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[spyshots]BMW 5-Series
Other publications have shown you drawings and "artists' impressions" of the 2003 BMW 5-Series, but this is the real thing, caught on camera out testing earlier this year. Even under the disguise, we can see that this model, codenamed in-house as E60, will have styling similar to that of the latest 7-Series, dynamic coupe-like lines and more rear space than the current car. It's unmistakeably the work of BMW design chief Chris Bangle, whose work - the 7-Series, the X-coupe concept, the CS1 concept - is usually controversial, but never boring. This 5 is also the first of a new series of BMWs built off the same platform - close relations to follow will include the 6-Series coupe (see separate story) and the next-generation X5 off-roader, due in 2005.
Industry sources suggest that, like the 7-Series, the new 5 will showcase BMW's latest technological developments. Its lightweight chassis construction is a hybrid of an aluminium spaceframe for the front section, and a traditional steel monocoque for the passenger compartment and rear end, incorporating lessons BMW has already learned with the space-framed Z8 and the forthcoming new Rolls-Royce. A problem with this sort of hybrid structure is said to be bonding the aluminium to the steel, but BMW has, apparently, been in consultation with US aluminium giants Alcan on this matter, and had come up with an effective solution. The new chassis is predicted to be even more performance-orientated than that of the current range, and will feature independent suspension with MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link layout behind.
The new 5 will also be packed with electronic control systems, including the latest and more user-friendly evolution of iDrive (as an option, or standard on the highest-specification variants) and electronic driver aids including a new system called Active Front Steering, which automatically corrects the angle of the front wheels under sharp braking or other sudden external inputs, and automatic damping control and body roll control as already used on the 7-Series.
The engine line-up is said to include the current car's 2.2-litre, 2.5-litre and 3.0-litre straight-six units, albeit with some modifications, plus versions of the 3.6-litre and 4.4-litre V8s used in the 7-Series. These will be revised to feature both BMW's Valvetronic throttleless technology and direct fuel injection. There will also be several diesels on offer, said to be a four-cylinder, 2.0-litre and six-cylinder, 2.5-litre and 3.0-litre units, plus a new 4.0-litre V8. The transmission systems on offer will include a six-speed manual and a six-speed Steptronic semi-auto gearbox.
The 4.4 V8 might not be the most powerful petrol engine on offer, though - further down the line, a new 380 bhp bi-turbo 3.0-litre engine is thought to be on the cards to power BMW's rival to the Jaguar S-Type R, Audi S6 and so on. And no, that's not the next-generation M5 - that's said to be even more powerful yet, with a 5.5-litre V8 engine derived from BMW's F1 unit, which could produce as much as 500 bhp. Performance like this should establish the 5-Series as a true driver's car and as more than just a scaled-down 7-Series.
The new 5 is set to be unveiled at next year's Frankfurt Motor Show, and will go on sale at the end of 2003. Right-hand drive versions - and Touring estate and iX four-wheel drive versions - should follow in 2004. And despite the innovations, hikes in power and hugely expensive development work, prices for the range are expected to stay roughly similar to those of the current model, in order to directly compete with the new Mercedes E-Class range.
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Props To Huby
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10-19-2002 01:11 AM
jp.
