William Maley

Trying to figure what is going with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Jeep could be a full-time job. This week has seen Chinese Automaker Great Wall announce its intentions of possibly buying Jeep from FCA, before backtracking on that a day later. Then rumors surfaced that FCA is considering spinning off Maserati and Alfa Romeo, along with its components operations. Now there is another twist. According to a report from Bloomberg, FCA believes Jeep could sell as many vehicles as a standalone automaker thanks to the increased demand for SUVs. The company forecasts that Jeep's annual sales will rise 30 percent to two million next year. FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne told analysts that the brand could deliver up to seven million vehicles a year if demand for SUVs keeps rising. But for Jeep to reach that ambitious sales goal, they would need to have their lineup (including the new Wrangler, Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer) to sell 50 percent more vehicles than what FCA delivered last year. “It seems pretty pie-in-the-sky at this point,” said Richard Hilgert, an autos analyst at Morningstar. Hilgert does also note most observers thought it was crazy that Jeep could expand to 2 million in annual sales by 2018 - something that is likely to happen. Marchionne also talked about why it would be a bad idea to split Jeep away from FCA. “We do need to worry about the stump that’s left behind,” Marchionne said. “If we start picking away all the things that appear to be interesting to people, then I think we’re going to end up with a sub-optimal business that cannot run.” It should be noted that only a few months ago, Marchionne floated the idea of spinning off Jeep. Source: Bloomberg View full article

We have been hearing about Chevrolet adding a crossover between the Equinox and Traverse for about a year or so. This week, we have gotten our first look at this new model possibly wearing a well-known nameplate. A spy photographer caught two Chevrolet prototypes testing alongside a Nissan Murano. How do we know they're Chevrolet models? You can just make out the emblem through the camouflage. The design is very much Traverse with a similar shape and large grille. The new crossover will use the same platform that underpins the GMC Acadia. Powertrains are expected to be a 2.5L four-cylinder and 3.6L V6. According to sources, the new crossover will have the option of three-rows to set it apart from competitors. As for the name, Automotive News reports that it will be called the Blazer. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

I'm not sure if this is turning into a Shakespeare comedy or tragic drama with everything that is happening.

The next-generation Jeep Wrangler will see the return of a pickup body style. According to a new report, the truck will be wearing an iconic name, Scrambler. Jeep Scrambler Forum (sister site to JL Wrangler Forums) has learned from sources that Jeep has picked the name last seen on the CJ-8 from the 1980's. They also obtained some CAD files showing an alleged frame and axles for the Scrambler. The drawing shows the Scrambler and Wrangler Unlimted frames. Compared to the Unlimted, the Scrambler looks quite different with a different arrangement of bars and bracing towards the back. It is also longer, about 33 inches according to the forum. As for engines, the Scrambler will have the 3.0L turbodiesel V6 with start-stop according to a dealer system computer. The turbo 2.0L and 3.6L V6 aren't listed, but this is most likely due to FCA building out their system. One interesting tidbit is the Scrambler will have a removable top. The dealer system reveals there will be two hardtop and a softtop. Source: Jeep Scrambler Forum View full article

Audi's current naming system for their vehicles makes some sense. The A1 is their smallest car while the Q7 sits as their largest crossover. But the German automaker has decided to change up their naming structure for their powertrains. Instead of the A4 2.0 TFSI, be prepared to see the A4 30 TFSI. Audi has announced today that it will be using two numbers alongside the model designation and engine type. The numbers don't signify engine displacement, but power output. Here is a list with the new naming system and power output they correspond to. 30 = 109-128 horsepower 35 = 147-160 horsepower 40 = 167-201 horsepower 45 = 226-248 horsepower 50 = 281-308 horsepower 55 = 328-368 horsepower 60 = 429-455 horsepower 70 = 536+ horsepower “As alternative drive technologies become increasingly relevant, engine displacement as a performance attribute is becoming less important to our customers. The clarity and logic of structuring the designations according to power output makes it possible to distinguish between the various performance levels,” said Dr. Dietmar Voggenreiter, Board of Management Member for Sales and Marketing at AUDI AG. The next-generation Audi A8 will be the first model to feature this new nomenclature when