<![CDATA[Jalopnik: BMW M5]]> http://cache.gawker.com/assets/base/img/thumbs140x140/jalopnik.com.png <![CDATA[Jalopnik: BMW M5]]> http://jalopnik.com/tag/bmw m5 http://jalopnik.com/tag/bmw m5 <![CDATA[ Stuart Appleby's BMW M5 Ute, Now In Full Detail ]]> It didn't take long after showing you the unveiling of Stuart Appleby's now finished BMW M5 Ute before reader Gustav hit us up with a link to Stuart's favorite hangout at M5Board.com, where a raft of high-resolution images have been posted. These new shots confirm what we suspected: This is one lusty beast of custom-camino perfection. Some of the style may be a bit over-the-top, but remember this thing makes its home in Australia, so it has to fit in. While the M5 Ute hasn't hit the dyno yet or "tested the chassis," the builders are projecting grunt in the range of 460 HP. We hope Mr. Appleby maintains his relationship with Bridgestone as we imagine he'll require frequent replacements for those 275/30R20 rear tires. Many more images after the jump.

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Tue, 07 Oct 2008 16:20:00 EDT Ben Wojdyla http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5060168&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Australian BMW M5 Ute Finally Finished, Debuts At Deniliquin Ute Muster ]]> After nearly three years of construction and thousands of fevered prayers from camino enthusiasts, along with an equal number of curses from BMW fanboys, the BMW M5 Ute is finally complete. The super-ute debuted last weekend in New South Wales at the Deniliquin Ute Muster, the worlds largest gathering of vehicles that do business up front while partying in the back. The M5 Ute goes to professional golfer and apparent hoon artist Stuart Appleby, who commissioned the build and happily takes the keys, admitting it's “a bit out of left field.” This news raises three points.

First, we're conflicted by the idea of a golfer taking delivery of such custom-car awesomeness, but considering it was his dollars and dreams that made it so, he can't be a normal golfer. Second, we need complete detail images, performance specs, and burnout and hoonage videos, immediately. We're actually a little hurt the car didn't debut by power-sliding through a herd of kangaroos while leaping through a ring of fire. Finally, the Deni Ute Muster — how did we not know about this event? It's got a list of ten commandments (.pdf) which reads like every out-of-control tailgate party we've ever been to. And over 6,000 utes in one place! In Australia! Plane tickets. We need them. (Thanks for the tip Chris) [CarAdvice.au]

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Tue, 07 Oct 2008 10:00:00 EDT Ben Wojdyla http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5059957&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ 2011 BMW M5 Spotted Lapping The 'Ring ]]> The first thing you notice about the 2011 BMW M5 is its size. Compared to the E60 M5 chase car, it's positively huge. It also appears to adapt 2009 BMW 7-series proportions. Does this mean it'll adapt that vehicle's über-conservative styling too? We're not sure yet. What we do know is that the biggest change will come in the engine compartment, click through to find out why.

Car Magazine, which snapped these shots, is reporting that the 2011 M5 will gain a breathed-on version of the BMW X6's 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 producing a whopping 540 HP. Why? The current V10, despised by some but loved by others for its quirky rev-happy nature, will only meet emissions regulations for two more years. If the big V8 does find its way into the M5, expect a much lower revving, torquier drive. The magazine also reports that the M5 is likely to be manumatic only, which doesn't come as a surprise, but is still pretty disappointing. [via Car Magazine]

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Fri, 25 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EDT Wes Siler http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=399250&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Mystery Solved! Veritas RS3 Going Into Production ]]> When we first saw the Veritas RS3 testing on the Nürburgring, we assumed it was just a one-off of some sort. But then it popped up again in a video from BridgeToGantry, and we started wondering if there was more to the story. Surely it couldn't be, not in today's crazy world, that a sleek monoposto would actually be built as something that mere mortals can buy. Despite our doubts, we now hear that Veritas is indeed planning on producing the RS3 single-seat roadster, complete with a 5.0-liter V10 from the BMW M5.

For good measure, that M-Power V10 has been massaged, now making 600 HP in the Veritas. That's a lot of power for any vehicle, but in a car that weighs a mere 2360 pounds, it's downright insane. The launch from 0-62 MPH should take just 3.2 seconds. If you keep on it, you'll hit a top speed of 216 MPH! Even if you were capable of carrying a passenger, they'd likely pass out from the g-forces. With just seven people in the company, Veritas' RS3 will be limited to just 50 units per year, when production starts at the end of 2008. And if a roofless single-seater simply isn't practical enough for you, the company hopes to make closed-top versions as well.
[via CarScoop]

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Thu, 22 May 2008 15:00:00 EDT Mark Arnold http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=392804&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ BMW's Massive Russian Billboard Dangles Real Cars ]]> BMW has created an absurdly huge billboard complete with what appears to be real cars stuck on the side. Total size of the Moscow-based advertisement is said to be over 65,000 square-feet. With functioning lights on the vehicles it all feels like a strange sideways highway for some sort of new anti-gravity-generating Bimmers.

