BMW M boss hints next gen G80 M5 may get AWD and weight reduction

[Rated ///M Power]

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BMW M GmbH President Friedrich Nitschke has revealed some new details about the next-generation M5.

Speaking to Auto Motor und Sport, Nitschke said the current model is "suffering" and adding all-wheel drive on the next-generation M5 could be a "solution." While nothing is set in stone, the executive said the company would have to consider the effects that an all-wheel drive system would have in terms of weight and weight distribution.

Speaking of weight, Nitschke confirmed the next-generation M5 will be lighter than its predecessor. He declined to mention numbers but said he wants the weight savings to be "significantly higher" than the M4 coupe had over its predecessor. This suggests the next M5 will weigh at least 80 kg (176 lbs) less than the current model.

Source: AMS via WCF

[jlee]

About time!!! I may have to sell mine now.

[Hockey Guy]

Love my car but thank you Freddie on this! Weight loss I mean.

[RPiM5]

Sounds promising. I have no doubt that ///M will not disappoint. I am a bit worried about the next generation M5 engine though. I'm just not seeing where ///M can go next with engines. They are definitely not going to go with a bespoke engine as it would be too costly and go against the current business model of efficiency of shared parts with non-M engines. We'll start seeing more stuff in about 2 to 3 years about the next M5. The next generation 5-Series should be out in 2016 as a 2017 model year. So only a couple of more years away.

[soooma]

Hope so

[Hockey Guy]

The engine is the least of my worries. It will be great because the competition is simply that tough now. Size and weight of the car, Freddie!!: worshipbm

Master, listen to your disciples on this!

[alvinabed]

Hmmm.. Like the bbc topgear review of the current f10 m5, "where to go next?"

[Rohardi]

Fingers crossed for AWD...

[dhirm5]

I'm all for choices for those that need it, but I hope it's optional, as I'll not be ticking the AWD option box.

Make it lighter - great. The motor can stay as is as far as I'm concerned - tune it up a bit if you want for 600+ hp and we're good.

[URBAN LEGEND]

This is so far out that it's not even worth my mental energy. Build it and then call me.

[bigfra]

Honestly, it had to be awd. Any more power/torque and it's simply unusable! Especially staying in a bastardin country like Scotland which is wet 75% of the friggin year

[Hockey Guy]

Originally Posted by URBAN LEGEND

This is so far out that it's not even worth my mental energy. Build it and then call me.

I think Freddie and the Gang back at M are in pre-planning stages for it right about now. They need to design the basic 5 with the M in mind. Consider me an advance lobbyist.

[Johnmd]

AWD BMW? Not even a million years. BMW = RWD.

[Boss330]

Originally Posted by RPiM5

Sounds promising. I have no doubt that ///M will not disappoint. I am a bit worried about the next generation M5 engine though. I'm just not seeing where ///M can go next with engines. They are definitely not going to go with a bespoke engine as it would be too costly and go against the current business model of efficiency of shared parts with non-M engines. We'll start seeing more stuff in about 2 to 3 years about the next M5. The next generation 5-Series should be out in 2016 as a 2017 model year. So only a couple of more years away.

What they can do, is to use hybrid power in connection with the S63 (or any other S engine).

BMW M division has a 172g/km average fleet CO2 target they need to reach here in Europe. The S55 has it's lowest CO2 in the DCT version with 199g/km.

So, either M has to come up with more low emission vehicles (like the upcoming M2) to lower their fleet average down to 172 (to make up for the big polluters like the M5/6 etc). Or they have to start using hybrid powertrains in the same way we see in the McLaren P1 etc.

Time will show

[stealth.pilot]

Originally Posted by dhirm5

I'm all for choices for those that need it, but I hope it's optional, as I'll not be ticking the AWD option box.

Make it lighter - great. The motor can stay as is as far as I'm concerned - tune it up a bit if you want for 600+ hp and we're good.

If the AWD version is 200lbs lighter the RWD version will be 400lbs lighter.

[RPiM5]

Originally Posted by stealth.pilot

If the AWD version is 200lbs lighter the RWD version will be 400lbs lighter.

Exactly! But they should offer an AWD version for those who want one. Like those who live in rainy or snowy regions.

[frcotting]

Originally Posted by Johnmd

AWD BMW? Not even a million years. BMW = RWD.

BMW = RWD? Huh? Ever hear of xDrive? Or did you mean "M car = RWD"? If that's what you meant, ever hear of X5M, X6M?

[Hoopumpers]

Even though a WRX just dusted me at a traffic light because my rear tires were spinning in place. I don't care. No AWD for me. No thank you.

Weight savings uber alles

[Hockey Guy]

Laughing with you bro, laughing with you.

Check out my uber expensive chick magnet car. No one spins 'em like I do!!

[M6-Coupe]

Originally Posted by RPiM5

Exactly! But they should offer an AWD version for those who want one. Like those who live in rainy or snowy regions.

I think eventually BMW goes to the way Mercedes and Audi went to offer AWD (or Xdrive whatever they call) for M5/M6. Hopefully it's optional since there are people including me, prefer RWD.

[Bimmer6]

Originally Posted by Hoopumpers

Even though a WRX just dusted me at a traffic light because my rear tires were spinning in place. I don't care. No AWD for me. No thank you.

Weight savings uber alles

Agree plus one make it optional. Speed is relative to the application, or who wants to say I have the biggest balls.

[stealth.pilot]

Originally Posted by RPiM5

Exactly! But they should offer an AWD version for those who want one. Like those who live in rainy or snowy regions.

I agree with that. I would probably get an AWD one myself as a crutch because my driving skills are not world class like my M5.

But a true enthusiast would buy a RWD one.

I read on 6speed about a guy who bought a 997 turbo and modified it to RWD and also took out 400lbs in various weight savings. That's an enthusiast car.