Internet media is a funny space. Once something is out there, keeping it mum is just impossible. So it was with the new 2012 BMW M5 sedan whose pictures have now been officially revealed by its makers. Still labelled a concept, the term is just so BMW can keep a little of its lost dignity. For all intents and purposes you are looking at the complete article. Wait, there’s more. We also have some official engine details!
To get straight into it, BMW says it features a new twin turbo V8 which we take to mean a revised 4.4-litre with more power than its X5 M and X6 M siblings. Both those cars spew out 408kW each. Part of the media statement says “compared to the fourth generation of the BMW M5's power unit, the newly developed engine has a significantly increased output level, whilst at the same time lowering previous fuel consumption”.
Because the previous-gen car which was codenamed E60, added 79kW on its predecessor the E39, if we applied the same logic on this car then we’d get a power figure of 452kW. I doubt it will go this high, but I reckon that would be very nice of BMW if it did! Apparently it features stop/start fuel-saving technology and is a high-revving unit too, just like the previous V10 was.
Something confirmed though is that the car will use a 7-speed double clutch (M-DCT) gearbox to send all power and torque to the rear wheels. Its M differential will aide in cornering and grip.
The concept features 20-inch light alloy wheels with 265/35 ZR20 rubber at the front and 265/35 ZR20 at the back.
The car will be unveiled at Shanghai Auto later this month. We hope to reveal more details before that show. Watch this space.
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