Specifically advertising BMW's Motorsport models, we really hope that these are just mock-ups, or at least engine-less cars stuck on the wall. If not, we may have to find some Russian correspondents who have access to a giant crane and a shipping crate. Now, if only there were an M5 wagon up there.
[EnglishRussia]

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Mon, 31 Mar 2008 17:00:00 EDT Mark Arnold http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=374248&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Franken M3 To Warp Space and Time When Complete ]]> Imagine for a moment what would happen if you took the 500 HP V10 power train and suspension out of a 2008 BMW M5 and put it into a 1988 BMW M3. Stop salivating. This is exactly what the lunatics at Piper Motorsports are doing.The car is being outfitted with all the fun stuff from the M5 and none of the porky excess which bogs the super sedan down. When complete it will have all of the subframes, suspension, engine power and countless custom components. I will also probably have it's owners breath, as we're sure it will take it away. [Piper Motorsports and Cardomain Build Log]

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Fri, 28 Mar 2008 13:45:00 EDT Ben Wojdyla http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=373413&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Remember the BMW M5 Ute? Time for a Progress Report ]]> It's been quite a while since we brought you coverage of the greatest ute project the world has ever seen. The Postfather himself first broke the M5 Ute way back in December 2006, but in the interim, work has been steadily progressing. As it currently stands, the bed and tailgate have been fabricated, all the sheet metal refitted, cabin enclosed, massive new wheels fitted, and all the necessary electronic gadgetry relocated under a Ridgeline-like bed trunk thing. It looks like they may even be playing with the idea of some kind of aftermarket hood. We can't wait for this thing to be done so we can witness joygasm-inducing Bruce-amino burnouts. What's that you say? Video tour of the car below the fold? Don't mind if I do.

[M5Ute.com]

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Thu, 14 Feb 2008 13:45:00 EST Ben Wojdyla http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=356551&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ BMW M5 Crash Details Emerge ]]> Edmunds Inside Line went and did what we were too bothered to do yesterday and dug up details on the tragic 2008 BMW M5 crash at Jumbolair Estates in Florida. As our intrepid commenters noted, the lad was a member at M5board.com and had recently inquired as to the normalcy of a thunking transmission sound at excessive speeds. Warnings to the youth proved less sexy then the lure of speed and around 3:30 a.m. on January 26, when the Space Gray M5 and it's occupants shuffled off this mortal coil. Further details and a map pointing out where Travolta calls home (why it's relevant, we still don't know) over at the line that is always the innermost. [Inside Line via M5Board]

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Tue, 29 Jan 2008 14:45:00 EST Ben Wojdyla http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=350252&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Nothing But a G-Thang: G-Power Reveals 730 HP Hurricane, Lays Claim to Fastest, Most Powerful Street-Legal BMW ]]> The German tuners all about powerful precision have put together one heckuva package for the BMW M5. They're calling it the Hurricane and they're claiming the $130,000+ package (or if you don't own the M5 already, just buy the package plus an M5 for a mere $352,584) makes the M5 the "fastest and most powerful street-legal BMW." It's hard to argue with those numbers when you've got a five-liter V10 engine under the hood with G-Power's own "EVO II" supercharging system capable of delivering a reported 730 HP and a top speed of 211 MPH. That's one fast M5. Full press release after the jump.

G-POWER HURRICANE: 340 km/h and 730 hp: The World's Fastest and Most Powerful Street-Legal BMW

The worldís fastest and most powerful street-legal BMW is made by G-POWER. The 340-km/h G-POWER HURRICANE is based on the latest BMW M5. At the heart of the high-performance sedan is a five-liter V10 engine with G-POWER EVO II supercharging system that delivers 730 hp / 537.3 kW.

To achieve the desired increase in power output of 223 hp / 164 kW for the fast-revving engine that normally produces 507 hp / 373 kW, G-POWER, in cooperation with ASA Automotive, has developed a high-tech supercharging system. The system uses one belt-driven ASA T1-12 compressor for each cylinder bank. Contrary to conventional mechanical chargers that waste a large portion of the additional power on being driven themselves, the ASA compressor has an efficiency rate of up to 80 percent. The ASA charger is also small, which allows G-POWER to install two of them in the tight confines of the M5 engine bay. With a maximum airstream volume of up to 1,200 kg per hour per cylinder bank the compressors are designed for an even higher power output. Boost pressure is limited to 0.5 bars.

