The plutonium-grade 5-series, the M5, goes on sale next spring. Unlike the current car, the fifth-generation M5 will have a downsized, turbocharged V-8 that is shared with the X5 M and X6 M. But the move from a 5.0-liter V-10 to a 4.4-liter, twin-turbo V-8 results in a power increase from 500 horsepower to more than 555 (some sources place the number closer to 600). Torque will jump from today’s 383 pound-feet to a more shovetastic 500.
The new engine is not only more powerful than the 5.0-liter V-10, it is also more fuel efficient—BMW will add a stop-start system to shut off the engine when the car comes to a halt. As in today’s M5, a button releases the full horsepower count; don’t press it, and the engine goes into a more fuel-efficient mode that reportedly will even deactivate cylinders. Further improving efficiency are electronic flaps in the front fascia that can close to improve aerodynamics when the air isn’t needed for cooling. Also present, for the sake of fuel savings, is electric power steering from the new 5-series.
Gone is the clunky-shifting, single-clutch seven-speed automated manual that, while trackworthy, was less than impressive during commuting. A dual-clutch seven-speed gearbox, similar to the M DCT system in the M3, should smooth shifts considerably. True automotive enthusiasts will want the stellar BMW manual 6 speed in their M5s.
When the M5 arrives next spring, expect to pay nearly $100,000 for one. In track viewing at the Ring, the new M5 appears to cut about 30 seconds a lap off the E60 M5 it replaces. If there was ever a finer luxury/race car than BMWs fabulous M5 I have yet to see it.
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