M5+muscles = world's fastest wagon

Published Feb 22, 2011

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This, according to the maker, is the world's fastest station wagon, the G-Power M5 Hurricane RS Touring - but then, any conversion based on BMW's five-litre, V10 M5 is going to be something special, right?

Right - check the numbers:

551kW at 7500rpm; 750Nm at 5000rpm; 0-100: 4.5sec; 0-200: 9.7sec; 0-300: 26.0sec; Top speed: 360km/h (limited).

Eish! How's it done?

Each bank of the V10 engine has a ASA T1-316 supercharger, feeding through a twin-scroll, water-cooled intercooler finished in G-Power's signature characteristic orange. The cast-alloy intercooler replaces the normal plastic airbox above the engine, where its short inlet plumbing produces same the hair-trigger response as the standard M5 - but with considerably more muscle.

Inside, there are lightweight, precisely balanced Mahle high-performance forged pistons with lower compression and increased stiffness, running on special conrods and gudgeon pins. The result is 179kW and 230Nm more than the standard M5 Touring.

Running a two-ton station wagon at 360km/h also requires some chassis tweaks; the RS coil-over suspension has nine-way adjustability for compression and rebound, and infinitely variable ride height. The Hurricane also runs on special 20” Silverstone Diamond double-spoked, dished rims and Michelin Pilot Sport tyres - 255/35 in front and 285/30 at the rear.

Stopping the monster is entrusted to 396mm discs with six-pot callipers in front and 380mm platters gripped by four-piston callipers at the rear. Ceramic brakes are an extra-cost option.

The interior has also been completely re-trimmed in premium leather and alcantara - even the original seat cushions are reshaped to provide more lateral support before being re-upholstered. G-Power's trademark diamond stitching covers almost ever surface - including the headliner, floor mats and the flolr of the luggage compartment, with G-Power logos embossed on the seats and headliner.

Only 1025 of these wild wagons will be built, at a starting price of €242 016.80 (about R2.8 million) ex factory, without local taxes. The cost to land one in South Africa (assuming G-Power will build you a RHD version) would be about double that.

BMW SA also cautions that it would be unable to service or repair a G-Power conversion.

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