it launches in Europe later this year. Other models will follow thereafter. Source: Audi Press Release is on Page 2 Two numbers to signify the future – new power output designations at Audi Designations taking effect worldwide for all drive types Clearly discernible hierarchy in each model series Audi A8 the first model with new type designation Audi is adopting a standardized nomenclature for the power output designations of its worldwide range of automobiles. The names of the model series – from Audi A1 to Audi Q7 – will remain unchanged. Within the model families, combinations of two numbers will replace the various type designations previously used. The new designations stand for the specific power output and apply both to cars with combustion engines and to e-tron models with hybrid and electric drives. The reference value for the new model designations is the power output of the individual model in kilowatts (kW). Audi is thus subclassifying its model range into different performance levels – each identified by a two-numeral combination. For example, the numeral combination “30” will appear on the rear of all models with power output between 81 and 96 kW. And “45” stands for power output between 169 and 185 kW. The top of the Audi model range is the performance class above 400 kW, which is identifiable by the number combination “70”. In each case the numerals appear along with the engine technology – TFSI, TDI, g-tron or e-tron. The number combinations identifying the performance levels in the Audi product range increase in increments of five, and they represent the hierarchy within both the respective model series and the brand’s overall model range. According to the new nomenclature, in the future the spectrum will range from the Audi Q2 30 TFSI with 85 kW (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 5.4 - 5.1*; CO2 emissions in g/km: 123 - 117*) to the Audi Q7 50 TDI with 200 kW (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 6.4 - 5.9*; CO2 emissions in g/km: 168 - 154*). A special place in the line-up is occupied by the high-end, high-performance S and RS models and the Audi R8 (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 12.5 - 11.4; combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 292 - 272). They will retain their classic names in reference to their top position in the model range. “As alternative drive technologies become increasingly relevant, engine displacement as a performance attribute is becoming less important to our customers. The clarity and logic of structuring the designations according to power output makes it possible to distinguish between the various performance levels,” explains Dr. Dietmar Voggenreiter, Board of Management Member for Sales and Marketing at AUDI AG. The changes will kick off with the new Audi A8 generation in the fall of 2017. First among the two six-cylinder engines to be redesignated will be the 3.0 TDI with 210 kW – as the Audi A8 50 TDI (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 5.8 - 5.6**; combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 152 - 145**), and the 3.0 TFSI with 250 kW – as the Audi A8 55 TFSI (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 7.8 - 7.5**; combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 178 - 171**). In the coming months, all Audi model series launched on the market will be assigned the new performance designations beginning when they are offered for sale. Audi will change the designations of the remaining model series in the current product range in time for the new model year changeover in summer of 2018. View full article

Earlier this week, Chinese automaker Great Wall announced its intentions of possibly buying Jeep. It was hoping to make contact with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles about starting negotiations. But just a day later, Great Wall has poured a bucket of cold water on their plans. In a recent filing to the Shanghai stock exchange, Great Wall said there are “big uncertainties” with FCA and isn't sure if it will continue investigating it. The company also stated they have not made any contact with Fiat's board. "The company has not built any relationship with the directors of FCA nor has the company entered into any discussion or signed any agreements with any officer of FCA so far," Great Wall said in the filing. On this news, Great Wall's share price went into freefall on Tuesday that the Shanghai stock exchange put a halt on trading. Analysts find it hard to see FCA selling Jeep alone, as it is the crown jewel in their lineup. There are also the concerns of getting government approval. A recent report from Deutsche Bank AG said Great Wall could run into issues with getting approval from the Chinese government as restrictions have been placed on capital outflow. There is also the political ramifications in the U.S. due to President Donald Trump. Source: Bloomberg, Reuters View full article

