BMW's new M5, not on the 'Ring. Image: BMW AG
Cadillac used their 7:59 lap of the Nürburgring to promote the CTS-V as the “world’s fastest sedan.” Even when Porsche ran a 7:56 with the Panamera Turbo, Caddy kept up with their “world’s fastest” claim, since the Panamera Turbo’s lap wasn’t official. Now comes word that Cadillac will have some serious catching up to do: the new BMW M5 has (allegedly) lapped the Green Hell in 7:55. If this turns out to be true, the M5 gets the crown as the world’s fastest sedan, at least until Cadillac updates the CTS-V. The 2012 Corvette ZR1 is three seconds faster around the ‘Ring than its 2009 counterpart, and the 2012 Z06 Corvette is some twenty seconds faster than its 2005 equivalent. Surely GM could shave some seconds off the CTS-V with new tires and suspension tuning, if they want to retain bragging rights.
A lap time of 7:55 makes the newest M5 as fast as a Ferrari F430 F1, and within a second of the Porsche 911 Turbo 997, the previous generation Nissan GT-R and the Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG. It’s only three seconds off of a Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4, which is a properly fast supercar. Will the record be verified, or will BMW take to the ‘Ring to turn an even faster lap? Will Cadillac give up the title of “world’s fastest sedan” without a fight? Stay tuned, because we’re guessing this isn’t over yet.
Source: Auto Guide
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.
