Autoalert: BMW

Chris Bangle's 5 series has officially left the house to make way for Van Hooydonk version. The new Beemer 5 er gets my thumbs up for looking rather conventional in a good way of course. I was one of the many people out there who protested against the previous generation 5 series design. The new 5 series has a more muscular feel to it thanks to the smart combination of bulges & lines that co-exist harmoniously on its body panel.

The new 5-Series is larger than ever and it features pretty much the longest wheelbase in its segment – a total of 2,968mm. Apart from looking a lot like the F01 7 series, the new 5 does share a common vehicle platform with the F01(& of course the 5 series GT). The F10 and the F01 was a joint development and both models share the same components extensively. The mean body stiffness of the F10 is up by 55% as compared to the E60. That should further strengthen BMW's claim for producing the ultimate driving machine.

At launch, the 2011 BMW 5-Series will be available in Europe with four petrol and three diesel engines. The diesel lineup includes:

A 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 184HP and 380Nm (280.2 lb-ft) for the 520d that accelerates from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in 8.1 sec, has a top speed of 227km/h (141mph) and returns a combined fuel economy of 5.0lt/100km (56.5 mpg US)

The 525d is powered by 3.0-liter straight-six turbo diesel that makes 204HP and 450Nm (332 lb-ft) for a 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint time of 7.2 sec, a top speed of 236km/h (147mph) and returns a combined figure of 6.2lt/100km (37.9 mpg US).

The 530d features a 245hp and 540Nm (398 lb-ft) 3.0-liter turbo diesel for a zero to 100km/h (62mph) time of just 6.3 seconds and an electronically-limited top speed of 250km/h (155mph). It returns a combined 6.3lt/100km (37.3mpg).

The petrol range includes:

The 523i which is equipped with a 204HP and 270Nm (199 lb-ft) 3.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-six that allows for a zero to 100km/h (62mph) sprint in 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 238km/h (148mph) with a combined fuel economy of 7.6lt/100km (30.9mpg US).

Next up is the 528i with a 258HP and 310Nm (228.7 lb-ft) straight six. 0 to 100km/h (62mph) comes in 6.6 seconds while top speed is electronically-limited to 250 km/h (155mph). This model returns an average fuel consumption of 7.8lt/100km (30.2mpg US).

The 535i gets a new, 3.0-liter inline-six with a single, twin-scroll turbocharger (instead of the 335i's two turbochargers). It makes 306HP and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) for a zero to 100km/h (62mph) sprint time of 6.0 seconds and an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h (155mph) with a combined fuel economy of 8.5lt/100km (27.7mpg US).

The flagship 550i features a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine with 407HP and 600Nm (442 lb-ft). It hits the 100km/h (62mph) mark in just 5.0 seconds and has an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h (155mph). BMW says that it returns a combined 10.4lt/100km (22.6mpg US). Power is channeled to the wheels via

Two transmissions are available – the new 8-speed ZF automatic or two different 6-speed manual transmissions. The manual on the 535i, 525d and 530d with dry sump lubrication to reduce drag power loss and oil splash power loss. The 530d, 528i and 523i come with a manual transmission with a conventional oil supply.

If BMW's legendary handling of the standard 5 series still falls short of your expectations, then there is an optional adjustable damper system is called Dynamic Damper Control and is part of a system called Dynamic Drive Control which also varies throttle response, steering response and automatic gearbox shift pattern according to modes – COMFORT (only when the dynamic dampers are equipped), NORMAL, SPORT and SPORT+.

BMW put the new 5 series on a high aluminum diet with low steel intake to suppress unwanted weight gain of the 5 series. Doors, engine lid, and front side panels are now made of aluminium. Heck, BMW has invest a total of 50 million Euros in Plant Dingolfing just to handle the new use of aluminium in the F10 5-Series.

Those who are in good terms with the interior of the 5 series GT & 7 series F01 will not be offended with the new 5 series's living cabin. In fact the interior does look much more up market compared to its predecessor. The instrumentation panel’s multi-info display uses BMW’s Black Panel technology which is basically a big LCD screen which occupies the bottom of the instrumentation panel. There is no parking brake in sight – instead you get a button.

Other technological goodies that will definitely unleash your inner geek includes Head-up Display, Night Vision with pedestrian recognition, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning, Speed Limit Info, two rear entertainment packages and a Surround View system that uses cameras in the side mirrors and the front wheel arches in conjunction with Park Distance Control and the optional Reversing Assist camera to provide a 360 degree view on the iDrive display to assist parking.

This Beemer beauty set to go on sale in europe come March 2010 with the Malaysian launch following closely behind.

It is still a little early but tne next BMW 3 series has been caught testing in Germany. Apparently sales of the current generation are reported to be less than encouraging hence BMW has to get 3's successor up & running as soon as possible. Initial batch of spy photos don't usually reveal much but the wheelbase of the 3er seems to have lengthen.

BMW will try its best to keep its body mass low as possible for better fuel consumption and performance. There is even talk of a possible hybrid model which could do well in markets like the US and Japan. Variable valve timing, single- and twin-turbocharging, direct fuel injection, and stop/start systems are in the works for a new generation of modular, four-cylinder engines producing 140 to 230 hp. A 2.0-liter version with close to 300 hp is possible, but I am optimistic BMW will keep at least one of its 3.0-liter inline-sixes in the line-up. Rumours also suggest a small four-cylinder petrol turbo such as a 1.6-litre.

The sad part is that the 4.0-litre V8 from today's M3, replaced with a straight six twin-turbocharged unit with direct injection. BMW is also planning to Spawn a five-door hatchback '3GT' akin to the 5GT.