2011 BMW 5 Series Saloon

The brand name BMW has always brought forth the image of quality and luxury. Everything from their sedans to their race cars have maintained an element of grace and beauty that is hard to match in the auto industry. BMW was founded in 1916 and is the parent company of Rolls Royce. The company has enjoyed a long history of automotive development and continues to keep its place on the cutting edge of technology.

Nothing epitomizes this better then the BMW 5 series. The 5 series has been in production since the mid 70's and fills the category of mid size executive car. Currently the series is entering its sixth generation with new advancements in technology and materials. Currently it is sold in sedan and touring car models.

The series has done so well that many European nations use cars in this class as police cars and government vehicles. Make no mistake the cars not only look nice but their performance matches their appeal. Add to the fact that they are durable and very comfortable and you have a winning combination. All of these features justify the price tag that is asked for each and every model.

Of course this has been true of the early models as well. With each update in the series the cars in the lineup have received overhauls, upgrades, modifications, and redesigns to make them more appealing. Add to the mix that BMW is constantly upgrading its engine lineup to be more powerful yet more fuel efficient at the same time and you have a very reliable series.

Another statistic that's constantly under revision between series upgrades is the size of the vehicles themselves. Sometimes adding half an inch here and two inches here can make all the difference in a car. This applies to all cars not just luxury or sports models. BMW has taken this into consideration, especially since its cars are so readily available to so many.

People of different ethnic backgrounds usually have different body proportions as well. That being said the constant upgrade and redesign of the size and the interior is designed to be a one size fits all. This is for the short and skinny to the tall and rotund. Safety is another feature that's constantly upgraded and the 2011 series is no slouch in this area either.

Aerodynamics are reworked with each generation to give newer models a sleeker and more modern appearance. This of course affects more than just appearance and increases the handling of the cars themselves. It can also improve fuel economy as better aerodynamics means less resistance to the car which equals less work for the engine to do. This is something that every car manufacture tries to accomplish but BMW manages to outperform the rest as usual.

2011 BMW Concept M5 Making A Statement

BMW is making a statement in 2011 by keeping it simple. By simple, BMW has kept the distinctive vehicle character, while enhancing both performance and efficiency and retaining the same "M" feeling.

The new BMW Concept M5 made its debut at the Auto Shanghai 2011. It impresses with its superior sport exterior and the exclusive BMW M5 driving experience. The high-performance characteristics are reflected by its unique design. In its design the M-specific drivetrain and suspension technology stack the Concept M5 a cut above the rest.

Another unique characteristic that puts the M5 above its predecessors is the M-Class all new V8 engine. Typical M-Class BMW carried the V10, but with new technologies this eight-cylinder power unit delivers a perfect combination of speed and acceleration. With numerous drivetrain innovations this new V8 engine has led to a reduction in fuel consumption and emission levels by more than 25 percent.

The BMW Concept M5's engine power is transferred to the rear wheels by a seven-speed M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic. This double- clutch gearbox, which was specifically tuned to the new V8 engine's performance characteristics, fascinates with extremely fast gear shifting, precise gear selection and a high degree of effectiveness that additionally optimizes the vehicle's efficiency.

The combination of the new engine with M Drivelogic is supplemented by an Auto Start Stop function. How the Auto Start Stop function works is fascinating; when come to a stop at road junctions, the high-performance engine is temporarily switched off. This avoids any unnecessary fuel consumption during idling. Then to continue on the journey, just release the footbrake and the V8 engine restarts without delay.

The suspension technology especially developed for each model is an equally crucial element of the well-balanced overall concept of any M-Class automobile. Exclusive M-Suspension components include; inter alia, the wheel suspension systems, specific axle kinematics as well as exceptionally effective and weight-optimized brakes, which also remain stable, even under high levels of strain.

The M5 has an integrated diffuser at the lower edge of the rear apron which effectively targets airflow at the end of the undercarriage. As a typical M-Class identifying feature, the BMW Concept M5 is fitted with a double-flow exhaust system, the double tailpipes are located at each side of the diffuser and surrounded by aerodynamically shaped trims. The discreet rear spoiler located on the boot lid serves to optimize the car's aerodynamic characteristics. This ensures additional down force on the vehicle at high speeds, which contributes to supreme handling of the M5.

The BMW Concept M5 combines outstanding performance resulting from racing-inspired drive and suspension technology with typical M-Class aesthetics that authentically express the vehicle's dynamic potential.