At the 2015 Detroit Auto Show, Hyundai unveiled the Santa Cruz pickup concept. It was well received by the media and attendees to the show that Hyundai started making plans to possibly launch this truck, though the Korean home office had cold feet about this project. Much has changed since the debut of the Santa Cruz concept. Hyundai's sales have been falling as consumers are flocking to the likes of crossovers, SUVs, and trucks. So far in 2017, Hyundai has seen sales fall 11 percent. Michael J. O’Brien, Hyundai's Vice President of Corporate and Product Planning in the U.S. tells Reuters that the company's top brass has finally given the green light for the pickup project. It is expected to be similar to the Santa Cruz concept and will likely be based on one of Hyundai's crossovers. A timeframe for when would see the truck was not given. The truck is part of broader plan to get Hyundai back on track in the U.S. According to sources, Hyundai is planning to launch a new Santa Fe Sport next year, followed by a replacement for the three-row Santa Fe in 2019, and ending with an all-new Tucson in 2020. Source: Reuters View full article

The past few years have been tiring if you happen to be a millennial. There has been countless articles talking about how this group are not buying houses or vehicles. Of course, the reason is that millennials don't have the money (saddled with more debt, having entry-level salaries, etc). But that is changing. According to a report from Bloomberg, millennials are beginning to head out to the suburbs, and purchasing houses and cars. The reason? They're having their baby boom. According to data from the Zillow Group, Americans aged from 18 to 34 have become the largest group of home buyers, with almost half living in the suburbs. They're upsizing their vehicles as well to go with their new home. Large SUV sales jumped 11 percent in first half of this year according to Ford Motor Co. Midsize SUVs rose 9 percent and small SUVs jumped 4 percent in the same timeframe. “We do see that demographic group driving larger sport utility sales as they acquire homes, create families and gain some wealth,” said Michelle Krebs, an analyst at car-shopping website Autotrader. “They started with compact sport utilities and now, with families, they’re moving up.” Expect more millennials to follow suit. LMC Automotive estimates that sales of large SUVs will rise 25 percent between now and 2025. “There’s no question people are waiting longer, but people still want to have children. As long as people have children and those children grow and acquire friendships, it requires more space,” said Erich Merkle, Ford’s U.S. sales analyst. Currently, the largest group of buyers for midsize and large SUVs are Gen Xers, but millennials are expected to eclipse them due to there being a large number of them - about 80 million. “There’s going to be an extra 25 million people passing into and through the 35- to 44-year-old demographic over the next 10 to 15 years,” Merkle said. “That’s going to lead to a gradual increase in the growth of large and midsize SUVs that’s already starting to happen.” Source: Bloomberg View full article

I can't wait for the fire sale that will likely happen. Buy one brand, get the others for free!

Whenever there is a new 5-Series, the countdown clock is started for the arrival of high-performance M5. Today, the clock hit zero as BMW unveiled the 2018 M5. Under the hood lies a familiar twin-turbo 4.4L V8 with 600 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque - healthy increases of 40 and 53 respectively. A new eight-speed automatic is the sole transmission choice, sorry manual lovers. The 2018 M5 also comes with the M xDrive system which can either send power to all four wheels or just the rear wheels if you want to some smoky drifts. 60 mph comes in 3.2 seconds and can hit a top speed of 155 mph (189 mph if you opt for the M Driver's Package). BMW has also done a bit of work to the M5's suspension with new wheel bearings, firmer anti-roll bars, and a steel x-brace. 15.5-inch steel rotors with six-piston calipers up front and single-piston calipers in the rear help bring the M5 to a stop. A set of carbon ceramic brakes are available as an option. There has also been a bit of weight loss with aluminum being used for the hood and front fenders and carbon fiber for the roof. There is a special edition of the M5 called the First Edition that is limited to 400 models worldwide, with 50 of those coming to the U.S. First Edition models stand out from the standard M5 with Frozen Dark Red Metallic paint, gloss black used on the grille and tailpipes; and a set of 20-inch black wheels. The 2018 M5 arrives in the U.S. next spring. Source: BMW Press Release is on Page 2 The All-New 2018 BMW M5: The Quintessential High-Performance Sedan The 6th generation BMW M5 is the quickest most technologically advanced M-vehicle to date: 0–60 mph in a lightning-quick 3.2 seconds; 0–124 mph in just 11.1 seconds. Top speed: 189 mph with optional M Driver’s Package. The latest generation M TwinPower Turbo technology 4.4-liter