2012 BMW M5 Concept
Keeping with BMW tradition, the M-5 ‘Concept’ is seriously close to the production model that’s set to hit Europe this Fall and come Stateside next spring. The outgoing version of the track-tuned midsize sedan left the market in 2010, giving BMW a full year to improve the already-impressive performance luxury car. The new M-5 will likely features an increase in both horsepower and torque due to an engine change; BMW is replacing the old M-5’s 5.0-liter V-10 with a 4.4-liter, twin-turbo V-8, according to Car and Driver.
BMW’s press release regarding the M-5, published by Autoblog, states that the new rear-wheel drive M-5 will use the same rear differential as the X-6 SUV, which the auto press predicts will improve its handling both on the track and in snowy or icy conditions. But what really gets the automotive press excited is a brand new seven-speed manual gearbox, which should improve the outgoing automated manual gearbox considerably.
Although BMW didn’t release many details about the 2012 M-5’s interior (the prototype’s windows were blacked out and doors were locked during the press preview event), shoppers can expect it to be in line with other M-variant models, as well as the top-of-the-line 550-i Gran Turismo. Most of the sedan’s estimated $ 100,000 price tag will go to its performance-optimized powertrain, but features like leather seats, heated side-view mirrors, windshield washer jets and door locks, and push-button start will likely all be standard, as these features all come included on the base trim of the smaller M-3 sedan. The 550-i Gran Turismo includes features like standard navigation, ten-way adjustable driver’s and front passenger’s seat with driver’s seat memory, and Bluetooth connectivity. The 2010 BMW M-5 had an MSRP of $ 85,700.?
