2012 BMW M5 concept revealed

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, which makes its public debut at the Auto Shanghai 2011, represents the latest interpretation of this unmistakable vehicle character.

Uncompromising performance and typical M aesthetics in a BMW 5 Series Sedan provide the basis for the exclusive BMW M5 driving experience. With each model generation, the advancements made in the development of premium sedans in terms of comfort, safety and premium ambience were accompanied by new possibilities to intensify that unsurpassed ‘M feeling’. The world premiere of the BMW Concept M5 at the Auto Shanghai 2011 foreshadows the continuation of this tradition. Based on the design vocabulary developed for the BMW 5 Series Sedan, the near-series concept car reflects the characteristic styling features of a BMW M automobile, with which the car’s further enhanced dynamic potential is captured.

A new high-revving V8 engine with M twin-turbo technology guarantees typical M power output. The eight-cylinder engine delivers a spontaneous and even acceleration, which remains constant up to the highest load and is characteristic of the M feeling, in a previously unequalled dimension. At the same time, both performance and efficiency have been significantly increased in comparison to the previous engine. Numerous drivetrain innovations and other enhancements have lead to a reduction in fuel consumption and emission levels by more than 25 percent. The new engine and a seven-speed M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic and M-specific suspension and steering create the ideal prerequisites for an unrivalled driving experience.

The athletic appearance of the BMW Concept M5 authentically expresses the engine’s superior power. The sporty and elegant look of the BMW M5 Sedan has been specifically modified using typical M design vocabulary. All specific design features are directly related to the Sedan’s outstanding performance characteristics. They were developed exclusively for the BMW Concept M5 and enhance the vehicle’s character, which is marked by high performance and responsive handling even under extreme conditions. Prominent examples of this are the large air intakes, which allow for the engine’s higher cooling requirements, as well as optimized aerodynamics thanks to a discreet spoiler located on the trunklid and a diffuser integrated into the rear apron.

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.

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 265/35 ZR20 at the back.

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.

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.

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.

 

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