Car Guy Magazine Car Guy Magazine Issue 1114 | Page 47

be achieved, paving the way for improved power output. A forged,
torsionally stiff crankshaft is used to transfer the impressive torque, its
low weight contributing to a significant reduction in rotating masses
and thus a further sharpening of the engine’s responses.
From race track to road.
In the development of every model at BMW M GmbH, a familiar maxim applies: it must be “fit for the Nordschleife”. The aim in the
development of BMW M cars is to master the world’s most challenging race track at race speed without a hitch. The extreme lateral and
longitudinal acceleration generated when lapping the Ring places
huge demands on the engine’s oil supply. But sophisticated oil sump
and suction snorkel geometry allows the new BMW X5 M and BMW
X6 M to safely operate up to 1.2 g lateral acceleration.
The cooling systems for the new X5 M and X6 M are similarly
track-ready, as highlighted the first time you set eyes on the vehicles
by the large air intakes in the front end. A combination of low-temperature and high-temperature radiators ensures that the optimum
temperature is maintained for engine cooling fluid, charge air, engine oil and transmission oil – even when venturing into high-performance territory.
The exhaust system has been modified to satisfy the sporting
ambitions of the new M models. A distinctively familiar BMW M engine note resonates out across the whole rev range via electrically
controlled flaps, which open or close according to demand, and
sounds even sportier and richer than that of its predecessor. Selecting one of the preconfigured driving modes, moreover, engages a
finely balanced set-up that also provides acoustic feedback on the
engine load at any one time.
The chassis. Heights of agility, precision, poise and assurance.
The new X5 M and X6 M once again set the pace in the highperformance Sports Activity Vehicle and Sports Activity Coupe segments thanks to extensive chassis upgrades. These combine to provide outstanding performance together with unbeatable directional
stability and excellent traction, along with the type of neutral selfsteering typical of M vehicles, in particular when accelerating out of
corners and approaching with the dynamic limits.
To this end, the double-wishbone front suspension features revised kinematics. A modified upper wishbone (increase in camber,
optimized camber progression and steering pivot axis) allows a further increase in cornering force potential and agility. At the same
time, M-specific elastokinematics with more rigid bearings improve
wheel guidance and therefore directional stability – both at the front
suspension as well as the Integral-IV rear suspension (an independent suspension system with anti-squat and anti-dive geometry).
Firmer suspension spring tuning and a 10-milimeter drop in ride
height team up with the Active Roll Stabilization to bring about an
effective reduction in body roll, pitch and yaw. In addition, the X5 M
and X6 M come standard with self levelling rear air suspension. Dynamic Damper Control with electronically adjustable dampers – the
driver can select from three modes (COMFORT, SPORT and SPORT+)
at the touch of a button – ensures the perfect balance between dynamic flair and ride comfort.

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