The diesel V8 engines, long a hallmark of BMW, will now be a thing of the past as BMW announced plans to phase them out entirely, replacing them with the more environmentally friendly forced-induction models.

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When Audi released the RS4 in February 2005 nobody expected it to be a true competitor to BMW’s benchmark M3 coupe, but with the benefit of quattro all-wheel-drive, a boost in power, and better weight distribution, the performance sedan managed to upset its rivals. Audi has decided, however, to not produce a RS4 sedan this time around, and instead concentrate on the RS5 coupe, which is expected to debut in February next year in time for the 2009 Geneva Auto Show.

These latest spy photos show the RS5 being put through its paces on the Nurburgring, the legendary circuit that has become popular of late among carmakers for its demanding surface and use as a testing and proving grounds. The new wheels and reworked front air dam indicate the car is nearing final specification, including a prototype of the final engine that will power the car.

Previous spy shots revealed Audi has been testing the new car in Death Valley, USA. It is expected to get a new front-end treatment compared to the rest of the A5 lineup. Like the RS4, expect the final production RS5 to be fitted with large fenders and an aggressive rear-end as well.

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BMW M Gmbh Sales Exceed Figures Of Entire Previous Year Already In August 2008

BMW M GmbH is heading for a considerable plus in sales in this business year compared to 2007. In the 30th year since the start of vehicle production, the company has sold more than 16,150 units worldwide already between January and August, exceeding the total sales figure of the previous year (16,128 units). “This is really a strong statement of our customers”, said Ludwig Willisch, Chairman of the board of BMW M GmbH. “The fact that we have been able to achieve such extraordinary success, particularly in 2008, speaks for the uniqueness of the BMW M models.”
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