Rare VW W10 BMW M5 heads to auction

A one-off 1999 E39 BMW M5 fitted with Volkswagen’s experimental 5.0-liter W10 engine is headed to auction, showcasing Ferdinand Piëch’s push to develop narrow-angle engines that later informed the Bugatti Veyron’s W16. The prototype reportedly makes 473 horsepower, retains its six-speed manual, and has its traction control, stability control and ABS disabled. Elsewhere in BMW M-car news, a well-kept red E36 M3 sedan highlights the generation’s broader U.S. appeal, while a feature argues that the F87 M2 Competition is among the best modern M cars. A review of the newer M2 CS praises its 523 horsepower, rear-wheel drive and cohesive performance-focused engineering, while noting its steep price and firmer, less forgiving setup.