2005 BMW M5 Preview

The Perfect Car Reborn

I'm a giant motorsport fan. I suppose I'm one of a small minority of F1 and Champ Car enthusiasts in North America, choosing

A personal favorite, Juan Pablo Montoya with the controversially designed FW26 has had an up and down F1 season thus far. (Photo: BMW Canada)

not to tune into the Indy Racing League (IRL) and NASCAR as I'm not big on going in circles.

I find it's a little more fun to have someone to root for while watching, so for the past few years I've chosen BMW Williams driver Juan Pablo Montoya in the F1 circuit, as he was a great interview in his Champ Car days and looks to still be an amiable sort, not to mention he's one of the most exciting racers around. I've also owned a bunch of BMWs, never wanted a Renault and only had the opportunity to lust after Ferraris, so the reason to cheer is complete.

Unfortunately the BMW Williams team has been a little off-pace this year, with moments of brilliance and the odd podium being the

As with all of the Bangle/Hooydonk designed BMW cars, the new 5-Series is controversial, with little middle ground. BMW enthusiasts either love it or hate it. (Photo: BMW Canada)

only reason to cheer against the dominance of the boys in scarlet. Still, JPM is usually out there mixing it up with his controversially designed FW26, twin-tusked 2004 car and adding excitement to the "parade."

The recently introduced BMW 5-Series is equally controversial in the styling department, with some dedicated roundel fans cursing the automaker for producing "anything so ugly" and others appreciative of the bold new design trend that has saved BMW from boredom. I happen to fall in the latter camp, having never been taken by the overly conservative lines of the previous generation.