2011 BMW M5 Twin-Turbo V8 To Get A Boost

REPORTS LATE LAST year suggested that the next generation BMW M5 would be powered by the same 420kW/680Nm twin-turbo 4.4 litre V8 driving the X5 M and X6 M SUVs.

New reports this week claim the version used in the new M5 will be even more powerful, developing around 430kW and 720Nm of torque - matching the current Audi RS6 and bettering its torque figures.

The twin-turbo V8 propels the X5 M to 100km/h in 4.7 seconds. The more potent new F10 5 Series-based M5 is expected to cover the distance in less than 4.5 seconds.

The current generation M5, powered by a 5.0 litre V10, produces respectable 373kW and 520Nm of torque.

While a six-speed manual transmission is likely to remain an option, a revised version of the M-DCT dual clutch transmission utilised in the current M3 is expected to be the new M5's standard transmission.

KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) for the M5 is rumoured to also be in the works, though it may not appear at launch.

Construction is expected to include extensive use of carbon fibre and aluminium, with an aluminium spaceframe front end attached to a steel monocoque shell for the cabin and rear.

With BMW’s flagship M7 unlikely to make it to production, the M5 will carry the mantle as the fastest four-door in the M range.