V8 engine develops 600 hp and peak torque of 553 lb-ft. Debut of the first ever BMW M xDrive system with 2WD capability. M compound brakes fitted as standard. Available M carbon ceramic brakes provide a 50 lb. unsprung weight reduction. Like all M models, the chassis was honed on the world’s most challenging race circuit, the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Reduced weight by intelligent use of materials such as a carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof and a weight-optimized exhaust system. Exceptional performance both in day-to-day driving and on the racetrack. BMW M5 First Edition with exclusive specification available in limited 50 unit run in the US. Woodcliff Lake, NJ – August 21, 2017… Today, BMW unveiled the all-new 2018 BMW M5, a car that since 1984 has been regarded as the quintessential high-performance sports sedan. The previous generations of the BMW M5 all possess purebred racing genes and acquitted themselves impressively on the racetrack as well as on the road. The all-new BMW M5 represents the 6th generation and, like those that have come before it, delivers on these promises – and more. The all-new 2018 M5 will also debut the M-specific all-wheel-drive system, M xDrive. This new system allows the M5 to reach new heights of dynamic performance and delivers poise in all driving situations. Frank van Meel, Chairman of the Board of Management at BMW M GmbH, explains the benefits of this pioneering drivetrain technology: “Thanks to M xDrive, the all-new BMW M5 can be piloted with the familiar blend of sportiness and unerring accuracy both on the racetrack and out on the open road, while also delighting drivers with its significantly enhanced directional stability and controllability right up to the limits of performance when driving in adverse conditions such as on wet roads or snow.” When the engine is first started, the all-new BMW M5 will be in all-wheel-drive mode (4WD) with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) turned on. The driver is then able to vary the handling characteristics of the M5 by enabling various driving dynamics modes, including a rear-wheel-drive mode with no DSC. In this 2WD mode, the all-new BMW M5 offers drivers the opportunity to experience BMW’s traditional rear-wheel drive characteristics. Under the hood of the all-new BMW M5 is the latest and most advanced version of the renowned 4.4-liter V8 engine featuring M TwinPower Turbo technology with an output increase from the previous generation of 40 hp and 53 lb-ft, this new engine develops 600 hp and 553 lb-ft of peak torque to promise explosive acceleration and formidable performance. The twin-turbo V8 unit propels the M5 via the new 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic and teams up with the M xDrive system to transfer all of the high-revving turbocharged engine’s might to the road, and allows a 0–60 mph acceleration run in a mere 3.2 seconds, making it the quickest and most agile to date. The all-new 2018 BMW M5 will be available at certified BMW Centers in spring 2018 with pricing to be announced closer to market launch. M TwinPower Turbo, M xDrive and the 8-speed M Steptronic transmission The all-new BMW M5 features a 4.4-liter V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology. The high-revving power unit in the all-new BMW M5 has received a thorough overhaul and delivers its exceptional output of 600 hp from 5,700 to 6,600 rpm, while the tremendous peak torque of 553 lb-ft is on tap from just 1,800 rpm and remains constant all the way up to 5,700 rpm. The engine characteristics can be changed at the push of a button from the basic Efficient setting to either Sport or Sport Plus, resulting in a more crisp response to movements of the accelerator. The M engineers have implemented a raft of enhancements to endow the twin-turbo V8 with its phenomenal performance capabilities. These include newly developed twin-scroll turbochargers now delivering 24.46 psi of relative boost pressure as well as a higher maximum injection pressure of 350 bar (up from 200 bar). This allows shorter injection times and improved atomization of the fuel for sharper engine response as well as more efficient mixture preparation. Improvements have also been made to the lubrication and cooling systems, including an oil pan with a small front sump and new indirect charge air cooling units, which are more effective than its predecessor despite being almost 20% smaller in size. The oil supply system uses a fully variable, map-controlled pump and has been designed for weekend escapades to the racetrack, where it can handle very high levels of longitudinal and lateral acceleration. The cross-bank exhaust manifolds for the all-new BMW M5 have also been modified to optimize the flow of energy from the exhaust gas to the turbine wheels of the two twin-scroll turbochargers ensuring the best possible gas-exchange cycle. By fitting a Helmholtz resonator between the two silencers of the dual exhaust system, the M engineers