Watch a brief teaser video of the Stig, from TopGear fame, rock a M5 around the track.

The 5th generation BMW M5, the most successful high-performance saloon in the premium segment of the executive class has been let out of its cage. The high-performance and dynamic 4-door sports car has received a number of improvements but none as much as the improvement in fuel economy.

Under the hood the new BMW M5 comes with a newly developed high-performance 4.4 litre V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo package. The turbo package consists of Twin Scroll Twin Turbo technology, cross-bank exhaust manifold, high precision direct injection and Valvetronic full variable valve control. All of this results in 412 kW (560 hp) output at 6 000 to 7 000 rpm and a maximum torque of 680 Newton metres from 1 500 rpm of lag-free power. Which allows the BMW M5 to complete 0-100km/h in just 4.4 seconds and 0-200km/h in 13 seconds, with a top speed of 250km/h (305 km/h with the M Drivers package).

The M5’s fuel economy has received the most love though, with the average fuel consumption clocking in at 9.9 litres / 100km, which is close to a 30% improvement over the previous model. Improvements have been made to the Efficient Dynamics technology, as well as including Auto Start-Stop function as well as Brake Energy Regeneration.

As with many of the new BMW cars, the new BMW M5 comes with a number of driver assistance systems, including: BMW ConnectedDrive, M-specific HUD (as standard), BMW Night Vision (with pedestrian recognition), Lane changing and lane departure warning system as well as internet connectivity.

Look for more information and details on a local release date as they become available.

Source: BMW

BMW have finally released information on the 2012 6 Series Coupe and there are a large number of exclusive and segment firsts to look forward to. First up, the new BMW 6 Series coupe is the only car in its segment to offer a combination of top-class sporting ability, touring comfort and 460 litre luggage compartment. It is also the only car in its segment that is available with Electric Power Steering and option integral Active Steering. And lastly; it is the first car in its segment to come with Adaptive LED Headlights, including low and high beam, cornering function, fog lamps and rear lights.

Looks wise the new 6 series coupe hasn’t changed all too much, although it has under-gone a minor sporty facelift thanks to a 39 millimetre increase in width and a 5 millimetre reduction in height.

Onto the good stuff; at release the 6 series coupe will be available in 2 engine options, a 640i and a 650i. The 640i comes with a 6 cylinder petrol engine and pumps out 235 kW (320 hp) and 450 Nm max torque at 1 300 – 5 800rpm. This translates into the 640i completing 0-100km/h in just 5.4 seconds and capping out at 250km/h. The fuel economy is surprisingly good as well, coming in at just 7.7 litres/100km.

The 650i naturally packs a little more heat, its V8 petrol engine produces 300 kW (407 hp) with a max torque of 600 Nm at 1 750 – 4 500 rpm. This extra power means the 650i completes 0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds but has the same top speed of 250km/h. All this extra power does have a negative hit on the fuel economy though, with the 650i clocking in at 10.4 litres/100km which is a little on the high side.

BMW do note that these fuel economy figures are provisional though, so we will have to wait till closer to the release for the final figures. Expect the new BMW 6 Series Coupe car for sale in South Africa later in the year.

Source: BMW

BMW’s latest offering in the individual motoring department comes in the form of the Concept C Scooter. As the name suggests, this scooter is still in the concept phase with the “C” part of the name standing for “Commuter”. BMW are focusing on the big scooter segment with the Concept C which will come in 2 different combustion engine choices with BMW giving some thought to an electric motor version somewhere further down the line.

The focus of the Concept C Scooter, according to BMW, is on agility, comfort and a maximum experience of dynamic riding. BMW note that the big scooter segment has grown rapidly around the world and are looking into targeting this potential market; however with the Concept C Scooter they are looking at changing things up a bit. Most big scooters have predominantly vertical lines and colour schemes, where as BMW are looking at a scooter with more of a sporty and dynamic styling.

The Concept C Scooter is powered by a 2-cylinder inline engine in conjunction with Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT). BMW note that this should set the Concept C Scooter near the top of the segment as far as engine power, torque and performance are concerned.

While there are still many details of the scooter that have not been released, one of the most impressive features to look forward to is the noticeable absence of rear-view mirrors. The conventional rear-view mirrors have been replaced by 2 video cameras near the rear of the scooter. These cameras record the area behind the scooter and display the images in 2 LCD monitors found in the front display panel of the scooter. This front panel will also display the speed you are traveling, the engine speed and other important data.

Source: BMW

BMW have announced that they will be ending production of their M6 Convertible and M6 Coupe’ models, they will join BMW’s discontinued pile which is already occupied by the fourth generation M5. The M6 Coupe’ was launched in 2005 and to date a total of 9087 units were produced, with the M6 convertible model released the following year in 2006 and a total of 5065 units produced.

With BMW’s discontinuing of these 2 models, that also ends the production of the V10 high-rev engine. This 10 cylinder engine was very successful during its heyday and was chosen as the overall “Engine of the year” in 2005 and 2006. For the following 2 years after that, BMW’s V10 placed first in the category of engines with over 4 liters displacement. The engine produces a maximum output of 7750 rpm and a maximum torque of 520Nm.

The BMW M6 Range gave racing enthusiasts a high performance vehicle that most importantly was road-legal. The M6 Coupe’ completed 0-100km/h in just 4.6 seconds with the M6 Convertible being only 0.2s slower, a true testament to the amazing performance of these vehicles. It is sad to see such a great vehicle end its production life but the vehicle will still live on the used car market for a long time to come.

Source: BMW

We previously featured the new BMW testing and environmental facility, now take a look inside with this behind-the-scenes video of a photo shoot with Katarina Witt.