Maybe. maybe not? Text from Automobile... (archive)

1. BMW has a ton of technology flowing in from their F-1 research and development. They arguably have the strongest engine in Formula 1 and it is only their second year. Look at Ford, Honda, Renault, and others to see how difficult this must have been. It is a understatement to say that most observers are surprised by BMW's performance at such an early stage for the team. Most companies want to translate what they learn in their race series to a street car. Ferrari does it all the time and we all have heard that BMW is positioning themselves against Ferrari as well as Mercedes. Of course the engine will be made of more mundane materials, top out at 8000-10000 less RPMs, and produce 400 less horsepower but F-1 engines are designed to last about 10 laps longer than race-distance. The street version will be more drivable, have better torque, much better gas mileage and be more reliable. Sounds great to me.

2. It would be a great marketing tool. BMW wants to capitalize on its success in Formula 1 by translating that to car sales.

3. Makes some sense in their models. Many people have been surmising that the next M3 will probably move to V8 power because the inline 6 is pretty much tapped out. With AMG blowing Merecedes engines and getting bigger numbers, BMW needs to counter (and we all hope they will not do it by adding a supercharger or turbo). So if the M3 moves to a V8 (which is also needed for Le Mans GT car), the M5 may need a V10. It fits below the 760's V12 as well. The V10 will allow them to reach 500-550hp quite comfortably leaving room for future enhancements and after-market parts. A V10 M5 with SMGII (or maybe SMGIII by that time) would be a incredible car. I have read recently that BMW wants to make the 5 series more sporty. Moving to a V10 would do that...

The text from Automobile magazine reads:

"M3: Coupe, convertible, and sport wagon, based on the next-generation 3-series. Under the hood will lurk a new 4.5-liter direct-injection V-8, producing about 400hp. Likely launch in 2006."

"M5: Sedan only, based on the next-generation 5-series platform. Powered by an all-new 5.0 liter V-10 engine, good for about 500hp. On sale in 2004."

"The V-10 engine, earmarked for the M5 and a possible M6 coupe, establishes a direct link to BMW's Formula 1 program."

Follow Ups:

Well -- if you're right -- let's hope so!! :-) Jason Ferguson 19:26 7/08/2001 (0)

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