2017 BMW G30 5-Series caught lapping the Nurburgring very quickly. It sounds like it has a V8 engine – (VIDEO)
Over the past several months, we have been getting new information in the form of intelligence and spyshots of the upcoming 2017 BMW 5-Series. Code-named the G30 5-Series, BMW is in the process of adding the finishing touches before they unveil it to the general public later this year. BMW has sold over 2 million copies of the current generation 5-Series.
The latest video was just released this morning and it shows a prototype G30 making the rounds at the Nurburgring. At one point, the test mule loses it and is seen drifting around a turn.
Engine Details
Judging from the engine noise coming from the exhaust pipes, I would guess that what we have here is the future 550i model. The top-of-the-line 5 Series would share the N63 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with the BMW 7-Series. It is unlikely that the engine specs would change significantly between the 5-Series and the 7-Series. Within the 7-Series, the N63 puts out 450 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. Within a possibly lighter 5-Series, I would expect that power produced from the N63 would go a lot farther in the 5-Series.
Cluster Architecture (CLAR)
BMW is switching to a shared platform with the other vehicles in the line-up called a Cluster Architecture (CLAR). In addition to being shared across the lBMW passenger vehicle range, CLAR makes extensive use of aluminum and carbon fiber reinforced plastic in its structure. The result is a considerably lighter body chassis than what is in place in the current generation 5-Series. Rumors have it that the weight savings total 221 pounds.
A wide range of engine variants
An additional benefit to the CLAR platform is that it can accommodate a wide range of drive trains. The upcoming G30 will be offered in a number of engine options including a 2-liter 4-cylinder diesel variant, 3-liter 6 cylinder gasoline variants and a the 540i putting out 340 horsepower. A plug-in hybrid model is also expected in the form of a 540E iPerformance model. There is also the possibility that a second PHEV may be in the future having a similar layout as on the 330e iPerformance model. Let us also not forget the legendary M5, which will be included in the lineup as well.
The upcoming 5-Series is expected to be filled to the brim with the latest technologies. From all sorts of driving assistants to remote controlled parking to gesture control, they will all be included within the iDrive 5.0 System.
What are your thoughts on the G30 5-Series?
