What does the future have in store for BMW's high-performance M division? For starters, lots and lots of power along with a smattering of light weight and plenty of cutting-edge technology. Sounds familiar, but the rumored details (via Bimmerfile) of the 2011 BMW M5 would be nothing short of revolutionary.
Not surprisingly, we're told to expect a version of the twin-turbo V8 that currently powers the M division's hi-po X5 and X6 'utes with somewhere around 570 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. On top of those prodigious figures may very well be a KERS hybrid system that recaptures wasted energy from braking and uses it to send an extra shot of power via an electric motor contained in the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The KERS power boost would be controlled by the driver with a Formula 1-style button on the steering wheel.
Further performance would be found by putting the next-gen 5 Series on a diet consisting of a chassis wrought completely in aluminum with carbon fiber used in various body panels and, optionally, on the roof. We look forward to finding out just how much of this rumormill material turns out to be accurate, and we'll know for sure in early 2011, when the next M5 is slated for introduction.
[Source: Bimmerfile]
