BMW M5 Touring i M6 Cabrio [2005] :: Automobilizam ~ Formula 1 ~ Karting ~ Moto sport

Here is the first solid evidence that BMW has given the green light to what will potentially be the fastest estate car on the planet. That distinctive nose and those M5 alloys would have raised our suspicions, but it is the menacing quad exhaust pipes that mark this BMW Touring out as an ‘M-car’, the ultimate in performance BMWs. It’s a welcome but hardly surprising development, as BMW would have been unlikely to sit still whilst Audi and Mercedes Benz dominated the super-estate market with their 444bhp RS6 Quattro Avant and 476bhp E55 AMG estate. As towering as those V8 powerhouses are, BMW brings no less than 507bhp to the game, courtesy of the sensational V10 powerplant that already resides under the bonnet of the M5 saloon, a car that goes on sale here in a couple of month’s time.

A BMW GB spokesman has told 4Car that no decision has been taken on production of an M5 Touring, but coyly added that if such a car were to go into left-hand drive production “we would be asking for a right-hand drive version. After all, more Touring M5s of the previous generation have been sold overall than saloon versions.” There has never been a right-hand drive version of the M5 Touring, but BMW “would love to have one for the UK.” 4Car believes there’d be a long list of willing customers who’d be as intrigued as we are at the notion of an estate capable of carrying a family (with dog) at up to 205mph (without electronic restriction). Inspired. Mad, but inspired...

The M6 coupe made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show, and its drop-top counterpart will follow it on sale next year. The M6 Cabriolet will share the lightweight, high-tech 5.0 V10 (507 bhp, 384lb ft) with the coupe and M5 saloon, and though its extra bodyweight will slow it down a little, it's still expected to run 0-60 mph in less than five seconds. The seven-speed sequential manual gearbox (SMG) will be fitted too, plus the speed-sensing variable differential lock, standard electronic damping control, modified DSC stability control to allow a little more oversteer, and M-tuned two-mode Servotronic steering, and the "power button" for modified throttle response. Styling details to distinguish it from the mainstream 6-series cabrios will include a deeper front air dam, more contoured side sills, a rear valance with more pronounced spoiler and four rear exhaust tailpipes, and exclusive M paint colour options will be offered. Equipment will include fully-adjustable leather M sports seats and a head-up display.