2011 BMW 5 Series further details surface - Active Hybrid 5

New details about the next generation 5-Series have been reported by a very reliable BMW insider according to BMWblog.com.

Set to arrive in 2010, BMW is hoping their next generation 5-Series can reclaim lost marketshare particularly in the German home market where the Audi A6 and the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class have made serious sales inroads.

One of the core targets for the 5-Series is weight. Several methods were used to reduce the weight which benefits both performance and fuel consumption. Such measures include using lighter body construction materials and producing parts like water pumps, transmission cases and suspension mounts out of lighter substances.

Although quite related to the 5-Series GT, the sedan will only share a minimum number of body panels with its four-seater sibling. Among them are the door handles, the side indicator lights and the side mirrors.

BMW has deliberately designed the car to look more compact than it actually is to help it stand out in a segment populated by cars that look quite large. The short overhangs, the low roofline and the wide track will ensure this happens.

EfficientDynamics systems are now an integral part of most BMWs sold in Europe so expect to see the next evolution of the fuel-saving measures. The 2011 5-Series will be fitted with hybrid power for two models. The first will be the same mild ActiveHybrid system used in the 7-Series while the other will be one from the X6 ActiveHybrid. Instead of the V8 petrol though the car will use a 3.0d engine.

Click the source link below to read the full BMW insider's essay.