Pierce
8th April 2002, 22:37
i read this earlier today from consumer guide
http://www.consumerguide.com/index.cfm?act=auto&main=detail&body=../autochannel/vehicledetail/snap15139
"Model News
Industry sources say the current 5-series design (what BMW calls"E39") should be replaced by late 2002 with new models ("E60") boasting sleeker styling, lightweight aluminum suspension components, and an available 6-speed automatic transmission. The existing 540i V8 should be little changed, but the current 2.8-liter six will reportedly grow to 3.0 liters and about 220 horsepower, while the next M5 will be hiked to 450 hp. Other new features are said to include electric instead of hydraulically operated steering and, for top-line models, so-called"adaptive"headlights that use satellite signals to adjust their intensity to suit urban or rural driving conditions. Sedans will debut first, likely as 2003 models in the U.S., with wagons following soon after.
Also on the menu are new 5-based coupes and convertibles, which may be sold under the 6-Series nameplate last seen in the late 1980s on cars that also owed much to a contemporary 5-Series. Whatever they're called, the new 2-doors should have their own look, said by some sources to be patterned on the angular Z9 concept car first shown in late 1999. Available information suggests a planned introduction around 2004, perhaps a bit earlier. "
http://www.consumerguide.com/index.cfm?act=auto&main=detail&body=../autochannel/vehicledetail/snap15139
"Model News
Industry sources say the current 5-series design (what BMW calls"E39") should be replaced by late 2002 with new models ("E60") boasting sleeker styling, lightweight aluminum suspension components, and an available 6-speed automatic transmission. The existing 540i V8 should be little changed, but the current 2.8-liter six will reportedly grow to 3.0 liters and about 220 horsepower, while the next M5 will be hiked to 450 hp. Other new features are said to include electric instead of hydraulically operated steering and, for top-line models, so-called"adaptive"headlights that use satellite signals to adjust their intensity to suit urban or rural driving conditions. Sedans will debut first, likely as 2003 models in the U.S., with wagons following soon after.
Also on the menu are new 5-based coupes and convertibles, which may be sold under the 6-Series nameplate last seen in the late 1980s on cars that also owed much to a contemporary 5-Series. Whatever they're called, the new 2-doors should have their own look, said by some sources to be patterned on the angular Z9 concept car first shown in late 1999. Available information suggests a planned introduction around 2004, perhaps a bit earlier. "