Return of the King...BMW M5

The e60 BMW M5 was one of the greatest sports sedans money could buy. It had a viciously howling 5.0 liter v10 with 507 hp and a redline of just over 8000 rpm. It not only worked as a businessman's every day car, but it could be given a thrashing at the track. I could probably use that sentence to describe every BMW "M" car, and I'm sure I will. The M5 was enjoying life until a car company by the name of Cadillac decided to make an M5 "killer". Their creation, the second generation CTS-V, succeeded in many categories to give the M5 a nervous breakdown. It had more horsepower and loads more torque, 556 hp and 551 lb ft from the supercharged v8, compared to the Bimmer's 507hp and only 380 lb ft of torque. The new CTS-V became the quickest sedan to 60 mph with a short sprint lasting only 3.9 seconds and held the lap record at the Nurburgring for sedans. I know that's difficult to understand but the CTS-V is actually good at going around corners, unlike most American cars. It was faster than the M5 in every category and also much cheaper. The Germans were not pleased and if you couldn't already guess, they're back with an all new model to show Cadillac who the boss is. Under the "F10" model designation, the e60 successor is designed to take back the throne it created. This new M5 is based on the new body style of the 5 series, BMW's mid-sized sedan. BMW has thrown away the high revving v10 and have gone with a 4.4 liter v8. The German's are fighting fire with fire, or force induction with force induction. That's correct, another "M" has succumbed to being turbocharged. Apart from the redline lacking in numbers closer to ten and less noise, it's all good news. Power is confirmed at 560 hp and torque is up to 502 lb ft, huge gains over the previous model. It'll take you 4.4 second to get to 60 mph, although I suspect less time than that due to BMW's conservative numbers. Not to mention the help of launch control from the seven speed twin clutch gearbox (DCT). Although it will probably still be slower to 60 mph than the Caddy, BMW has said they're not overly concerned with that because 0-60 isn't at the top of their priority list. Something that can't be said about American muscle. They were looking for an overall better track experience and I will put money on the new M5 beating the CTS-V's lap time at the 'Ring. Not only is this car's engine impressive, there are other new toys that the M5 can boast about. This car is dripping with "M" technology. It has a new "M" differential with a torque vectoring system that splits the power between the rear wheels. The electronically controlled multi-plate LSD will optimise traction and stability in high speed maneuvers and acceleration out of corners. The BMW "M" drive logic control center allows you to select the feel of the car such as throttle response, steering input and damper settings. I haven't even gotten to the best part yet, not only is there a lightning fast 7-speed DCT with paddles but it will come with the option of a 6 speed manual for those die-hards out there. I think its safe to say the king of the super saloon is back. It's not officially back until its debut this September but this should hold you over till then... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYRhV00HNck