In less than six weeks BMW will unveil the production version of the new F10 M5. The M5 Concept was revealed last month in Garching, Germany, but many details around the car remain a secret.
While not officially announced, we learned that the new M5 will come with both manual and a seven-speed M double-clutch transmission. A prototype using a manual gearbox was spotted yesterday in Southern California. In the video below, you can sense the jerkiness of the car while shifting, therefore the assumption that we’re looking at a manual transmission.
At the M5 Concept unveiling, Dr. Segler, ex-BMW M CEO, has refrained from revealing the official power output numbers, but some new details around the engine and transmission were made available. The F10 M5 is powered by new high-revving V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo Technology that delivers both performance and efficiency 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.
Design wise, the new M5 builds atop the safer, more appealing design lines of the F10 5 Series. Using softer lines, yet elegant, the new 5 Series has proven to be a success for BMW so far. The F10 M5 delivers what one expects from an M car: aggressiveness, sportiness and elegance. The front spoiler takes the M5 a step further than the 5 Series models with the popular M-package, three large air intakes, blacked out grille and discreet rear spoiler located on the boot lid serves to optimize the car’s aerodynamics.
As seen in the photos below, the production version of the M5 receives different side mirrors compared to the concept. A different set of wheels will also be offered.
The public debut will occur at the Frankfurt Auto Show this fall.
Video and Picture credit to Aj Tang and Tim Craft and 5post.
Author: Horatiu Boeriu
Source: http://www.bmwblog.com/2011/05/05/spy-p ... alifornia/