BMW M5 Concept to be unveiled at 2011 Shanghai Motor Show

BMW apparently isn't interested in doing the whole 'Geneva' thing by unveiling a concept of one of its most important new sports cars at the show next month. It's opting for the larger and, more importantly, faster growing market of China to introduce the M5 concept.

Limited details of the car are available at this stage. We know the car will feature the new 4.4-litre, twin-turbo V8 in some form - an engine also seen in the BMW X5 M, and we know it will produce upwards of 430kW. New details of the car's brake package have emerged however, as reports say it will feature carbon ceramic discs - a first of such technology to appear on a BMW road car.

Even though official images or sketches of the car haven't been released, it's expected the new car will feature discreet BMW M styling changes as per usual M cars. This means it will get a slightly revised and more aggressive front bumper bar and grille fascia, as well as bulged wheel arches front and rear and the traditional quad-outlet exhaust pipes poking out from a moderate rear diffuser.

We look forward to bringing you more details on the 2012 BMW M5 as they emerge, and will certainly provide all the coverage from the Shanghai Motor Show, opening April 19 (press day).