Last week, we showed you how the next-generation BMW M5 was getting along with a new front bumper that it had received. Now, the same test prototype has taken to the Nurburgring to see if some extra excitement can be dialed into the V8 performance formula.
The sound of the V8 engine can clearly be heard over the drone of the test track. This led car spotter cvdzijden (real name, we didn't type random letters) to suggest that the new M5 would use a revised version of the old twin-turbo 4.4-liter engine. The fact that no wheel force measuring devices have ever been used does indeed suggest the M division is continuing with the N63 architecture, despite BMW now using a 0.5-liter family of cylinders.
But hey, Ferraris don't suddenly switch their cubic displacement because Fiat has developed a new engine for the Panda, right? In any case, this is not the era of downsizing anymore, as BMW is plotting to top the M760Li with an M7.
4.4 or 4.0, this V8 has at least two turbochargers and should produce slightly more than the current M5. It's being suggested that 600 horsepower or more will give the sports saloon enough power to compete with the RS6 performance on equal footing.
So far, BMW M has not used all-wheel-drive on anything other than SUVs. That could stop now as the 2017 M5 prototype seems to lack tail-happiness. The ESP is also on, as engineers are trying to figure out the right balance between fun and safety.
Despite having a much more complex and heavy drivetrain, the new M5 will be lighter, thanks to liberal use of the CFRP technology of which BMW are masters. BMW M GmbH President Friedrich Nitschke has previously suggested that he wants to see "significantly higher" savings than on the M4 coupe (versus the E92 M3).
In the looks department, the M5 has a way to go, as the front bumper is the only production feature. The headlights, taillights and exhaust system are just some of the major features that have to be fixed.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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