Mr Poggel, what were the greatest challenges in developing the V8 engine for the new BMW M5?
Jürgen Poggel: The V8 engine is a high performance sports engine. Our goal in developing this new model was to make it even better that the V10 engine of the predecessor, which had already gained legendary status.
Where do you see the advantages?
One key advantage of this turbo engine is the high torque available from speeds as low as the bottom range. Whereas I have to use the right gear with the matching speed for the V10, the new engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology delivers unbridled thrust over a wide speed range. The new motor provides nearly 700 Nm of torque at a speed as low as 1500 rpm. In the V10, this was about 300 Nm. The characteristics of the high speed turbo unit with its extremely spontaneous response make the V8 in the new BMW M5 the ultimate sports engine.
What does that mean?
In many turbo engines, power output soon drops with rising speed. The output from this engine, on the other hand, remains constant from 1000 rpm. So rev limits make sense. And we have implemented a large number of technical measures that raise the response to the level of an aspirated engine.
What does the customer get from all this?
He gets outstanding performance and drivability on both the race track and public roads.
On the race track I have to shift gears less. The sensitive response allows me to balance the vehicle with the accelerator pedal over a wide speed range. This means faster lap times.
In everyday situations, the most convincing feature is above all the superior performance potential. The engine builds up a huge thrust, mostly over more than one gear. And we have raised the efficiency of the engine, so that it now needs considerably less fuel – both on paper and in reality. This benefits above all the range – in addition to your purse and the environment, a clear advantage over the predecessor.