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Front Apron: Precise Airflow Optimizes Cooling and Aerodynamics
Dynamic lines and large air intakes on the front end of the BMW Concept M5
are a clear indication of the vehicle's exceptionally sport-oriented
characteristics and its engine's outstanding power. Like on the BMW 5 Series
Sedan, the contour lines on the bonnet of the BMW Concept M5 flow towards the
BMW kidney grille. The upright position of the widely stretched kidney grille
also reflects dynamic forward movement. The dual round Xenon headlights, which
are complemented at the top by an accentuating light, create the road-focused
look that is also characteristic of BMW M automobiles.
The front apron,
which was designed exclusively for the BMW Concept M5, contributes significantly
towards both the car's athletic appearance as well as its dynamic potential. It
features three large air intakes, the dimensions of which are precisely oriented
towards the high cooling requirement of the engine and its ancillary components.
The center opening corresponds to the width of the BMW kidney grille, the side
contour lines move away from each other as they continue downwards. This echoes
the V shape between the grille and the headlights, thus emphasizing the width of
the air intake.
The center air intake protrudes further out than the two
outer intakes and its contours are slightly curved. This three-dimensional
design and the deeply embedded, black grille sporting a honeycomb design
additionally underscore the vehicle's powerful character. With concisely
designed so-called flaps on the lower edges of the outer air intakes, the BMW
Concept M5 boasts a racing-inspired feature for optimizing airflow. These also
emphasize a front apron design that is oriented towards the technical demands.
Large M Light Alloy Wheels
With powerfully modeled wheel
arches and dynamically flowing lines, the BMW Concept M5 also signals
uncompromising sportiness when viewed from the side. The long wheelbase, the set
back passenger cabin and the black side window surrounds distinctively
underscore the sedan's stretched silhouette. This appearance is even more
strongly emphasized through M-specific lowering of the vehicle. The athletically
flared wheel arches are complemented by M-specific light alloy wheels sporting a
double-spoke design. Due to the vehicle's wide track, they are flush with the
car body. The 20-inch forged rims are fitted with tire size 265/35 ZR20 at the
front and 295/30 ZR20 at the back.
The M-typical gill element on the
front side panel has been reinterpreted on the BMW Concept M5. The gill features
a high-quality chrome surround and is horizontally divided by a chrome bar,
which in addition to the side indicator also bears the M logo. The gill element
is the starting point of the swage line, which during its further course across
the door handles stretches back as far as the taillights.
The Rear
End: Athletic Styling, Targeted Airflow
Unparalleled road holding are
effectively symbolized by the BMW Concept M5's rear end design. The emphasis on
vehicle width through dominating horizontal lines also featured on the BMW 5
Series Sedan is combined with an athletically shaped rear apron. The
vehicle-specific rear apron, which forms a smooth transition to the wide wheel
arches, ensures a particularly intensive accentuation of the motive force that
is transferred to the rear wheels.
An integrated diffuser at the lower
edge of the rear apron effectuates targeted airflow at the end of the
undercarriage. As a typical M identifying feature, the BMW Concept M5 is fitted
with a double-flow exhaust system, the double tailpipes of which are located far
apart at each side of the diffuser and surrounded by aerodynamically shaped
trims. Likewise, the discreet rear spoiler located on the boot lid serves to
optimize the car's aerodynamic characteristics. It ensures additional downforce
above all at high speeds, thus contributing towards supreme handling at all
times.
V8 Engine with M TwinPower Turbo
The BMW Concept M5
gives a starting signal for the venture into a new dimension of motor
racing-oriented driving dynamics. The high-performance characteristics reflected
in its design are realized through the M-specific drivetrain and suspension
technology. Under the concept car's hood is a new, high-revving V8 featuring M
TwinPower Turbo Technology. The new engine ensures a new dimension of the linear
power development characteristic of BMW M automobiles. Moreover, it embodies the
principle of technological advancement within the framework of the BMW Group's
Efficient Dynamics strategy. Compared to the fourth generation of the BMW M5's
power unit, the newly developed engine has a significantly increased output
level, whilst at the same time lowering previous fuel consumption and emission
levels by at least 25 percent. With the new eight-cylinder engine, big steps
have been taken in the optimization of drivetrain technology. A clear increase
in power is accompanied by a remarkable increase in efficiency. This
demonstrates the unparalleled effectiveness of this development strategy, which
originates from racing, where in addition to the engine's performance
capabilities and reliability, as few fuel stops as possible result in a decisive
advantage.
The BMW Concept M5's engine power is transferred to the rear
wheels by a seven-speed M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic. This
double-clutch gearbox, which was specifically tuned to the new V8 engine's
performance characteristics, offers extremely fast gear shifting, precise gear
selection and a high degree of effectiveness that further optimizes the
vehicle's efficiency. The combination of the new engine with M Drivelogic is
supplemented by an Auto Start Stop function. When halting at road junctions or
in a tailback, the high-performance engine is temporarily switched off, thus
avoiding unnecessary fuel consumption during idling. To continue the journey it
is sufficient to release the footbrake and the V8 engine restarts immediately.
M Suspension Technology
The suspension technology especially
developed for each model is an equally crucial constituent part of the
well-balanced overall concept of any M automobile. It is constructed using
comprehensive know-how obtained from years of racing and then tuned during
extensive tests carried out on the North Loop of the Nürburgring. The result is
an exclusive M suspension set up as well as exceptionally effective and
weight-optimized brakes, which also remain stable even under the hard use that a
place like the Nürburgring demands.
In addition, the BMW Concept M5
features innovative rear differential technology also developed by BMW M GmbH.
The Active M Differential maximizes traction in cornering by using targeted
variation of locking torque between the right and left drive wheels.
Active control of the multi-plate lock inside the rear differential is highly
accurate and fast. This ensures that wheel spin is prevented even on slippery
road surfaces and in the event of differing friction coefficients between the
right and left wheels, in narrow bends or during sudden lane changes. Optimized
traction thereby facilitates the highest level of vehicle stability and dynamics
during acceleration out of bends even under the most demanding conditions.
BMW M5 History and Future
Nearly 25 years ago, US enthusiasts
were introduced to the concept of the true performance/luxury sedan, the
veritable "wolf in a business suit". A car which offered the driving comfort
experienced in a premium sedan and the handling characteristics of a
high-performance sports car that can only be described by one single
unmistakable model designation - BMW M5. With the first generation of this
model, which arrived on US shores in 1987, BMW M GmbH laid the foundation stone
for a completely new vehicle category. The BMW M5 was the first car of its kind
to offer racing-oriented high performance in a sedan that could be driven
without compromise in everyday traffic. This unique concept developed into a
remarkable success story spanning four model generations. BMW M GmbH prepares to
draw the attention enthusiasts to a four-door sedan yet again.
The BMW
Concept M5 reflects a highly advanced stage in the development of a
high-performance vehicle based on the new BMW 5 Series Sedan. The specific
design features are directly aligned to the technical requirements, the
suspension technology is precisely harmonized with the engine's performance
characteristics. With this precisely defined development strategy, the latest
embodiment of the incomparable M feeling drives steadily towards series reality.
BMW M5 Concept: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications