While on the floor at this year’s North American International Auto Show, our friends at BMWBlog were able to listen in on BMW officials confirming that the 2013 BMW M5 will be available from the start of production with a 6-speed manual transmission.

For some time we were swayed in a certain direction with reports that BMW’s M5 would only get the 7-speed M-DCT (M-Double Clutch Transmission). It is good news to hear that BMW will keep enthusiasts and purists alike in the market for a 4-door rocket ship satisfied with a real clutch pedal and 6 manually-shifted forward gears.

Reportedly, the 6-speed manual gearbox will be a no-cost option and have ratios optimized for acceleration, flexibility and fuel economy while maintaining the initial final drive ratio and special M differential.

The new 2013 BMW M5 will be hitting showroom floors late summer 2012.

Six lucky bastards recently got the chance to experience and test drive the new 2012 BMW M5 at the Nurburgring (nicknamed Green Hell). The new BMW M5, as any other BMW M vehicle, feels right at home on the Nurburgring which is why they chose to take 6 guys on a ride of their life. M-Power.com offered this unique opportunity to six lucky enthusiasts from different corners of the world before the new M5 is launched. Check out the exclusive Green Hell Fly & Drive video below of these 6 guys grinning ear to ear.

We get to have a close look and listen to the new 2012 BMW M5 in two new videos. One of the videos is action packed from the track, mountains and street. The other video is a close-up of the interior and exterior showcasing the fine details that makeup Bavarian’s finest automobile. Basically, the videos below put the new M5 in its familiar element which can be just about any type of paved surface environment that you can throw at it. Enjoy!

Source: BimmerPost

BMW's new M5, not on the 'Ring. Image: BMW AG

Cadillac used their 7:59 lap of the Nürburgring to promote the CTS-V as the “world’s fastest sedan.” Even when Porsche ran a 7:56 with the Panamera Turbo, Caddy kept up with their “world’s fastest” claim, since the Panamera Turbo’s lap wasn’t official. Now comes word that Cadillac will have some serious catching up to do: the new BMW M5 has (allegedly) lapped the Green Hell in 7:55. If this turns out to be true, the M5 gets the crown as the world’s fastest sedan, at least until Cadillac updates the CTS-V. The 2012 Corvette ZR1 is three seconds faster around the ‘Ring than its 2009 counterpart, and the 2012 Z06 Corvette is some twenty seconds faster than its 2005 equivalent. Surely GM could shave some seconds off the CTS-V with new tires and suspension tuning, if they want to retain bragging rights.

A lap time of 7:55 makes the newest M5 as fast as a Ferrari F430 F1, and within a second of the Porsche 911 Turbo 997, the previous generation Nissan GT-R and the Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG. It’s only three seconds off of a Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4, which is a properly fast supercar. Will the record be verified, or will BMW take to the ‘Ring to turn an even faster lap? Will Cadillac give up the title of “world’s fastest sedan” without a fight? Stay tuned, because we’re guessing this isn’t over yet.

Source: Auto Guide

We already saw the official images of the new 2012 BMW M5 Concept back in April and now the guys at Bimmerpost (F10.5post) have leaked the first official BMW F10 M5 production model photos onto the web before its official reveal.

From the looks of the official production images of the new M5, BMW has kept things in line with the Concept M5 which is not a bad thing at all. From the very first production BMW M5 back in 1985 to what we see here now, the M5 has evolved into a tasteful modern iteration of the fastest 4-door BMW has to offer.

The new 2012 BMW M5 will have 552 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 501 pounds-feet of torque at 1,500 rpm via its twin-turbo V8 engine. This will propel the new M5 to 62mph from a standstill in 4.4 seconds. A new M-Drivers Package will raise the top speed to an astonishing 189 mph.

Power will be directed to the rear wheels via a standard dual-clutch transmission while a 6-speed manual will allegedly be offered in the U.S.

Pricing information has not been confirmed as of yet be we speculate a price of entry starting near the 6-figure field of $100,000 considering it is rumored to start around 100,000 euros in Germany. At any rate, you may want to start putting your money away now.

