With the launch of the next generation F10 BMW 5-Series arriving in 2010, the high-performance M5 version is to follow a year later. However, the M5 will lose its Formula One inspired naturally aspirated V10 engine, according to Automotive News.
Despite the low volume 2002 Turbo of 1973 and E23 745i of the mid 1980's, BMW engineers have historically turned away from forced induction in favor of high revving naturally aspirated engines - from a performance point of view. However, with turbo technology advancements over the past decade, turbo charging has turned into a viable alternative to high displacement engines with comparable performance characteristics.
The first evidence of the changing BMW mindset was in 2006 with the award winning N24 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline 6 cylinder engine found in the BMW 335i E92 Coupe. Since them, this engine has found its way into the entire BMW model range.
Therefore, it's no surprise, BMW's newest turbo engine, the 4.4-liter V8 found in the X6 SUV, will be optimized for more power and put into the new M5 model due in 2011. According to an insiders, the new M5 will produce, "400 kW (536hp) and more of output."
Currently, Audi holds the horsepower title amongst German auto makers with their 580hp twin turbo V10 Audi RS6.
Source:WorldCarFans
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