REPORT: BMW M5 dropping V10 for turbo V8
Sep 28, 2009 | 12:26 PM
#1
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From: Zoo York
REPORT: BMW M5 dropping V10 for turbo V8
The straight six in the first BMW M5 supersedans was silky smooth and plenty powerful, but it was getting a bit long-in-the-tooth, so it had to go. It was replaced by the 400 hp V8 in the E39, then later with the fire-breathing V10 in the current M5 (above) that pushed horsepower into the stratosphere, particularly when you activated the 'M' button.
That engine remains powerful, but with CO2 concerns, fuel economy standards and the fact that the V10 isn't available in much of anything else in BMW's lineup, it seems like the next-gen M5 will probably find its motive power supplied by a V8 instead. If a V8 is good enough for the Audi RS6 and Cadillac CTS-V, perhaps it's good enough for the BMW M5, too.
We saw speculation about a V8 M5 as far back as May, 2008, and more recent speculation that it was going to be a twin-turbo V10 instead, but now Inside Line is reporting that BMW reps have confirmed that a V8 will indeed be in the next M5's engine bay – although they didn't confirm which one. Most likely, it will be the 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 that first appeared in the X5M and X6M. With 555 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque, it falls right in the ballpark with other supersedan outputs. That new powerplant will sit in a new cradle as well, with the all-new 5-Series just months away. Around these parts, we're starting to refer to this next generation M5 as the Goldilocks Edition.
That engine remains powerful, but with CO2 concerns, fuel economy standards and the fact that the V10 isn't available in much of anything else in BMW's lineup, it seems like the next-gen M5 will probably find its motive power supplied by a V8 instead. If a V8 is good enough for the Audi RS6 and Cadillac CTS-V, perhaps it's good enough for the BMW M5, too.
We saw speculation about a V8 M5 as far back as May, 2008, and more recent speculation that it was going to be a twin-turbo V10 instead, but now Inside Line is reporting that BMW reps have confirmed that a V8 will indeed be in the next M5's engine bay – although they didn't confirm which one. Most likely, it will be the 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 that first appeared in the X5M and X6M. With 555 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque, it falls right in the ballpark with other supersedan outputs. That new powerplant will sit in a new cradle as well, with the all-new 5-Series just months away. Around these parts, we're starting to refer to this next generation M5 as the Goldilocks Edition.
Sep 28, 2009 | 12:42 PM
#2
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,458
From: DC
Yeah, as previously speculated. Powerwise I don't think anyone can complain, same with modability. However, a turbo v8 will not wail like a high revving v10. Any issues with torque down low will also be moot. All in all, not too bad IMO.
Sep 28, 2009 | 05:45 PM
#8
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Posts: 7,647
From: Munich,Germany
It`s not all about the power..
I guess they went the downsizing route to save some weight
which is actually a good and more or less overdue thing
I guess they went the downsizing route to save some weight
which is actually a good and more or less overdue thing
Last edited by ECB; Sep 29, 2009 at 01:38 AM.
Sep 28, 2009 | 06:50 PM
#9
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Posts: 1,666
From: Austin, TX
Catch-22 for BMW. Everyone with an E60 M5 loves the high-revving top-end power, but complains about the relatively anemic midrange and fuel consumption. A TTV8 solves every problem except for the high-revving NA feel (and exotic feel of a V10), and we moan about it as well.
As it is, the M5 has trouble putting down its power, lightweight torque notwithstanding. Even with R-compounds, to much gas in 1st or 2nd gear has me going nowhere quickly. I would have preferred to see them keep the engine, and get the curb weight down, but that's a forlorn hope with as much as the current M3 weighs. A 3,500 lb V10 M5 would be ideal, but it's not easy to lose 600lbs from the car.
As it is, the M5 has trouble putting down its power, lightweight torque notwithstanding. Even with R-compounds, to much gas in 1st or 2nd gear has me going nowhere quickly. I would have preferred to see them keep the engine, and get the curb weight down, but that's a forlorn hope with as much as the current M3 weighs. A 3,500 lb V10 M5 would be ideal, but it's not easy to lose 600lbs from the car.
