612bhp BMW 5-series

Can’t wait for the new BMW M5? German tuner Racing Dynamics can’t either, so it’s released details of a pair of cars that could push the forthcoming 5-series into super-saloon territory before BMW’s M Division gets a look-in.  The headline act is the R50S, a 612bhp Bavarian muscle car based around the 550i. The V8 twin-turbo engine sees power up 210bhp from the standard Beemer, while the hike in grunt is supplemented by a new locking rear diff, revised suspension (lowering the car 35mm) and a ‘high performance’ brake option behind forged 21in wheels. It’s a good job too, because this two-ton behemoth will apparently sail past the magic 200mph on its way to a 211mph top speed. Noise is taken care of via a specifically tuned exhaust system, which promises a sportier sound without being too brash.  If you can’t stretch to the full-fat R50S, take a look at the semi-skimmed R35, a slightly less extreme car based on the 535i.  Featuring BMW’s venerable straight-six turbocharged engine tuned to 404bhp, this Five hits 60mph in 5.3sec, shaving 0.7sec from your run-of-the-mill 535i.  Interior-wise, expect the Deutschland duo clad in various carbon fibre and posh wood effects.  Aachen-based Racing Dynamics has a long history of tuning BMW group cars, and offers parts for BMW, Mini, Rolls Royce and Range Rover. Find out more about its work here. Follow evo on Twitter or join us on Facebook for the latest car news and views