have reduced its weight by 11 lbs. The sound from the active flap-controlled exhaust system varies depending on the selected mode for the engine characteristics, while the M Sound Control button allows further acoustic customization. The twin-scroll twin-turbo V8’s power is channeled to the road via the newly developed M xDrive all-wheel-drive system. The rear-biased set-up ensures that the front wheels only come into play when the rear wheels are not able to transmit any more torque to the road and additional tractive force is required. The main hardware components of M xDrive are based on the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system and the Active M Differential technology. Central M specific driving dynamics control software precisely to orchestrate the various components, providing enhanced traction, agility and directional stability at all times. The reinforced drivetrain allows it to cope with the higher torque, the rear-biased configuration and the 2WD mode. While the transfer case intelligently splits the drive torque between the front and rear wheels, the Active M Differential is responsible for then distributing the drive flow between the rear wheels varying the locking effect as the situation demands. With M xDrive, stabilizing interventions from the DSC system are only required in extreme situations, enabling the engine’s tremendous power to be converted into propulsive force with virtually zero losses. The M xDrive system allows drivers to command the all-new BMW M5 with even greater precision and directional accuracy to respond sensitively and directly to the driver’s inputs, which in turn enable fewer steering corrections when driving at the limit. Drivers can configure M xDrive at any time to suit their needs. Even in the default setting with both DSC and 4WD activated, the all-new BMW M5 allows a certain amount of slip at the rear wheels when accelerating out of corners to produce the agility for which M models are renowned while remaining perfectly controllable at all times. The all-wheel drive’s traction helps to produce acceleration times that are worthy of super-sports cars: 0–60 mph in a breathtaking 3.2 seconds and 0–124 mph in just 11.1 seconds. Switching to the M Dynamic mode (MDM, 4WD Sport) gives additional boost to the car’s handling agility. In this mode, more drive torque is directed to the rear axle, while the amount of permissible rear wheel slip is increased. While doing so, the onset of oversteer is noticeable in good time and the linear increase of the sideslip angle means that the vehicle remains stable. The three modes available with the DSC system switched off have been configured keeping track driving in mind. The 4WD mode is set up for the greatest possible controllability and traction, and already offers plenty of scope for exploring the dynamic performance capabilities of the all-new BMW M5. The 4WD Sport mode, meanwhile, with its blend of steering precision, agile handling and reassuring traction, guarantees maximum enjoyment and consistent lap times. The pure rear-wheel-drive mode (2WD) has been designed with the experienced and highly skilled driver in mind. This opens up the same thrilling experience already offered by past generations of the M5. The new 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic has been strictly geared towards high-performance duty while the wide ratio spread helps to optimize fuel efficiency. The transmission has been engineered so the torque converter lock-up clutch fully engages once the car has pulled away, proving instantaneous response. Lightning-fast gear changes with optimal gear ratio spacing ensure that even the most demanding driver will appreciate its technological prowess. The driver can choose between fully automatic shifting in D mode, or opt for sequential gearshifts via the new short gear selector on the center console or the M shift paddles on the steering wheel. The transmission’s shift mapping can be modified using the Drivelogic rocker switch in the gear selector. Drivelogic mode 1 corresponds to efficient driving. Mode 2 lends itself to sporty driving with its shortened shift times. Drivelogic mode 3 is optimized for high-sporty driving on the track thanks to its extremely short shift times. Those preferring to shift gears manually can also execute multiple downshifts to the lowest available gear, for instance when braking into tight corners. With manual mode engaged, there are no automatic upshifts when the engine is revved to the limit either. A transmission oil cooler ensures flawless transmission operation even when the car is put through its paces on the track. Newly Developed chassis technology. A new benchmark in driving dynamics The goal of the team responsible for tuning the all-new BMW M5 chassis was to achieve unbeatable driving dynamics with maximum directional stability. As is usual for BMW M GmbH, the tuning took place in part on the company’s own race circuit at Miramas in the south of France, as well as on the world’s