Infiniti
04-24-2002, 04:38 AM
From Autoweek.com
http://autoweek.com/images_content/2002_04/0429nbmw1.jpg
http://autoweek.com/weekart/2002/0429/0429nbmw2.jpg
When BMW’s fourth-generation 5 Series rolls out at the Frankfurt motor show in September 2003 it will feature a new 380-hp, twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine. The next-generation sedan (E60) inherits many features from the latest 7 Series such as a shift-by-wire six-speed automatic, active roll stabilization and a simplified version of the iDrive system controller. BMW will follow in 2005 with a 500-hp 5.5-liter V10-powered M5 designed to provide the M5 with a direct link to BMW's F1 involvement with Williams.
The new engine is part of a range of hot turbocharged units being readied by BMW to place Munich's new mid-ranger in direct competition with the Audi S6, Jaguar S-Type R and Mercedes-Benz E500 without the additional weight brought on by slotting a large capacity V8 engine under its bonnet.
Joining the twin-turbo six in the new 5 Series line-up will be a wide range of engines. They include the recently introduced 2.0-litre inline four together with heavily upgraded versions of BMW's highly rated 2.2-, 2.5 and 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engines. At the upper end of the lineup will be the 3.6-litre and 4.5-litre V8 engines used in the 7 Series. Already equipped with Valvetronic, they will be upgraded to include the new direct-injection system unveiled by BMW on the 760i at last year's Frankfurt motor show.
Details remain scarce 18 months out from launch, though sources at BMW's R&D center say the twin-turbo six will provide a sporty sedan variant of the new 5 Series with performance on par with the M5. That means 0-60 mph acceleration in the 5.5-second range and an electronically limited 155 mph top speed. The best part, however, is the news that the new BMW will cost a good deal less than today's M5.
The fourth generation 5 Series will have its work cut out emulating the success of today's car, which until the arrival of Mercedes-Benz's new E-class had dominated the toughly fought executive car ranks. Still, BMW looks to have done its homework with the new car, providing it with advanced new hybrid construction together with hi-tech underpinnings, sporty new styling and the breadth of performance to match even the keenest of rivals. These sketches, supplied by BMW's own design team in Munich, expose the appearance of the new car, which will also be sold in touring guise from early 2004. Easing fears the new car would simply be a scaled down version of the controversial 7 Series, they reveal a svelte new shape that's aimed at countering criticism of today's conservatively styled model, which dates back to 1995.
The overall look is modern and aggressive, in keeping with BMW's design chief Chris Bangle's aim to get away from what he dubs the "one sausage in different lengths" appearance that has characterized the German car maker's line-up in recent years. Shapely headlamps that wrap back into the leading edge, a classy interpretation of BMW's classic kidney grille and a heavily contoured bonnet dominate the high mounted front-end to give the car instant presence.
A heavily raked windscreen combines with a wildly curved roofline and notchback-style rear end to set up a coupe-like silhouette. BMW's own artwork reveals the boot is high but less imposing than that seen on the new 7 Series.
Other features include a sharp swage along the side running from the headlamps back to the curvy tail lamps along with an unusual surface treatment that uses a mixture of convex and concave forms to provide what Bangle describes as "visual movement" when light falls on the car.
Dimensionally, the new 5 Series does not stray too far from today's car with only a moderate increase in length, width and height. The biggest change is the slight wheelbase increase, which should mean improved levels of interior accommodation, especially in the rear where legroom needs improving if the new BMW is to match the executive class competition for space.
Underneath its stylish bodywork, the new 5 Series gets advanced hybrid construction in a bid to shed weight provide even better handling response than today's highly lauded model. The front section is based around a lightweight aluminum space frame. The new approach lends expertise from the limited volume Z8 and upcoming Rolls Royce - both of which boast full space frame construction. The remainder is conventional monocoque, though the liberal use of lightweight steel, tailored blanks and a high percentage of aluminum within the (MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear) suspension will result in a lower overall weight than today's 5 Series, insiders say.
Underpinning the new 5 Series is a brand new rear-wheel drive platform that shares many components with that used underneath the 7 Series. Although going without the brake-by-wire stoppers used by the Mercedes-Benz E-class, the new BMW will still offer a host of advanced features. Among them a revolutionary new steering system from ZF that automatically corrects the angle of the front wheels in hefty side winds and under heavy braking for improved traction.