Official Specs:

• 560PS (552hp) / 680Nm (501tq) V8 twin-turbo
• 552hp at 6,000rpm (E60 M5 reached max 507PS at 7750rpm)
• Max torque at just 1500rpm (vs E60 M5 which had max torque of 507Nm)
• 7-speed DCT transmission (manual transmission also likely, based on yesterday’s photos)
• 0-100km (0-62mph) in 4.4 seconds (E60 M5 took 4.7 seconds)
• 0-200km (0-124mph)in 13 seconds
• M-Drivers-Package will increase top speed from 250km/h to 305km/h (127mph to 189mph)
• Active M-differential with torque vectoring
• Looks to break 8min lap at Nurburgring
• Tires are 265/35 ZR 20″ front 295/30 ZR 20″ rear

[source: Bimmerpost]

What’s better than the new 2012 BMW M5? A new 2012 BMW M5 with all-wheel-drive! The Bavarian beast, better known as the M5, has been reportedly confirmed that it will have an AWD version when it hits the production line.

Due to showcase its sheetmetal at upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show in September, the new 2012 BMW M5 will sport a turbocharged V8 with around 600 horsepower. With the idea of this force-fed monster delivering power to all four wheels, it will surely be an added treat for those fortunate enough to get behind the wheel of BMW’s 4-door legend.

[source: Autocar]

Just after the internet was flooded with a first glimpse of the new 2012 BMW M5 Concept, BMW decided to release some official details and images of the fifth-generation uber-performance sedan from Munich.

The new M5 Concept is said to be an accurate representation of what we will expect to see hit the dealerships this Fall in Europe and then in spring of next year for the states.

The new M5 not only embarks an aggressively styled 5 Series, but it embodies the soul found in any M-Motorsport products that BMW has produced. The styling cues expected in a M vehicle are found in the new M5. So far BMW has yet to release any detailed specifics in terms of performance numbers. We look for BMW to release that information during the Shanghai Motor Show later this month.

View the full “BMW Concept M5” Press Release below for additional preliminary information on BMW’s newest 4-door beast!

The BMW Concept M5.
A glimpse at the 5th generation of a legend

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – Sunday, April 6, 2011…

Nearly 25 years ago, US enthusiasts were introduced to the concept of the true performance/luxury sedan, the veritable “wolf in a business suit”. A car which offered the driving comfort experienced in a premium sedan and the handling characteristics of a high-performance sports car that can only be described by one single unmistakable model designation – BMW M5. With the first generation of this model, which arrived on US shores in 1987, BMW M GmbH laid the foundation stone for a completely new vehicle category. The BMW M5 was the first car of its kind to offer racing-oriented high performance in a sedan that could be driven without compromise in everyday traffic. This unique concept developed into a remarkable success story spanning four model generations. BMW M GmbH prepares to draw the attention enthusiasts to a four-door sedan yet again. The BMW Concept M5, which makes its public debut at the Auto Shanghai 2011, represents the latest interpretation of this unmistakable vehicle character.

Uncompromising performance and typical M aesthetics in a BMW 5 Series Sedan provide the basis for the exclusive BMW M5 driving experience. With each model generation, the advancements made in the development of premium sedans in terms of comfort, safety and premium ambience were accompanied by new possibilities to intensify that unsurpassed ‘M feeling’. The world premiere of the BMW Concept M5 at the Auto Shanghai 2011 foreshadows the continuation of this tradition. Based on the design vocabulary developed for the BMW 5 Series Sedan, the near-series concept car reflects the characteristic styling features of a BMW M automobile, with which the car’s further enhanced dynamic potential is captured.
A new high-revving V8 engine with M twin-turbo technology guarantees typical M power output. The eight-cylinder engine delivers a spontaneous and even acceleration, which remains constant up to the highest load and is characteristic of the M feeling, in a previously unequalled dimension. At the same time, both performance and efficiency have been significantly increased in comparison to the previous engine. Numerous drivetrain innovations and other enhancements have lead to a reduction in fuel consumption and emission levels by more than 25 percent. The new engine and a seven-speed M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic and M-specific suspension and steering create the ideal prerequisites for an unrivalled driving experience.

Typical M aesthetics: performance defines design, aerodynamics optimize performance.

