Forget the 'concept' moniker, this is 99.9% the all-new M5 saloon.
- And which bit comprises the remaining 0.1%?
It's probably the name on the car: the word Concept. What you see here are official pictures of the next-generation M5 from BMW which will make its world premiere in Shanghai later this month.
In years past, BMW has loved to preview new cars by labelling them with the word Concept. And judging by history, the fifth-gen M5 should hit showrooms in less than six months _ practically in the same form as pictured here.
- It's a very imposing high-performance saloon ...
Yeah. Note how the front bumper is elaborated with big, angular air vents. The rear end sees the classic four tailpipe design, although our eyes think they should be a little bigger in size to really give the car a machismo look, together with those massive 20-inch black alloys.
You may argue that the M5 lacks distinction from the regular 5-series, but that's the whole idea of BMW's M cars: understatement.
The same should be applied to the interior. Although BMW hasn't released a picture of the cabin, it should be very 5-series, except for some M appointments like the seats, steering wheel and short gear joystick.
- What's its power like?
BMW has only mentioned twin turbo technology with high-revving ability. But as many people may already know, that equates to the 4.4-litre bi-turbo V8 used in the X5 M and X6 M.
But instead of getting just 555hp like in the M sport-utes, the M5 should be getting power in the region of 580-600hp _ competitive enough against the Audi RS6 and Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG.
Since the new decade is all about going green, BMW is talking about a 25% reduction in CO
inf2 emissions. So aside the downsized motor, there are the efficient seven-speed dual-clutcher and probably auto stop/start tech.
An indication of massive power.
- Looks like the M5 will be an easy and comfy car to drive ...
That's the path of evolution for sports cars these days: they must be easy to drive in the real world, so no more manual gearsticks or jerky automated manuals.
Aston Martin and Lamborghini may still smirch dual-clutchers for their heavier weight, so it remains to be seen whether both of them will want to be the only remaining players left behind in the transmission race.
And while the M5 should offer more refinement and driver comfort, its engine and chassis limits will continue to be higher than ever (judging from the evolution of today's M3).
- Can it beat the Panamera Turbo S?
Ah, you must have meant that Porsche we previewed in last Friday's Trends page.
But the two aren't really actual rivals. Closer competitors to the Turbo S are the BMW 760i and Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG, both using bi-turbo 12-cylinder engines.
Pricing is also indicative: the M5 would cost in the region of 15-17 million baht _ substantially cheaper than the Panamera Turbo S.
Expect the M5 to accelerate from 0-100kph in some 4.5sec _ nearly half a second quicker than before. The Porsche does 3.8sec.
THE BLOODLINE
E28: 1985-1988
Specs: 256hp 3.5-litre inline-six, five-speed manual.
The pioneering M5 came with the brand's classic six-pot engine and had a sub-7sec 0-100kph time to boast. Due to small numbers produced, it is a classic.
E34: 1989-1995
Specs: 320hp 3.6-litre inline-six, five-speed manual.
Second-gen model evolved with an improved motor, which was latter upped to 3.8-litre producing 340hp with six-speed manual. Touring estate joined for the first time.
E39: 1998-2003
Specs: 400hp 4.9-litre V8, six-speed manual.
Eight-cylinder power comes to the M5 for the first time making fans itch for a drive. Touring model was developed, but there wasn't a business case for it.
E60: 2005-2010
Specs: 507hp 5.0-litre V10, seven-speed automated manual.
The power and cylinder race was still on, so as to explain the figures. Gone was the manual shifter which, ironically, the Americans decried. Touring revived but only in LHD.
F10: 2011-
Specs: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8, seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
With power rumoured to exceed 560hp, this should be the fastest M5 but probably the easiest to drive. Downsized motor is claimed to be 25% cleaner than before.
Credit: Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.com)
No comments:
Post a Comment