“The new BMW M5 forms the perfect basis for a safety car, as its technical features ensure perfect handling, even at the limits of driving dynamics – on the road and on the racetrack.”Frank van Meel, President, BMW M GmbH
“A MotoGP Safety Car faces enormous challenges,” said Frank van Meel, President of BMW M GmbH. “It is vital to lead a field of unique, high-performance race prototypes safely through all sorts of conditions. Innovative motorsport technology is an essential part of this. The new BMW M5 forms the perfect basis for a safety car, as its technical features ensure perfect handling, even at the limits of driving dynamics – on the road and on the racetrack. Development never stands still in MotoGP, which is always pushing its limits further and further. The same is true for the BMW M GmbH – and the new M5 MotoGP Safety Car is an outstanding example of our pursuit of innovation and maximum levels of performance.”
Some of the BMW M5 features include the newly-developed M-specific all-wheel drive M xDrive, which is being used in the BMW M5 for the first time. With precise handling and perfect traction, this guarantees optimised driving dynamics in all manner of situations. The heart of the BMW M5, the 4.4-litre V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology, has been completely overhauled by the M engineers. It represents another significant increase in performance compared to previous models, with 600 hp and maximum torque of 553 lb-ft in the production M5. The new BMW M5 only needs 3.4 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h.
Work at BMW M Manufaktur in Garching converted the base car into the BMW M5 MotoGP Safety Car, preparing it to appear as the course car in the world’s fastest motorcycle racing series. This process included the addition of numerous BMW M Performance Parts, many of which are available as retrofit parts for the BMW M5 production model. These emphasise the sporty appearance of the Safety Car and meet all the functional requirements for aerodynamics, cooling and lightweight construction. These include various carbon components such as side sills, rear diffuser, rear spoiler, front kidney grille, door mirror caps and air breather slats. The BMW M Performance sport exhaust system is made of titanium, with carbon exhaust tips, and has been designed especially for use on the racetrack.
The partnership between BMW M GmbH and Dorna Sports, the commercial rights holder of MotoGP, dates back to 1999. The provision of the BMW M fleet is the core of the involvement as “Official Car of MotoGP”. There are also a host of other activities. The BMW M Award for the best MotoGP qualifier has been presented at the end of every season since 2003. The BMW M MotoGP Experience gives visitors the chance to experience the MotoGP at first hand. The BMW M MotoGP experts give them exclusive insights. On selected Grand Prix weekends, the BMW M GmbH presents its newest models and products.
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