CET 2012 Press Release
A change in leadership is nigh in the exclusive segment that brings together ultra-dynamic business saloons with track-oriented drive and chassis technology. The new BMW M5 is poised to build on the tradition of its predecessors and once again redefine the performance experience available in a four-door car. Displaying the conceptual harmony, state-of-the-art technology and astonishingly dynamic handling for which BMW M cars have become renowned, the fifth-generation BMW M5 stirs the passion of keen drivers for top performance and blends it, in inimitable style, with the universal qualities of a top-class premium saloon. The most powerful engine ever fitted in a series-produced model from BMW M GmbH, the innovative Active M Differential – which optimises power transfer to the rear wheels – and model-specific chassis technology developed on the back of extensive racing expertise all secure the BMW M5 a dominant position in the high-performance saloon market.
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BMW Group
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Author.
Edward Makwana
BMW Group
The new BMW M5 is a high-performance sports car whose exceptional dynamic potential is geared squarely to the demands of track use yet which also sets a new benchmark in everyday driving with its supreme touring comfort and innovative equipment features. It also sets the pace in its class in terms of efficiency. The car’s history of success in a segment founded more than 25 years ago by the original BMW M5 is set to continue in thrillingly contemporary style.
Under the bonnet of the new BMW M5 lies a newly developed, high-revving V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo (consisting of Twin Scroll Twin Turbo technology, a cross-bank exhaust manifold, High Precision Injection petrol direct injection and VALVETRONIC fully variable valve control), maximum output of 412 kW at 6,000 – 7,000 rpm and peak torque of 680 Newton metres between 1,500 and 5,750 rpm. The instantaneous power delivery and sustained thrust familiar from M cars are the key to acceleration of 0 – 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds (0 – 200 km/h in 13.0 seconds). Average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle stands at 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres (CO2 emissions: 232 g/km). While output has increased by around 10 per cent and maximum torque is up by more than 30 per cent, the new BMW M5 burns over 30 per cent less fuel than its predecessor.
The significantly improved balance between the performance-focused M experience and the car’s fuel consumption stems from the exceptionally impressive efficiency of the new V8 engine and from far-reaching Efficient Dynamics technology including the Auto Start-Stop function in conjunction with the standard seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission Drivelogic. In order to channel the engine’s imposing power development into inspiring performance characteristics, the new BMW M5 boasts chassis technology – including electronically controlled dampers, M-specific Servotronic steering, a stability control system with M Dynamic Mode and high-performance compound brakes – developed on the back of racing expertise and tuned to the output profile of the powerplant.
This technology combines with model-specific design features – which make a direct contribution to optimising the supply of cooling air and enhancing aerodynamic characteristics – to create the conceptual harmony typical of BMW M cars. The precise interplay of the drive system, chassis and design has been refined in extensive and detailed testing on the Nordschleife circuit at the Nürburgring, to ensure unbeatable longitudinal and lateral acceleration, handling characteristics and braking performance.