Report: Next BMW M5 to Get Aluminum Chassis, Carbon Body and F1-Style KERS System
With the launch of the new 2011 5-Series, the debut of the M version of that car is fast approaching. There have been numerous rumors about the new model and the folks at Bimmerfile have attempted to separate fact from fiction to give us an idea at just what to expect.
First, we can all but guarantee that the V10 has been eliminated in favor of a twin-turbo V8 setup similar to that found in the both the X5 M and X6 M. With well over 500-hp and more than 500 ft-lbs of torque, this new engine will deliver usable power at almost any rpm, as compared to the old V10 that needed to be strung out to 8000 rpm.
Along with cutting out weight from the engine, the F10 M5 is likely to get an all aluminum chassis, as well as carbon fiber body panels to help keep it light on its toes. A carbon fiber roof will be optional.
Finally, the M5 is expected to get a state-of-the-art Formula One-derived KERS regenerative braking system. The KERS setup will reportedly store electric energy created under braking and then allow the driver to access that power via an F1-style button. This momentary thrust is expected to be quite noticeable and should help the twin-turbo V8 deliver close to 600-hp for short bursts of time.
[Source: Bimmerfile]
With AutoGuide from its launch, Colum previously acted as Editor-in-Chief of Modified Luxury & Exotics magazine where he became a certifiable car snob driving supercars like the Koenigsegg CCX and racing down the autobahn in anything over 500 hp. He has won numerous automotive journalism awards including the Best Video Journalism Award in 2014 and 2015 from the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). Colum founded Geared Content Studios, VerticalScope's in-house branded content division and works to find ways to integrate brands organically into content.
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Manufacturing automobiles from light weight materials is an excellent procedure to lower CO2 emissions and its use will also combat corrosion of body parts. I have noticed over the last several years that BMW is the innovator of many advanced technical improvements in their automobiles that other car companies are copying. Styling is a good example: BMW came out with an aerodynamic body shape, and now many auto makers have a similar styled model developed within the last couple of years. Some folks even admitt that most cars are starting to look basically the same. The German auto makers, and especially BMW, just seem to have the leading edge technical intuitiveness. BMW never seem to stop impressing me. I used to have a 1980 Mercedes-Benz five cylinder inline diesel, but I lost my interest in that auto maker when they abandoned using the inline six cylinder engine. Once I test drove a new 2007 335i, I was hooked on BMW.