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BMW has unveiled a 'CSL' version of the current M5 in celebration of 25 years of the models. The first M5 was based on the E28 generation and was introduced in 1985. This celebration version gets some exciting enhancements, including an increase in the V10 engine's capacity from 5.0- to 5.5-litres. Naturally, that results in a hike in power, the special edition model creating around 580bhp and 400lb.ft of torque - up from the standard car's 507bhp and 384lb.ft.
Combined with a drop in weight of around 50kg - thanks in part to the addition of a carbon fibre roof and lightweight sports seats - this one-off M5 is a good bit quicker than the standard car - which reaches 62mph in 4.7 seconds. It's not as practical though, as part of the weight saving measures mean the rear seats have gone. Neither is it as discrete as the standard car, this special wearing M power striping over brilliant white paintwork.
Suspension changes are limited to some enhancements to the variable damping system. The combined effect of all the changes apparently allows this M5 to lap the Nurburgring in less than eight minutes, or around 20 seconds quicker than the standard car. All that's likely to have BMW M fans salivating, but the official line is that it's a one-off, with no plans for production. Nothing stopping you making your own, though...
Kyle Fortune - 30 Oct 2009
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19 Mar: Toyota has announced a new variant of its city car called the Aygo Black, which is available to order now. It gets Tempest Black metallic paint, 14-inch alloys and Alcantara/leather trim. Prices start at £9,460 for the three-door version. [photo]
17 Mar: The Alfa Romeo MiTo is now available with the MultiJet II diesel engine. It comes with Start&Stop, which contributes to 65.7mpg combined cycle fuel consumption. Available in Turismo, Lusso and Veloce versions prices start at £13,995. [photo]
09 Mar: Last year average new car CO2 emissions fell by the greatest margin ever. The average new car in 2009 produced 149.5g/km, down 5.4% compared to 2008's results. The figure represents a 21.2% drop since data was first collected in 1997.
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