BIG NEWS

Since BMW announced the G90/G99 M5 in 2024, it has garnered plenty of attention—some good, some… less so. On one hand, the Germans delivered a twin-turbo V8 and are finally sending an M5 wagon stateside. On the other hand, that bundle of cylinders is accompanied by a plug-in hybrid system that brings the M5 wagon’s weight to a whopping 5,530 lbs. That’s on par with a standard F-150 pickup! Fortunately, the performance does not disappoint. A combined 720 hp and 782 lb.-ft of torque drive all four wheels and bring the car to 60mph in 3.2 seconds.

THE WHEELS START TURNING

“Sounds like a great car.” That’s what Dennis Nuhanovic, owner of Precision Motorsports, thought. He secured a San Marino Blue M5 Touring for his shop. Being an Akrapovič dealer via Turn 14 Distribution, selecting an exhaust was easy. Precision Motorsports placed their order for the Evolution Line Titanium Exhaust system early, with unique hexagonal tips and the carbon fiber diffuser for an aesthetic complement. Dennis notified his Turn 14 Sales rep of the purchase, and the seeds of an Akrapovič Dealer Demo Tour were started.

Akrapovič Dealer Demo Tours are performed worldwide to highlight new product releases. Sure, it’s possible to learn about a new product by reading or looking at photos. Sound clips can give a better idea of how an aftermarket exhaust sounds. However, to fully understand how an Akrapovič exhaust transforms the character of a vehicle, it must be experienced firsthand. That’s why two members of the Turn 14 Distribution European Performance Sales team borrowed the keys to Precision Motorsports’ M5 Touring and charted a course for 16 dealers across six states in seven days to spread the good word of lightweight, titanium exhaust.

Before embarking on the journey, Precision Motorsports made sure the M5 looked the part by equipping it with components from other partners on Turn 14 Distribution’s line card: AST Suspension and Vossen Wheels. AST’s Adjustable Lowering Spring (ALS) kit dropped the wagon just right and maintained the factory adaptive dampers’ functionality. An all-new set of Vossen’s 21” VPS-4 wheels set the stance off perfectly.

SOUND, DESIGN, PERFORMANCE GAINS, AND WEIGHT SAVINGS

These are the four pillars Akrapovič targeted when developing the system for the BMW M5. Thanks to its connections with BMW Motorsport, the Slovenian company had its hands on two of the new M5s before the general public even heard about it. This gave Akrapovič a head start in its Evolution Line Titanium Exhaust System product development. First, the sound needed to reflect the refinement that is the company’s signature. Because the stock system has no exhaust valves, the physical design was used to craft the auditory experience. Akrapovič employed acoustic reflectors in the tailpipes, a cast titanium x-connection, and a specially-designed resonator to cultivate the deep and sporty tone. The result is a design that appeals to both the ears and the eyes.

The superficial characteristics alone aren’t what Igor Akrapovič built his legacy on. The M5 Evolution Line raises the peak horsepower to 725.9 hp at 5,950 rpm and peak torque to 792.2 lb-ft at 2,500 rpm. Power and torque are improved throughout the rev range, with maximum gains of 11.4 hp at 6,150 rpm and 11.5 lb.-ft at 2,550 rpm. These performance gains are achieved without any change to the factory tune and do not impede emissions compliance. While added power is always welcome, the new M5 could still lose a few pounds. The Evolution Line system is 41.1% lighter than the stock exhaust, shedding 34.1 lbs. from the hulking Bavarian wagon.

IN GOOD COMPANY

The Demo Tour began in Michigan at Turn 14 Distribution’s Ferndale satellite office. Nearby is Prefix Performance Center, located at M1 Concourse. The team at Prefix Performance provides trackside support to track-prepped street cars and purpose-built racing machines alike, so they and Akrapovič share a direct connection through motorsport. Build quality is extremely important to them, and that makes Akrapovič a top choice for their clientele.

Next stop, Lake Zurich, Illinois, to visit IND Distribution, a tastemaker within the BMW aftermarket community. They know excellence when they see it, so Turn 14 had to show off the Akrapovič Evolution Line system. The sound was well-received by the team, and the rear diffuser’s fit and finish was another point of praise. IND’s expansive online retail catalog is a valuable resource for owners of late model BMWs and more.

A stop in York, PA, at BMW specialist Kassel Performance garnered the M5 Touring additional worthy acclaim. The T14 team was kindly encouraged to rev up the V8 for a demonstration, and the shop owner was hooked on the sound immediately. A common thread across all of the dealers and shops visited was how impressive Akrapovič’s Evolution Line system’s “dual personality” was.

A LASTING IMPACT

After over 2,000 miles in the BMW M5 Touring, our Sales Representatives were pleased to share that the car was perfect for the long road trip. The Akrapovič system was tame on the highway at cruising pace with no drone at all. Outside of the normal sensitivity to bumps that accompanies upsized wheels, the AST Suspension ALS kit rode beautifully without sacrificing any comfort.

The final stop on the Akrapovič M5 Dealer Demo Tour was MPACT East at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, PA. This event was created for BMW enthusiasts to soak up the culture and experience more than just a car show. Turn 14 Distribution was present as the Official Warehouse Distributor, and Akrapovič was alongside as the Official Exhaust. The Precision Motorsports M5 Touring was front and center, in good company with an M8 Competition in Marina Bay Blue also equipped with an Evolution Line system.

A FINE FAREWELL

Before returning the M5 to its owner at Precision Motorsports, we had to capture glamour shots. A gray day made for some great photos, and mobbing the streets of Horsham, Pennsylvania offered the wagon a proper sendoff. Its aggressive stance demanded attention, and the growls and burbles from the hexagonal Akrapovič tailpipes let everyone know the G99 meant business. 

The BMW M5 Touring is built for drivers who desire luxury and comfort but have a penchant for the exhilarating. The Akrapovič Evolution Line exhaust system perfectly complements this duality by offering a tasteful exhaust note that wakes up the car when the driver desires.

Thank you to Akrapovič and Precision Motorsports for the opportunity to share this experience with Turn 14 Distribution’s dealer network. To order your Akrapovič exhaust system and carbon fiber accessories, contact your Turn 14 Distribution Sales Representative today or log into the dealer portal at www.turn14.com.