Also earmarked for upper end models are the automatic damping control and dynamic drive systems launched on the 7 Series late last year. Following heavy criticism of the much vaunted iDrive system unveiled on its flagship saloon, BMW has overhauled it for use in the new 5 Series. Insiders say the celebrated rotary dial will remain an integral part of the overall interior package. However, it will be combined with an improved menu, with features such as stability and traction control accessible through a simple press of a button rather than a long scroll through the iDrive's system. <font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]I think the competiton better watch out.... wow
http://autoweek.com/images_content/2002_04/0429nbmw1.jpg
http://autoweek.com/weekart/2002/0429/0429nbmw2.jpg
When BMW’s fourth-generation 5 Series rolls out at the Frankfurt motor show in September 2003 it will feature a new 380-hp, twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine. The next-generation sedan (E60) inherits many features from the latest 7 Series such as a shift-by-wire six-speed automatic, active roll stabilization and a simplified version of the iDrive system controller. BMW will follow in 2005 with a 500-hp 5.5-liter V10-powered M5 designed to provide the M5 with a direct link to BMW's F1 involvement with Williams.
The new engine is part of a range of hot turbocharged units being readied by BMW to place Munich's new mid-ranger in direct competition with the Audi S6, Jaguar S-Type R and Mercedes-Benz E500 without the additional weight brought on by slotting a large capacity V8 engine under its bonnet.
Joining the twin-turbo six in the new 5 Series line-up will be a wide range of engines. They include the recently introduced 2.0-litre inline four together with heavily upgraded versions of BMW's highly rated 2.2-, 2.5 and 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engines. At the upper end of the lineup will be the 3.6-litre and 4.5-litre V8 engines used in the 7 Series. Already equipped with Valvetronic, they will be upgraded to include the new direct-injection system unveiled by BMW on the 760i at last year's Frankfurt motor show.
Details remain scarce 18 months out from launch, though sources at BMW's R&D center say the twin-turbo six will provide a sporty sedan variant of the new 5 Series with performance on par with the M5. That means 0-60 mph acceleration in the 5.5-second range and an electronically limited 155 mph top speed. The best part, however, is the news that the new BMW will cost a good deal less than today's M5.
The fourth generation 5 Series will have its work cut out emulating the success of today's car, which until the arrival of Mercedes-Benz's new E-class had dominated the toughly fought executive car ranks. Still, BMW looks to have done its homework with the new car, providing it with advanced new hybrid construction together with hi-tech underpinnings, sporty new styling and the breadth of performance to match even the keenest of rivals. These sketches, supplied by BMW's own design team in Munich, expose the appearance of the new car, which will also be sold in touring guise from early 2004. Easing fears the new car would simply be a scaled down version of the controversial 7 Series, they reveal a svelte new shape that's aimed at countering criticism of today's conservatively styled model, which dates back to 1995.
The overall look is modern and aggressive, in keeping with BMW's design chief Chris Bangle's aim to get away from what he dubs the "one sausage in different lengths" appearance that has characterized the German car maker's line-up in recent years. Shapely headlamps that wrap back into the leading edge, a classy interpretation of BMW's classic kidney grille and a heavily contoured bonnet dominate the high mounted front-end to give the car instant presence.
A heavily raked windscreen combines with a wildly curved roofline and notchback-style rear end to set up a coupe-like silhouette. BMW's own artwork reveals the boot is high but less imposing than that seen on the new 7 Series.
Other features include a sharp swage along the side running from the headlamps back to the curvy tail lamps along with an unusual surface treatment that uses a mixture of convex and concave forms to provide what Bangle describes as "visual movement" when light falls on the car.
Dimensionally, the new 5 Series does not stray too far from today's car with only a moderate increase in length, width and height. The biggest change is the slight wheelbase increase, which should mean improved levels of interior accommodation, especially in the rear where legroom needs improving if the new BMW is to match the executive class competition for space.
Underneath its stylish bodywork, the new 5 Series gets advanced hybrid construction in a bid to shed weight provide even better handling response than today's highly lauded model. The front section is based around a lightweight aluminum space frame. The new approach lends expertise from the limited volume Z8 and upcoming Rolls Royce - both of which boast full space frame construction. The remainder is conventional monocoque, though the liberal use of lightweight steel, tailored blanks and a high percentage of aluminum within the (MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear) suspension will result in a lower overall weight than today's 5 Series, insiders say.
Underpinning the new 5 Series is a brand new rear-wheel drive platform that shares many components with that used underneath the 7 Series. Although going without the brake-by-wire stoppers used by the Mercedes-Benz E-class, the new BMW will still offer a host of advanced features. Among them a revolutionary new steering system from ZF that automatically corrects the angle of the front wheels in hefty side winds and under heavy braking for improved traction.
Also earmarked for upper end models are the automatic damping control and dynamic drive systems launched on the 7 Series late last year. Following heavy criticism of the much vaunted iDrive system unveiled on its flagship saloon, BMW has overhauled it for use in the new 5 Series. Insiders say the celebrated rotary dial will remain an integral part of the overall interior package. However, it will be combined with an improved menu, with features such as stability and traction control accessible through a simple press of a button rather than a long scroll through the iDrive's system. <font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]I think the competiton better watch out.... wow