The pre-compressed charge air is cooled down in a highly efficient dual-flow water-to-air intercooler system that is mounted above the engine. This measure optimizes power yield and, in combination with a larger water-cooled oil cooler with pressure reservoir, also ensures the engineís thermal health. Specially developed mapping for engine electronics and SMG gearbox controls coordinate the perfect interaction of all new components.

The inner workings of the four-valve ten-cylinder engine are optimized for even higher engine speeds with lightweight, precision-matched high-performance forged pistons from technology partner MAHLE. The supercharged V10 engine produces its maximum power output of 730 hp / 537 kW between 7,500 and 8,200 rpm. The high efficiency rate of the two superchargers, each spinning at up to 100,000 rpm and more, results in a torque diagram that rises early and at 3,800 rpm already surpasses the production engineís peak torque of 520 Nm, delivered at 6,000 rpm. The new peak of 700 Nm is reached at 7,200 rpm.

Acceleration performance benefits accordingly. With a sprint time from rest to 100 km/h of 4.2 seconds the two-ton sedan bests its production counterpart by half a second. With approx. ten seconds to 200 km/h the advantage grows to 5.0 seconds. The 300-km/h barrier is shattered in less than 29.5 seconds. Contrary to the production car the G-POWER HURRICANE is not limited electronically to a top speed of 250 km/h. Aided by the specially cooled G-POWER anti-slip differential the engine propels the car to a top speed of 340 km/h.

The enormous performance places extreme demands on aerodynamics, tires, suspension and brakes.

The G-POWER front apron, upon request also available made from especially light carbon fiber, replaces the production part in its entirety. Its large air inlets provide optimal supply of cooling air for all radiators and front brakes. At the same time the spoiler minimizes lift on the front axle at high speeds.

The G-POWER rocker panels smooth the airflow between the wheel houses and give the M5 and longer, lower and sleeker appearance. Lift on the rear axle is reduced by a spoiler lip attached to the trunk lid and the carbon-fiber rear diffuser for the G-POWER rear apron.

Even better driving dynamics and more exclusive looks are the hallmark of the G-POWER Silverstone 21-inch light-alloy wheels that fill out the space beneath the wheel arches perfectly. The drop-center rims have brilliant-graphite coated centers while the outer rim wells and spokes are polished. They are mounted in sizes 9.5 J x 21 with size 255/30 ZR 21 tires in front and size 10.5 J x 21 wheels with size 295/25 ZR 21 tires on the rear axle. Technology partner Dunlop provides the perfect high-speed tires.

The large wheels make room for the G-POWER high-performance brake system with six-piston fixed calipers and 400 x 36 millimeter brake discs on the front axle. G-POWER also offers an upgrade package for the standard M5 brakes that consists of high-performance pads and brake fluid.

The M5 handling can be made even sportier by installing the height-adjustable G-POWER coil-over suspension RS with nine selectable settings each for bound and rebound.

For upgrading the cockpit G-POWER offers sporty components made from exposed carbon-fiber trim or an ergonomically shaped NARDO EDITION sport steering wheel covered in perforated G-POWER Kjerba-Nappa leather that is a pleasure to touch.

The G-POWER HURRICANE is available as a fully converted car starting at 240,000 Euros. Any existing M5 ñ sedan and wagon ñ can also be upgraded with the G-POWER twin-compressor system, available for 89,000 Euros. The price includes all necessary modifications to suspension, brakes and wheels. Also available are any items from the extensive G-POWER tuning accessories lineup.

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Wed, 02 Jan 2008 07:45:00 EST Ray Wert http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=339431&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Is That a Turbocharged M5 Wagon? ]]> m5wagonspyhoto.jpg*UPDATE* One of our intelligent commenters points out that the wagon looks like an AC Schnitzer M5 Touring (which explains the wheels). A second look confirms that's probably what this is. Skepticism, YEAH!The folks at Winding Road have gotten their hands on some mighty fine spy shots of what could very well be an M5 Wagon Wagen Estate Touring prowling the streets with some nasty turbos. Rumor has it that this bruiser will be propelled via an RS6 Avant-chomping turbocharged, 600 bhp version of the BMW 5.0-liter V-10. It's certainly got the proportions of an M tweaked Bimmer, though we're a little curious what's going on with the thin spoked wheels. Is this for real, or is this merely sound and fury signifying nothing?

It could all be a joke. I've spent many hours with my Bavarian extended family and they consider themselves quite the humorists. They're always like "Massew, come back to Germany with us and we'll take you to a soccer game. We'll go on Wednesday. It's Helmet Day. Everyone named Helmut gets in Free!." Now you know where my sense of humor comes from. [Winding Road]

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Wed, 05 Dec 2007 13:00:00 EST Matt Hardigree http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=330268&view=rss&microfeed=true