The athletic appearance of the BMW Concept M5 authentically expresses the engine’s superior power. The sporty and elegant look of the BMW M5 Sedan has been specifically modified using typical M design vocabulary. All specific design features are directly related to the Sedan’s outstanding performance characteristics. They were developed exclusively for the BMW Concept M5 and enhance the vehicle’s character, which is marked by high performance and responsive handling even under extreme conditions. Prominent examples of this are the large air intakes, which allow for the engine’s higher cooling requirements, as well as optimized aerodynamics thanks to a discreet spoiler located on the trunklid and a diffuser integrated into the rear apron.
The BMW Concept M5 owes its intense emotional impact to the direct relation of each detail with the technical requirements. At the same time, the concise styling of the high-performance car’s specific features creates the character of understatement that is typical of a BMW M automobile. The car’s superior appearance is underlined by the body color Chrome Shadow. The discreet appearance of this body color distinctively enhances the surface contours of the vehicle’s three-dimensionally modeled bodywork.

Front apron: precise airflow optimizes cooling and aerodynamics.

Dynamic lines and large air intakes on the front end of the BMW Concept M5 are a clear indication of the vehicle’s exceptionally sport-oriented characteristics and its engine’s outstanding power. Like on the BMW 5 Series Sedan, the contour lines on the bonnet of the BMW Concept M5 flow towards the BMW kidney grille. The upright position of the widely stretched kidney grille also reflects dynamic forward movement. The dual round Xenon headlights, which are complemented at the top by an accentuating light, create the road-focused look that is also characteristic of BMW M automobiles.

The front apron, which was designed exclusively for the BMW Concept M5, contributes significantly towards both the car’s athletic appearance as well as its dynamic potential. It features three large air intakes, the dimensions of which are precisely oriented towards the high cooling requirement of the engine and its ancillary components. The center opening corresponds to the width of the BMW kidney grille, the side contour lines move away from each other as they continue downwards. This echoes the V shape between the grille and the headlights, thus emphasizing the width of the air intake.

The center air intake protrudes further out than the two outer intakes and its contours are slightly curved. This three-dimensional design and the deeply embedded, black grille sporting a honeycomb design additionally underscore the vehicle’s powerful character. With concisely designed so-called flaps on the lower edges of the outer air intakes, the BMW Concept M5 boasts a racing-inspired feature for optimizing airflow. These also emphasize a front apron design that is oriented towards the technical demands.

Side view: dynamically flowing lines, large M light alloy wheels.

With powerfully modeled wheel arches and dynamically flowing lines, the BMW Concept M5 also signals uncompromising sportiness when viewed from the side. The long wheelbase, the set back passenger cabin and the black side window surrounds distinctively underscore the sedan’s stretched silhouette. This appearance is even more strongly emphasized through M-specific lowering of the vehicle. The athletically flared wheel arches are complemented by M-specific light alloy wheels sporting a double-spoke design. Due to the vehicle’s wide track, they are flush with the car body. The 20-inch forged rims are fitted with tire size 265/35 ZR20 at the front and 265/35 ZR20 at the back.

The M-typical gill element on the front side panel has been reinterpreted on the BMW Concept M5. The gill features a high-quality chrome surround and is horizontally divided by a chrome bar, which in addition to the side indicator also bears the M logo. The gill element is the starting point of the swage line, which during its further course across the door handles stretches back as far as the taillights.

The rear end: athletic styling, targeted airflow.

Unparalleled road holding are effectively symbolized by the BMW Concept M5′s rear end design. The emphasis on vehicle width through dominating horizontal lines also featured on the BMW 5 Series Sedan is combined with an athletically shaped rear apron. The vehicle-specific rear apron, which forms a smooth transition to the wide wheel arches, ensures a particularly intensive accentuation of the motive force that is transferred to the rear wheels.
An integrated diffuser at the lower edge of the rear apron effectuates targeted airflow at the end of the undercarriage. As a typical M identifying feature, the BMW Concept M5 is fitted with a double-flow exhaust system, the double tailpipes of which are located far apart at each side of the diffuser and surrounded by aerodynamically shaped trims. Likewise, the discreet rear spoiler located on the boot lid serves to optimize the car’s aerodynamic characteristics. It ensures additional downforce above all at high speeds, thus contributing towards supreme handling at all times.

Awe-inspiring power, impressive efficiency: V8 with M TwinPower Turbo.

