The technical file says that this car, a BMW M5 Touringit has two engines, an electric and one electric, and that between the two achieve a power of 727 horsepower and 1,000 nm of torque. This means that just the pilot steps on the accelerator thoroughly, the back and the whole body stick to the seat and there is no chance to move.
During the last Grand Prix of the Argentine Republic of MotoGP, Clarion He had the opportunity to go aboard the car that leads the fleet of safety vehicles of the highest category of world motorcycling.
We walk through the Paddock of the International Termas Circuit of Río Hondo, crossed the boxes and enter the track. Plotted with black, blue, white and red, with blue and red LED beacons, two BMW M5 MotoGP Safety Car They await us about the grid. One is sedan and the other rural (touring). We got on the latter.
The pilot is Alfredo Saldón (36), a Spaniard who started running in Karting at age 7 and has already been driving the security cars for Dorna, the company that organizes the MotoGP.
We sat on the companion’s armchair so that a assistant then helps us to fasten and adjust the Five -point safety belt. In the back square Two other journalists go.
The interior highlights the modern and minimalist design. The board consists of a screen that extends to the center of the front plate. On the left, in front of the driver, driving data and in the center, information about the state of the car in general and the control of all functions.
The BMW M5 door is closed and Alfredo tells us with his Spanish accent: “Get out because the first curve is strong.”
The pilot steps on the pedal thoroughly, we feel the strength of acceleration and the first thing that catches our attention is that during the first seconds we do not listen to anything. Accustomed to 100% combustion engines that are barely required, this hybrid makes us notice their electric side of start. Of course, the other, the V8 Naftero, immediately appears with a sound that for those who like iron is a symphony.
In less than 4 seconds we exceed 100 km/h over the main line of the circuit. You have to say it: this asphalt is a billiard.
The BMW M5 Touring Safety Car develops a power of 727 hp and 1,000 Nm of Torque.The first curve arrives on the right, we stop markedly in a few meters and the automatic box accompanies a couple of recesses. The curve is very pronounced and the force G feels in the body. Automatic and instinctively we have that rookie reflection of making strength with our feet to endure the onslaught. We do not finish folding that the pilot already begins to accelerate again, the marches are increasing and we align to face the next turn, to the left.
Again bounces, we fold and immediately comes another curve, to the right; already more demanded by the layout we grab the pianitos. The experience is complete and that the best part did not yet come.
We leave the curve and see a gray leakage point. Alfredo steps on the accelerator thoroughly and faces the main straight line. We arrive at the 250 km/h of maximum (electronically limited) and adrenaline increases when we see that a closed curve is coming to the right. Now is where the brakes are tested to the fullest. It is incredible as this pure power and torque machine, heavier than any racing car, has no difficulty lowering the speed and accommodating to grab another of the most demanding curves of the layout.
The M5 touring version.Always with both hands in the steering wheel “at 10 and 10,” the pilot bends and closes from left to right on the turn, touching the pianitos with the two right wheels. As in this and all the curves that test the dolls, the chillidos of the roofs feel, another guideline that we are going to the limit.
We accelerate again and the next curve is soft to the left. The speed? 200 km/h, says Alfredo.
To face the nine curve, on the left, we cross the entire track and the ten is to the right, where yes or yes you have to pass over the pianitos so as not to lose so much speed. The relief is felt but the car He never loses the tread, or at least he doesn’t feel.
There is also a sedan model that is part of the Safety Car fleet.The last part of the circuit gives us another accelerated more, with that severe roar, to maximum revolutions marked by the efficient and precise eight -speed gearbox. To highlight: the soundproofing of the cabin. The engine is heard because it demands it and the sound never becomes an annoying noise.
Then comes the part locked before the main line, where this M5 shows again with its stability to bend the last curve. The final meters are reducing speed, to stop on the goal.
The return time? Two minutes and 14 seconds. Not bad considering that we started the return of 0, we complete it by braking again to 0 and above the BMW M5 Touring we were four people. Last year, the TC2000 pole was with a time of 1: 48,466.
The M5 can travel up to 69 kilometers in electric mode. With the car stand, the worst part comes: get off. Adrenaline still runs through the body and gives us the certainty of having lived a spectacular experience.