Hamann BMW M5 Edition Race - Stealth Bomber

Hamann Bmw M5 Edition Race Red Alcantara Seat

The car's owner also asked Hamann to create a special interior: red Alcantara is used on the door inserts and center panels of the black leather seats, with the Hamann logo neatly embroidered into the headrests. Matching carbon fiber is applied to the dashboard, center console, doorpulls and steering wheel. Under the hood, the twin-plenum air box above the mighty V10 is also finished in red carbon fiber.

On the fast country roads around Hamann's Bavarian HQ, it's obvious the lowered suspension and wider rubber has not compromised ride quality. The suppleness that is a hallmark of the M5's secondary ride is still in evidence, but sheer mechanical grip is much higher-as exiting a couple of corners on full throttle illustrates. The wider track has wrought two changes to the driving dynamics. The first is greater stability and lower roll in fast cornering. The second is a slight writhing felt through the steering on bumps and off-cambers, especially under hard braking, a characteristic that afflicts most cars with wide, low-profile rubber.

While the stage two engine kit makes response crisper and more meaty, it is only just discernible. So this car will be returned to Hamann for an upgrade to stage three. Like no one saw that coming.

Hamann Bmw M5 Edition Race Right Rear View

Hamann M5 Edition Race

Drivetrain
Longitudinal front engine, rear-wheel drive

Engine
5.0-liter V10, dohc, four valves per cylinder, Hamann software, sport exhaust

Suspension
Hamann lowering springs

Brakes
F: Hamann eight-piston calipers,15-in. cross-drilled rotors, braided stainless steel lines
R: Stock assemblies, sport pads braided stainless steel lines

Wheels and Tires
Hamann Edition Race, 9x21 (f) 10.5x21 (r)
Continental SportContact 2, 255/30 (f), 295/25 (r)

Exterior
Hamann Edition Race front bumper/spoiler, side skirts, rear bumper and diffuser, wheelarch extensions, rooftop spoiler, trunklid spoiler