toughest test track, the Nürburgring Nordschleife. The precise, agile handling that drivers have come to expect from previous generations of the M5 has been optimized for the all-new car. Individual driver needs are met by the wide range of options for configuring the vehicle, including M xDrive, the 8-speed M Steptronic with Drivelogic, the M-specific Variable Damper Control (incl. three driving modes: Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus) with electronically controlled shock absorbers, and M Servotronic steering (incl. three driving modes: Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus). A top priority when tuning the chassis of the all-new BMW M5 was to achieve neutral steering behavior with linear build-up of transverse loads across the full range of lateral acceleration. Whatever the driving situation, the electromechanical M Servotronic steering delivers exactly the right amount of steering torque. This ensures that the all-new BMW M5 has accurate steering and always communicates clear feedback to the driver. What’s more, because of all of these systems the car is great for long-distance driving or touring along the city thanks to the low steering force required for maneuvering and parking. The familiar double-wishbone suspension from the front axle of the BMW 5 Series has been reworked from the ground up for the all-new BMW M5 with M xDrive. M engineers have redesigned every component to factor in M-specific kinematic and elastokinematic characteristics. Directional stability is greater than ever thanks to the increased track width. The five-link rear suspension has also been modified to meet M-specific requirements. Optimized firmer anti-roll bars and new toe links featuring stiffer rubber mounts help accommodate the increased demands on the driving dynamics and steering precision. Specially developed for the M5, the elastomer bearings on the rear axle mounts ensure that there is no delay in transferring chassis forces, which makes for direct handling. An additional steel X-brace and an aluminum transverse strut increase the stiffness of the chassis linkages at the rear axle, resulting in improved response. Additional chassis modifications not visible externally perform functions that are no less important. For example, an aluminum tower-to-bulkhead and tower-to-frontend strut braces enhance stiffness at the front of the car. The complete chassis and powertrain package put together by the BMW M engineers is so detailed that even experienced racers like former Formula One star and BMW works driver Timo Glock are impressed: “Thanks to M xDrive, the new BMW M5 goes beyond the precise, agile drive that we’ve come to expect – it also serves up a noticeable boost in traction and controllability, both in everyday situations and at the dynamic limit.” The tires fitted as standard on the all-new BMW M5 (275/40 R 19 at the front and 285/40 R 19 at the rear) have been specially homologated for this vehicle. They are mounted on five-double-spoke cast light-alloy wheels in polished Orbit Grey (front: 9.5 J x 19, rear: 10.5 J x 19). 20-inch seven-double-spoke wheels in black or polished black are available as an option (front: 275/35 R 20, at rear: 285/35 R 20). All wheels are ZR speed rated, making them suitable for the 189 mph top speed achieved with the available M Driver’s Package (155 mph standard). The all-new BMW M5 comes with M compound brakes fitted as standard. Being significantly lighter than conventional cast iron units, these have the distinct benefit of reducing unsprung mass. At the front, the braking force is applied to 15.55 x 1.41 [in] perforated, inner-vented brake discs by blue-painted 6-piston fixed calipers featuring the M logo. Single-piston floating caliper brakes see duty at the rear on 14.96 x 1.10 [in] perforated, inner-vented brake discs, with integrated parking brake. M carbon-ceramic brakes are also available as an option on the all-new BMW M5. These brakes are instantly recognizable from the gold-colored calipers with M logo 6-piston fixed calipers and 15.74 x 1.49 [in] ventilated brake discs at front; single-piston floating calipers and 14.96 x 1.10 [in] ventilated brake discs at rear, resulting in 50.7 lb reduction of unsprung and rotating masses. This offers many benefits, including improved driving dynamics and increased suspension comfort. More importantly, the M carbon-ceramic brakes provide even better braking performance than M compound brakes, as well as improved fade resistance and even higher thermal stability. Sporting M design with distinction. Form driven by function “The BMW M5 has always embodied the perfect blend of mature business sedan and high-performance components. So you can think of the BMW M5 as the world’s fastest-moving tailored suit.” These are the words chosen by Domagoj Dukec, Vice President of Design BMW i and BMW M, to sum up the brief for the all-new BMW M5. Like all the models to come out of BMW M GmbH HQ in Garching, its design is M-specific and driven by function. For