News: Tuesday, May 16th, 2017
Here is the news recap for Tuesday May 16th, 2017:
2018 BMW M5
The last generation BMW M5 was not everyone’s favorite–although I managed to have fun with it–and it looks like BMW is set to further distance itself from brand purists with the next generation M5, announced yesterday. Coming as a 2018 model year offering later this year, the new M5 will be powered by the same V8 as the outgoing model, albeit tweaked slightly. This means that the 4.4L “Hot-V” twin turbocharged V8 is now pumping 600hp and 516lb-ft of torque to the ground.
If all of that sounds ok, it is the new developments to the platform that will anger purists. Rather than being solely RWD, as in the past, this is the first M-sedan to come with AWD as a standard option. In typical M-fashion however, it is still a capable, fun-loving system, as it sends all of the power to the rear wheels, most of the time, only kicking into AWD mode in hairy situations. To further complicate matters for BMW PR, the M-powered super-sedan is only offered with a paddle-operated 8-speed automatic. While M-fans might be mad, there is no doubt that with 600hp and AWD, the next M5 will be a performer.
2019 Lamborghini Urus
It should come as no surprise that Lamborghini, showiest and ‘purist’ of the performance brands, is finally folding to consumer market pressure and has confirmed production of the new Lamborghini Urus SUV. Hopefuls holding out for a naturally aspirated screamer of an off-roader are going to be disappointed as a new 4.0L twin turbocharged V8 is filling the void left by the tempting V10 and V12’s that Lamborghini’s stable is already powered by. What is not disappointing is the 650hp promised by this motor.
Underpinned by the same Volkswagen structure as the Audi Q7 and Bentley Bentayga, the Urus promises a proven platform to build off of. Â This platform sharing helps ensure the starting point will be below $200,000USD as well as keeping open the future for developmental improvements. Head of Lamborghini, Stefano Domenicali confirmed that a year after the introduction of the Urus–slated as a 2019 model for the end of 2018–a hybrid model would be released.
Audi and Android: They are learning!
Yesterday I reported that Volvo was tapping Google to develop the infotainment system for the future Volvo line-up, more than likely for the better. I proclaimed my hopefulness that this would start an industry shift towards allowing outsider specialist companies to develop their infotainment systems. It seems my hopes are being fulfilled, as Audi has announced today at Googles I/O development conference that Google would aid in development of the future Audi infotainment system. To showcase this technology, Audi installed it, and is displaying at the conference, in their Audi Q8 concept pictured above. Let the trend continue!
People buy Vintage Farm Stuff…?
While less of a news story, and more of an oddity, Mecum will be holding their first annual “Gone Farmin’s” auction showcasing vintage tractor and agricultural equipment, parts, and tires. Set to take place July 14-15 in Renfrew, Ontario, rare tractors like the above-pictured 1920 Allis-Chalmers 6-12 will be on the block. One notable quote from the press release by Mecum, “Muscle-tractor enthusiasts will be fascinated with the brawny Persian-orange power in this collection” [Emphasis Added]. So that is a thing. Neat.
ARA Championship, Olympus: Results
Subaru defended its rally pedigree at the Olympus Rally held in scenic Washington, along the western side of the state. Factory drivers David Higgins and Travis Pastrana took a 1-2 podium finish respectively at the rally, with Higgins winning 7 of the 10 competitive rally stages. Covering 138 staged miles, 44 teams got to experience the gravel-covered history of one of the first rally stages in the US, dating back to 1973. As the next rally is in Pennsylvania on June 2-3, stay tuned for more dirt-filled action.
The Speed Trap 