The bi-VANOS variable valve timing featured in the new M5 V10 ''ensures an optimum charge cycle,'' says BMW, ''thus helping to achieve extremely short adjustment times. This means in practice: increased performance, an improved torque curve, optimum responsiveness, lower consumption and fewer emissions. Each cylinder has its own throttle, a feature typical of racing cars. Throttle control is fully electronic and cylinder bank specific.''
In BMW's view, the seven-speed SMG gearbox is ''precisely the right transmission to ideally convey the V10 engine's power via the drive train to the wheels.''
BMW M is the first manufacturer worldwide to offer a seven-speed sequential gearbox with drivelogic function. ''Even more highly perfected than the previous six-speed transmission, the seven-speed SMG gearbox enables manual gear selection with ultra-short shifting times as well as comfortable cruising thanks to automated gear selection. The purpose of the additional seventh gear is to reduce engine speed and torque gaps.''
Thanks to the SMG's drivelogic function, says BMW, ''the driver can choose from eleven gear change options, which enable him to adapt the SMG's characteristics to his very own style of motoring.''
Six of these programs can be pre-selected in the sequential manual gearbox mode (S mode), the spectrum ranging from balanced dynamic to very sporty. With the gearbox in the S mode, the driver always shifts gears manually.
Whenever the driver activates the Launch Control function, the SMG Drivelogic shifts gears shortly before the maximum engine speed is reached at precisely the right moment and with optimum slip until the M5 reaches its top speed, which is less time than it took to read this sentence.
In the Drive (D mode) automatic gearshift mode, the transmission shifts the seven gears automatically, depending on the program selected, the driving situation, the road speed and the position of the accelerator pedal.
BMW likes to point out that the seven-speed SMG gearbox not only ''supports the driver in achieving motor sports performance, but also offers scores of safety features.''
For example, in critical situations, when the driver shifts down on a slippery surface, the gearbox opens the clutch in the fraction of a second in order to prevent the M5 from swerving out of control in the event of excessive drag torque at the driven wheels.
''The interaction of the V10 engine and the seven-speed SMG gearbox results in a level of performance,'' says BMW, ''which has so far been inconceivable for series-production saloons. Above all, there is one thing the M5 gives to its driver: driving pleasure at its best. Compared to the previous M5, the current model comes up trumps in all performance and fun disciplines.''
Testing of the M5 on the northern loop of the Nürburgring race track, which BMW calls the world's most demanding, resulted in lap times of approximately eight minutes. For BMW, this means the M5 can hold its own and is a worthy competitor of thoroughbred sports cars, leaving its competitors far behind.''
For now that's probably true, but it won't be long before one of the other European firms (or Cadillac with the V-series version of its upcoming STS model) goes it one better.