example, the newly designed front bumper trim, with its larger air intakes, has the task of providing the cooling systems and brakes with the adequate supply of cooling air – even in rigorous use on the racetrack. The car has a wider track than its predecessor, and the front side panels (made from aluminum to reduce weight) bear the signature M gills. Also carved from aluminum is the hood, whose precise lines create an eye-catching sculpture and extend visually into the roof. For the first time in the BMW M5, the roof itself is made from extremely lightweight, high-strength carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP). The redesigned rear diffuser, side skirts, the M rear apron and M rear spoiler, play their part in giving the all-new BMW M5 its powerful sporting appearance, and the exterior mirrors have a dynamic, M-specific design. In another example of form following function, the hexagonal central air intake in the front end not only separates itself sculpturally from the side air intakes, it also incorporates the oil cooler. The interior focuses squarely on the driver for absolute control in all driving situations. At the same time, the BMW M5 offers space for up to four passengers, a large trunk and excellent ride comfort. As a high-performance sports car and business sedan in one, it blends the best of both worlds. The driver is at the heart of the action. Equipment without compromise When it comes to the equipment on board the all-new BMW M5, dynamic driving experience is king. The center-point is the driver’s seat, from where all switches and buttons can be operated with optimum ergonomic convenience. All of the car’s functions are located directly in the driver’s eye line. The large digital instrument cluster from the BMW 5 Series has an M-specific design and keeps the driver informed on the driving dynamic mode, M xDrive all-wheel-drive system setting and Drivelogic option currently engaged. Key elements for the sporty driver are the variable rpm pre-warning field and shift lights that show the best time to shift gears. This data can also be reflected into the M-specific Head-Up Display. Virtually all of the driving dynamic systems can be configured using the central touchscreen display, buttons on the center console or M sports steering wheel, and the central information display offers BMW Gesture control. The M5’s engine is brought to life by pressing the red starter button. Among the essential features for drivers wanting to customize the driving dynamics are the new two red-painted M1 and M2 buttons next to the gearshift paddles on the M multifunction steering wheel, which allow drivers to configure two individual set-ups. These include their choice of M xDrive, DSC, engine, transmission, damper and steering characteristics, as well as the appearance of M view in the Head-Up Display. The all-new BMW M5 is trimmed with Extended Merino leather as standard. The driver and front passenger settle into M Multifunction seats with electric adjustment, seat heating and electric adjustment for the seat depth, and pneumatic backrest width adjustment deliver optimum lateral support. The M Multifunction seats feature integral head restraints that provide even better support in the shoulder area, an illuminated M5 logo and extended functions. With their racing-style bucket shape and the thicker side bolsters of the seat surface and backrest, the M multifunction seats offer even greater lateral support. For the first time, the M5 is now also available with all the driver assistance systems featured in the new BMW 5 Series. The all-new BMW M5 is available in a variety of exterior colors, some of which are reserved exclusively for the M5. New additions to the spectrum include Marina Bay Blue Metallic, an intense shade of blue. Inside the car, exclusive aluminum applications with a carbon-structure provide a special sporting flourish. The BMW M5 First Edition. Limited-run special edition with exclusive specification First come, first served is the motto as BMW M GmbH launches the all-new BMW M5 with the option of a “First Edition” special-edition model limited to a worldwide run of 400 examples with 50 units coming to the US. The 2018 BMW M5 First Edition will be available starting spring of 2018 with pricing announced closer to market launch. The all-new BMW M5 First Edition has exclusive Frozen Dark Red Metallic paintwork and includes BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line trim with extended features. This means that the kidney grille, the M gills and the four tailpipes of the sports exhaust all come in high-gloss black. The M5 First Edition is fitted as standard with 20-inch seven-double-spoke light-alloy wheels in black. The BMW M5 First Edition also has an individual flavor inside. The Piano Finish Black applications are complemented by a plaque on the center console indicating the car’s production number (“M5 First Edition 1/400”), pointing to the exclusivity of this BMW M5. The M5 First Edition comes a View full article