IM 5 Performance Hits 751hp
The new IM 5 Performance edition boasts 751hp, 802Nm torque, and 0-62mph in 3.2 seconds for under £50k, generating significant excitement in the performance car segment. Meanwhile, F1 discussions highlighted new lighter cars with less downforce and energy harvesting emphasis, with George Russell's Mercedes being called a 'rocket' and both Mercedes and Ferrari positioned strongly for the new regulations.
IM Motors, the brand behind the IM 5, is a joint venture established in 2020 between SAIC Motor, the parent company of MG, and Chinese technology giants Alibaba and Zhangjiang Hi-Tech. The name "IM" stands for "Intelligence in Motion," signaling a focus on the premium, high-technology electric vehicle segment where it competes with brands like Tesla and XPeng. In export markets, the IM 5 is often marketed as the MG IM5, positioning it as a premium offering within the MG lineup. This strategy leverages MG's established dealer network to introduce a more luxurious and technologically advanced vehicle to a wider audience. The Performance model utilizes a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive system and a 100kWh battery to achieve its impressive performance figures. The buzz around high-performance electric vehicles runs parallel to major shifts in Formula 1. The 2026 season will introduce a new generation of F1 cars that are both smaller and lighter, with the minimum weight reduced by 30kg. The wheelbase will be shortened by 200mm and the width by 100mm, aiming for more nimble and agile race cars. A key change in the 2026 F1 regulations is a greater emphasis on hybrid power, with a near 50/50 split between the internal combustion engine and electrical power. This involves a significant increase in electrical energy deployment, with the MGU-K's power output rising to 350kW. To support this, energy harvesting capabilities will be substantially increased, allowing for more than double the previous energy to be recharged per lap. The new F1 regulations also feature active aerodynamics, with both front and rear wings adjusting on the straights to reduce drag and increase speed. An "Overtake Mode" will replace the Drag Reduction System (DRS), providing an extra boost of electrical power to aid in passing. Early impressions of the new 2026 F1 cars have been positive, with drivers noting the reduced weight and increased power. George Russell commented that the power from the new units is "pretty impressive" and that the cars feel smaller and have noticeable weight reduction. Following the first qualifying session of the 2026 season, Mercedes secured a dominant front-row lockout, with George Russell on pole. Both Mercedes and Ferrari are seen as being in a strong position for the new era of F1. Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur noted that the 2026 cars have "positively surprised" many in the paddock, with performance already closer to the 2025 cars than initially feared.
