Skip advert
Advertisement

New BMW M5 MotoGP Safety Car unveiled for 2018 campaign

2017 MotoGP finale in Valencia will see debut of new BMW M5 Safety Car, based on the upcoming M5

The new BMW M5 MotoGP Safety Car - based on the next M5 - is set to clock on for its first shift at the final round of the 2017 season on 12 November, ahead of a full 2018 campaign.

It replaces the M2 coupe as BMW’s MotoGP Safety Car and is based on the all-new F90 M5 on sale next year. It will be the first M5 to feature BMW’s xDrive four-wheel-drive system bespoke to the fifth-generation M5.

Advertisement - Article continues below

BMW to join Formula E in 2018

Power comes from the 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 from the previous generation M5, but has been boosted to 591bhp and 750Nm of torque. The power increase and four-wheel-drive system results in a 0-62mph sprint of 3.4 seconds.

While the MotoGP Safety Car shares similar performance to the new M5, there are a number of features exclusive to the vehicle that differ from the road-going variant. 

Numerous carbon fibre components have been added in order to distinguish it from the standard motor, along with its unique multi-colour paint scheme, MotoGP Safety Car decals and the light bar on the roof. 

An all-new splitter exclusive to the safety car has been fitted to add further grip and help keep up the pace for the motorbikes behind, along with bucket seats lifted from the M4 GTS.

The 2018 campaign will be BMW’s 19th season as the “Official Car of MotoGP”, having been in partnership with the premier motorcycle racing series since 1999. The 2017 Valencia Grand Prix commences on 12 November and is the final round of the season. It will feature a title showdown between championship leader Marc Marquez and Italian rider Andrea Dovizioso, who trails by 21 points. 

Do you like the look of the BMW M5 MotoGP Safety Car? Tell us what you think in the comments section...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Top 10 best performance cars to buy 2024
Best performance cars - header image
Best cars & vans

Top 10 best performance cars to buy 2024

Performance cars have reached new heights of speed and interaction - here’s a list of our ten favourites from the current crop
2 Jan 2024
‘Good tidings we bring in an M5 Touring’: BMW kicks-off Christmas with super estate teaser 
BMW M5 Touring Xmas teaser
News

‘Good tidings we bring in an M5 Touring’: BMW kicks-off Christmas with super estate teaser 

BMW’s performance estate gets festive with a special Christmas wrap
22 Dec 2023

Most Popular

Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay
Road tax documentation
News

Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay

Drivers with newer cars will now pay £10 more per year, although the biggest gas guzzlers fare even worse
28 Mar 2024
Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power
Dacia Sandero - front
News

Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power

Both the Sandero and Sandero Stepway ranges have been tweaked, gaining more safety features to meet the latest regulations
26 Mar 2024
Car Deal of the Day: updated Skoda Enyaq at 0% APR and a free home wallbox charger thrown in
Skoda Enyaq iV - front cornering
News

Car Deal of the Day: updated Skoda Enyaq at 0% APR and a free home wallbox charger thrown in

Skoda’s family-friendly EV with 348-mile range is our Car Deal of the Day for 26 March
26 Mar 2024