These latest spy pictures of the new BMW M5 reveal that development has now shifted to the Nurburgring.
The next M5 will be the first M5 to use turbocharging; power is set to come from the twin-turbo V8 engine used in the X5 and X6 M models.
See the latest BMW M5 spy pics
Despite having as smaller capacity than the V10 engine it replaces, the V8 will be more powerful, have considerably lower emissions and an increase in torque of around 30 per cent.
This will boost torque from today’s 383lb ft at 6100rpm to somewhere around 500lb ft at little more than 1500rpm. The V10’s 500bhp comes at 7750rpm, but the V8’s peak power should arrive at not much more than 6000rpm.
Along with the new engine, the car will also get a new gearbox, a beefed-up version of the M3’s seven-speed DCT.
The car will get Active Aerodynamics, which blanks off parts of the grille and cooling intakes during warm-up and under light throttle load.
Underneath, there will be new double wishbone front suspension in place of the MacPherson strut set-up that has been a mainstay of the M5. It will be combined with multi-link rear suspension.
As with today’s model, active dampers will be used to provide the driver with the choice of differing levels of ride comfort. They will be part of a new chassis system that also includes reworked traction and stability management.
The car will be revealed at next year’s Frankfurt motor show and will reach showrooms early in 2012.
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Re: Next BMW M5 spied
" It did sound glorious, though - something which I'm not so sure this turbocharged monster will do"
You're right. M and the music of an engine, it's finished now.
Re: Next BMW M5 spied
Weight reduction with a NA engine. A genuine M!
Why not a straight 6 then...