The BMW Concept M5 gives a starting signal for the venture into a new dimension of motor racing-oriented driving dynamics. The high-performance characteristics reflected in its design are realized through the M-specific drivetrain and suspension technology. Under the concept car’s hood is a new, high-revving V8 featuring M TwinPower Turbo Technology. The new engine ensures a new dimension of the linear power development characteristic of BMW M automobiles. Moreover, it embodies the principle of technological advancement within the framework of the BMW Group’s Efficient Dynamics strategy. Compared to the fourth generation of the BMW M5′s power unit, the newly developed engine has a significantly increased output level, whilst at the same time lowering previous fuel consumption and emission levels by at least 25 percent. With the new eight-cylinder engine, big steps have been taken in the optimization of drivetrain technology. A clear increase in power is accompanied by a remarkable increase in efficiency. This demonstrates the unparalleled effectiveness of this development strategy, which originates from racing, where in addition to the engine’s performance capabilities and reliability, as few fuel stops as possible result in a decisive advantage.

The BMW Concept M5′s engine power is transferred to the rear wheels by a seven-speed M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic. This double-clutch gearbox, which was specifically tuned to the new V8 engine’s performance characteristics, offers extremely fast gear shifting, precise gear selection and a high degree of effectiveness that further optimizes the vehicle’s efficiency. The combination of the new engine with M Drivelogic is supplemented by an Auto Start Stop function. When halting at road junctions or in a tailback, the high-performance engine is temporarily switched off, thus avoiding unnecessary fuel consumption during idling. To continue the journey it is sufficient to release the footbrake and the V8 engine restarts immediately.

M suspension technology, typical M innovation: active M Differential

The suspension technology especially developed for each model is an equally crucial constituent part of the well-balanced overall concept of any M automobile. It is constructed using comprehensive know-how obtained from years of racing and then tuned during extensive tests carried out on the North Loop of the Nürburgring. The result is an exclusive M suspension set up as well as exceptionally effective and weight-optimized brakes, which also remain stable even under the hard use that a place like the Nürburgring demands.

In addition, the BMW Concept M5 features innovative rear differential technology also developed by BMW M GmbH. The Active M Differential maximizes traction in cornering by using targeted variation of locking torque between the right and left drive wheels.

Active control of the multi-plate lock inside the rear differential is highly accurate and fast. This ensures that wheel spin is prevented even on slippery road surfaces and in the event of differing friction coefficients between the right and left wheels, in narrow bends or during sudden lane changes. Optimized traction thereby facilitates the highest level of vehicle stability and dynamics during acceleration out of bends even under the most demanding conditions.

BMW Concept M5 – the future of the high-performance sports car with four doors and five seats.

The BMW Concept M5 embodies the vision of a premium upper midrange sedan offering the highest degree of comfort for up to five occupants and allowing the driver to follow the ideal racing line both on the racetrack and in everyday road traffic. The BMW Concept M5 combines outstanding performance resulting from racing-inspired drive and suspension technology with typical M aesthetics that authentically express the vehicle’s dynamic potential. The concept car visualises the unmistakable characteristics of a BMW M model, which mature from a harmonious overall concept in which engine, suspension and design complement each other perfectly. BMW M GmbH’s know-how gained from decades of experience and constantly further developed under racing conditions manifests itself in this combination. Innovative technology derived directly from motor racing provides each new BMW model with unmatched high-performing characteristics.

The BMW Concept M5 reflects a highly advanced stage in the development of a high-performance vehicle based on the new BMW 5 Series Sedan. The specific design features are directly aligned to the technical requirements, the suspension technology is precisely harmonized with the engine’s performance characteristics. With this precisely defined development strategy, the latest embodiment of the incomparable M feeling drives steadily towards series reality.

BMW Group In America

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, a strategic design consultancy in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group’s global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all X5 and X3 Sports Activity Vehicles and X6 Sports Activity Coupes. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 338 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 138 BMW motorcycle retailers, 103 MINI passenger car dealers, and 30 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

Information about BMW Group products is available to consumers via the Internet at:
www.bmwgroupna.com.

There was recently a private showing of the new 2012 BMW Concept M5 in Munich, Germany to a select number of journalists. Reportedly, the private showing included cars held at the BMW M facility garage in Garching. Of those cars, the new BMW M5 was showcased along with a few other gems such as an E46 M3 Touring edition (M3 wagon), lightweight M3 sedan and a M8. Of course the big surprise during the private event was the BMW M5 which everyone had only seen partially wrapped in camo until now.

Someone from the Russian site, Transmissia.net, posted the photos below ahead of the official embargo which will be lifted April 7^th.

[source: Jon Sibal via transmissia.net]