2012 BMW M5 spy shots most revealing yet | Car Advice

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2012 BMW M5 spy shots most revealing yet

By Brett Davis |

BMW is obviously finishing up development and testing of the next-generation BMW M5 as these latest spy shots show the car in its most revealing guise yet.

So far we know the new M5 will feature a 4.4-litre twin-scroll (TwinPower) twin-turbo V8 producing a reported 425kW of power and 718Nm of torque. The new car is also said to be fitted with a seven-speed dual-clutch M transmission with Drivelogic and stop/start technology.

Early videos of a test mule showed a manual transmission could be available, but now international word is that a manual type will only be available to the US – although official confirmation is yet to be announced.

Not much more can be revealed of the new model as we’ve already been shown the concept version and loads of spy shots showing plenty of detail. These new shots to come through do show the car in a new colour though, a metallic bronze/brown.

Other highlights uncovered in these images are the side gills or vents behind the front wheel arches. M cars have traditionally featured these gill-style vents since the E46 M3 of 2001 and the BMW Z3 M. On the M5 the vents appear to be outlined in chrome to match the door handles and window trims, similar to the concept version.

Forum members from M5board recently captured the new car’s interior and engine bay, showing carbon fibre shift paddles behind the steering wheel and a complex intercooler setup under the bonnet.

The car is sure to please fans upon its release next year, especially if the car performs like it did in the recent pre-production testing video released by BMW. Like all M cars it will feature performance-oriented suspension, steering, brakes and various visual highlights and ‘M’ logos which will set it apart from the normal 5 Series.

The production 2012 BMW M5 is set to be unveiled at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show in September. We look forward to providing all the coverage of the unveiling and a full review as soon as possible.


 

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  • UMWHAT

    why would a manual type be only available to the U.S when no one drives a manual there

    • Smoothcall

      Actually they do – they even got the previous M5 with a ‘stick shift’.

      • http://caradvice OSU811

        A lot more people and a much bigger market, so even if the percentage uptake is smaller than other markets the actual sales numbers are still larger!, having said that
        I would personally prefer the manual here instead of the automated manual..

      • UMWHAT

        yeah but no one bought it

        im pretty sure europe has more manual customers so this makes no sense

  • Roadtard

    Check the depressions in the bonnet. It’s already claimed an inattentive pedestrian.

  • kiwimark

    Are BMW M in denial about using turbos as see there is no boost gauge!!

  • David

    The engine looks like a monster and has a different setup to the X5M/X6M twins. Can’t wait for the official reviews.

    I wonder if this colour is the Sepang Bronze used on the E60 M5 or a new colour altogether?

  • http://YouTube.com/asa7 Asa7

    I love the color an im really getting excited about this M5 now. I was wondering how they would make the F10 look good.

    And I’ve seen at least 2 manual E60 M5s on the road. 2 out of the maybe 10 I’ve ever seen

    • UMWHAT

      in australia?

      • David

        No, I believe Asa7 is in the US. Look at his spelling of colour (color).

  • MB

    Looks a bit like that color of theirs ‘Havanna’ which I quite like.

  • don

    CLS 63 AMG

  • Carlos

    if it’s not available in manual, I don’t care how good it is I’m not buying it. auto transmission is for lazy slobs, and clutchless paddlestick manuals are just crap.