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As we reported, the new
5 Series will be lighter and more luxurious...
The front-end will be constructed from
aluminum. By using aluminum, BMW hopes to reduce weight significantly, ensuring a more
favorable front-to-rear weight distribution and improved handling.
Gasoline
engines will feature the
Valvetronic system, while diesel
engines will receive a second generation common rail system operating at greater pressure for improved performance.
Inside the 5-Series, the iDrive system from the
new 7 Series will be available as
an option.
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The all new
E60 5 Series will be styled similar to the new 7 Series, with
dynamic coupe-like lines and more rear space than the current car.
The new 5 Series is also the first of a new series of BMWs built
off the same platform. Follow-on models will include the
6-Series coupe and the next-generation X5 SAV in 2005. |
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, techniques incorporated in the Z8 and the
forthcoming new Rolls-Royce.
The new chassis will be even more performance-orientated than
the current 5 Series, featuring independent suspension with
MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link layout in the
rear.
The new 5 Series will also be equipped with electronic control systems,
including a new version of iDrive and electronic driver aids like Active
Front Steering, which automatically corrects the angle of the front
wheels under sharp braking or other sudden external inputs. The new 5
Series will borrow other 7 Series technology items including automatic
damping control and body roll control.
The engine line-up will include the current car's 2.2-liter, 2.5-liter
and 3.0-liter straight-six units plus versions of the 3.6-liter and
4.4-liter V8s used in the 7-Series. The new engines will be revised to
feature BMW's Valvetronic throttleless technology and direct fuel
injection. There will also be several diesels including a 2.0-liter
four-cylinder and 2.5-liter and 3.0-liter six-cylinder units, and a new
4.0-liter V8. The transmission systems will include a six-speed manual
and a six-speed Steptronic semi-auto gearbox.
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The next-generation M5 will be even more powerful than its
predecessor, with a 5.5-liter V8 engine derived from BMW's F1
unit, which could produce as much as 500 hp. |
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