Tuesday, April 10, 2007

800bhp BMW M5 ///M Power

One accusation never levelled at BMW’s mighty M5 was that it lacked power. Annoying gearbox and far too many buttons yes, but 507bhp was generally felt to be sufficient.
Clearly not if you are Currency Motorcars of California, USA, however. The tuner, based in the state known for its environmental credentials has managed to raise the power output of the 5.0-litre V10 by more than 300bhp.

Images can be viewed @ my Picasa gallery here

This has been done by strapping not one but two intercooled turbochargers to it, boosting torque to 733lb/ft and brake horsepower to a dizzying 800bhp. That drops the standard M5’s 0-62mph time from from 4.7 seconds to 3.6 seconds. Currency Motorcars has also removed the limiter that pegged the M5 to 155mph rather than the 200mph the car would be capable of. However the power boost means the four-door saloon is now capable of snapping at the heels of a Bugatti Veyron and able to hit 240mph.

The car has been lowered by 35mm and rides on enormous 20-inch chromed alloy wheels hiding 14-inch brake discs. The interior has also received the bling treatment, and, not satisfied with mere leather and suede, Currency Motorcars commissioned a Florida Alligator skin interior. Dyed black for full menacing effect the hides cover everything from the seats, armrests and centre console to the steering wheel boss. The price for this one-off creation is £179,000 or roughly three times the price of a standard M5.

Images can be viewed @ my Picasa gallery here

No comments: