SPY SHOTS: 2011 BMW M5 with Twin-Turbocharged V8

Having already introduced the next generation 5-Series sedan, BMW and in particular, its M division, is now concentrating on the development of the flagship version of the series, the M5 that was caught here testing at the Nordschleife. The hotly anticipated M5 will debut about a year after the standard 5-Series that is due to make its first public appearance at the 2010 Geneva Show next March.

Until recently, it wasn't clear if the new M5 would continue to use the current model's exotic V10 powerplant or if the Bavarian's would go for the new 4.4-liter bi-turbo V8 that debuted in the X5M and X6M. However, BMW officials have now confirmed that the new M5 will indeed be equipped with the turbocharged V8.

In the X5M and X6M, the bi-turbocharged unit produces an output of 555 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 680Nm or 501-lbs/ft of peak torque, available between 1,500 and 5,650 rpm. In comparison, the current M5's naturally aspirated V10 makes 507HP and 520Nm or 383-lbs/ft of peak torque.

Details on the new M5's engine specs remain scarce, though it has been suggested that the direct-injection V8 may be further honed, boosting output closer to the 600HP mark.

The new V8 will not only be more powerful than the V10, but also more compact in size, lighter in weight and more fuel efficient with lower CO2 emissions.

Along with the new powerplant, the 2011 M5 will get a re-engineered version of the BWM M3's seven-speed twin-clutch transmission (DCT), and hopefully for purists, a classic manual gearbox.

As with every other product bearing the M badge, the 5-Series-based model will benefit from suspension, brake and steering system upgrades to further improve handling and driver's feedback.

Even though the prototype model seen in these spy pictures features the standard roof, it is rumored that BMW is working on a carbon fiber top similar to that of the current M3 and M6. Other cosmetic differences will include engorged wheel arches housing larger rims and of course, a full body kit.

If BMW keeps its usual time schedule, we should see the new M5 breaking cover at a major auto show in 2011, with sales starting in Europe towards the end of the same year, and the rest of the world including the U.S., in 2012.

Lumma Design's Wacky Twin-Supercharged BMW M5 CLR 730 RS

All we have to say about Lumma Design's gaudy color schemes inside and out for its new BMW M5 E60-based CLR 730 RS, is that we'll forgive any of you that mistake it for a bowling shoe maker's promotional vehicle... But seriously now, the CLR 730 RS features what the company claims to be the most powerful engine ever to be fitted on a road-legal BMW, courtesy of G-Power. The standard 5.0-liter V10 unit that makes 507HP and 520Nm has been upgraded with a pair of superchargers, a new sport exhaust system and various other modifications.

The result is a total output of 730HP and a peak torque of 700Nm (516 lb-ft) for a zero to 100 km/h (62mph) sprint time of 4.2 seconds. Lumma Design says that after 10 seconds the car reaches 200 km/h (124mph) and after 29.5 seconds, it breaks the 300km/h (187mph) barrier before it reaches its top speed of 367.4 km/h (226.8 mph).

The tuning firm has uprated the M5's brake system that now features 6-piston calipers with 405mm drilled disks up front and 4-piston calipers with 380mm drilled discs at the back. There's also an adjustable sport suspension that allows the car to be lowered by 45mm.

The wide bodykit that includes a new hood, trunk lid with an integrated spoiler, mirror caps, door handles, entrance strips and fenders, all of which are made out of carbon fiber, is said to be designed to improve the car's aerodynamics at high speeds.

The CLR 730 RS rides on a set of 21-inch lightweight forged alloy wheels shod in tires size 255/30 up front and 295/25 at the back.

Inside, Lumma Design upgraded - downgraded (take your pick) the M5's cabin with two-tone leather seats and door panels with quilted patterns and more carbon fiber accents than a NASA parts cupboard. The German company did not disclose pricing on the M5 CLR 730 RS.

BMW M5 Touring E39: One-Off Station Wagon Prototype Also Revealed by BMW [High-Res Gallery]

Though definitely not as unique or attention-grabbing as the 1989 E34 M5 soft-top Convertible that we showed you in an earlier post here on julino billym, the one-off E39 M5 Touring prototype that was also revealed by BMW at a special event in Germany commemorating the 25 years of the M5 and photographed by the folks over at 'Bimmertoday', is certainly worth a second look .

The E39-based M5 Touring, which for various reasons never made it pass the prototype phase, was powered by the same naturally-aspirated 4.9-liter V8 engine with 400 ponnies as its sedan doppelganger.

The only other M5 Touring to be series produced by BMW other than today's V10-powered model (E60 sedan / E61 Touring), was the E34 M5 that was fitted with an inline-six cylinder engine.

Source: Bimmertoday , Via: BMWBlog

BMW M5 Touring E39 Prototype

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BMW M5 E39 Saloon

Uber Cool: BMW M5 E34 Convertible Revealed After 20 Years [High-Res Gallery]

Back in the late 1980's, when the BMW M division's portfolio was far more limited than today's lineup which comprises of models of all sorts and sizes including SUVs, the Bavarians had an idea; what about creating an E34 M5 Convertible? Actually, it was more of an idea as BMW went ahead and developed a complete prototype that was supposed to be introduced at the 1989 Geneva Motor Show.

However, sadly the firm's high-ranking executives pulled the plug on the project the last moment fearing that the essential non 'M' 5-Series drop top models would be positioned too close to the thriving 3-Series Convertible.

BMW had kept the E34 M5 Cabrio prototype model under covers -though pictures had circulated on the net- for 20 years until now as the company showed the car to the press at a special event for the M5's 25th anniversary.

The E34 M5 was produced between 1988 and 1995. Early models featured a 3.6-liter inline-six with 315 HP at 6,900 rpm and 266 lb-ft of torque at 4,750 rpm that was replaced in 1992 with a 3.8-liter engine cranking out 340 HP at 6,900 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque at 4,750 rpm.

Via: BMWBlog , Source: Bimmertoday

BMW E34 M5 Convertible Prototype

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BMW E34 M5