BMW has given supercar fans a first look at the new BMW M5 2011/2012 F10 supersaloon that will be the brand's star attraction at China's Shanghai Motor Show this month.
The BMW Concept M5 is being dubbed as the latest reinterpretation of the famed M5, which was the first BMW saloon car to receive the famous M treatment more than 25 years ago.
Don't be fooled by the Concept M5 tag: this pretty much IS how the production version of the new BMW M5 will look, when it is fully revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September. The price has not yet been revealed; the previous M5 sold for around £65,000 at the end of its life.
BMW, though, hasn't forgotten today's need to go green, despite big expectations for huge power and performance. Thus, while this new M5 is already officially described as 'faster' than the outgoing BMW M5, it will also be much more fuel efficient.
Much, MUCH more fuel efficient: BMW is predicting economy gains of around 25-30%, which will have a corresponding benefit on CO2 emissions, too. We expect the new BMW M5 to return not far off 25mpg - amazing results for such a potent machine.
It's all been possible through the use of a new twin-turbo V8 engine, substituting the thirsty old 5.0-litre V10. BMW isn't saying how big this one is, but we'd guestimate 4.4-litres - it's expected to be derived from the storming turbo engine already fitted to the BMW X5M and X6M.
The jerky old SMG clutchless-manual gearbox will be replaced too, by a far better 7-speed twin-clutch gearbox. There will be a manual model on sale in the US too (the old manual M5 was a cult hit there). The new BMW M5 will, of course, also be rear-wheel drive.
BMW is not giving much more technical info away at this stage, though - other than saying it will be exceedingly technologically advanced, building further from the already mind-boggling base provided by the current class-leading BMW 5 Series.
MSN Cars was, however, at the official pre-reveal of the new BMW M5 - read on for our views on the styling, plus some insider details from the man in charge of the project, which may provide more hints as to what we'll be seeing in Frankfurt this September.
The front end of the new BMW M5 is dominated by massive air intakes. BMW M head of development Albert Biermann said the sole intent here was to get as much air in as possible: "We need air, air, air and more air!"
At the rear, the new BMW M5 sports the quad exhausts that are a design characteristic of the M division.
The rear tyres are massive 295/30-section rubber, sitting atop 20-inch wheels. Expect these black-painted rims to be an option, if not even a standard-fit.
