New BMW M5′s M more powerful yet more fuel efficient fifth generation M5

The fifth generation of BMW’s flagship high-performance saloon will be the first vehicle to feature the newly developed BMW M V8 engine that propels the car from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.4 seconds, 0-200 km/h (124 mph) in 13 seconds, before topping out at 250 km/h (155 mph) or 305 km/h (190 mph) with the optional M Driver’s Package. But alongside the impressive performance stats, BMW is also touting the improved fuel efficiency of the new M5.

The new M5′s M division-developed twin-turbocharged, 4.4 liter V8 develops 412 kW/560 hp at 6,000-7,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 680 Nm (502 lb-ft) from 1,500 rpm. Although BMW says the engine output is 10 percent up on the previous model M5 and the maximum torque has increased by 30 percent, the new M5 manages to cut fuel consumption by more than 30 percent over the previous M5, coming in at a combined figure of 9.9 liters/100 km (28.5 mpg), thanks to the inclusion of systems such as Auto Start-Stop and Brake Energy Regeneration.

Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a seven-speed M double clutch Drivelogic transmission controlled via shift paddles on the M leather steering wheel. BMW claims the M5 boasts outstanding agility thanks to a rear axle Active M Differential sporting an electronically controlled multi-plate limited-slip differential that enables fully variable distribution between the rear wheels to optimize traction and stability for dynamic lane changing and accelerating out of corners. The electronically controlled dampers offer three settings: Comfort for everyday road use, Sport for more dynamic driving, and Sport Plus for taking the car to the track.

The steering wheel features new M Drive buttons that can call up two individually configured car set-ups covering a range of programmable parameters including accelerator responses, M Servotronic responses, Drivelogic shift program, DSC mode, Dynamic Damper Control and information displayed in the HUD.

The new M5′s body design is instantly recognizable as a member of the M5 family and sees the inclusion of large intakes for the engine and brakes on the front apron, flared wheel arches, M “gills” with integrated indicator bars, aerodynamic rear apron with diffuser between the right and left-hand pair of twin exhaust tailpipes, gurney-style rear spoiler on the boot lid and 19-inch M light-alloy wheels with a double-spoke design.

 

BMW says the M5′s interior is designed to combine a sports car cockpit with the luxury M5 drivers have come to expect. The M-specific instrument cluster is housed in a newly designed, leather-covered center console, while the standard spec M sports seats feature Merino leather upholstery. There’s also exclusive Aluminum Trace interior trim strips, Anthracite roof liner and four-zone automatic climate control and ambient light.

Driver assistance systems include BMW ConnectedDrive, M-speciific HUD as standard, adaptive headlights, High-Beam Assistant, BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition, lane change warning system, lane departure warning system and speed limit info.

 

BMW is expected to give the new M5 its official public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, ahead of a release before the end of the year.

Gallery New BMW M5′s M

 

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2012 Volkswagen Beetle with price under $20,000

Longer and wider than its predecessor, the German automaker says that the vehicle’s designers were inspired by the lines of the original Beetle. As a result, there’s more than a little Ragster Concept thrown into the mix with a longer roof line and a more aggressively-raked windshield.
Designed to both sportier and more fuel efficient than before, the new Beetle looks like a squashed version of the outgoing model, which has actually been out of production since last year. Riding on a version of the A5 architecture that underpins the Volkswagen Jetta, the Beetle shares little more than powertrains with the outgoing car

The “cathedral” domed roof of the first New Beetle is gone, replaced instead by a still characteristically bug-like roof that, although more conventional, hardly looks like anything else on the road. Bug-eyed headlamps return, while the tail lamps have been stretched out. Some models will use a rear spoiler mounted just below the rear window. The Beetle retains its cargo-friendly hatchback shape and its cartoonish bulging fenders.
The 1.6-liter turbo diesel engine delivers around 105 horsepower while returning 65.7 mpg on the EU scale thanks to a start/stop and intelligent battery regeneration system. That equals out to around 54 mpg on the U.S. cycle, though the EPA may have something different to say should the oil burner show up in the States.

 

On the more entertaining end of the spectrum, Volkswagen is also offering the 2012 Beetle with a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with around 200 horsepower. Like the Golf GTI, that powerplant will benefit from a transmission with an XDS electronic differential lock as standard equipment.
Despite a more upscale look, the Beetle is aiming to snag value-minded buyers with a starting price of just $18,995 plus $770 destination. That sub-$20,000 price will get you a basic model that still uses the same 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine used in the outgoing model, matched to a five-speed manual transmission. car price under $20,000
Step up to the 2.0-liter TSI model and its 200 horsepower, 207 lb-ft of torque, and your base price will start at $24,165, with another $5,000+ of option potential. VW has yet to announce pricing for its third and final engine, a 2.0-liter TDI diesel.

Gallery Volkswagen Beetle 2012

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