Our sister-magazine BimmerToday, quoting German publication Focus, reports on the possibility of the new 2012 BMW M5 to have an increased top speed. The now usual 250 km/h top speed available in several other M products is said to be raised to 305 km/h (189mph), but only for the German market.
In the past, many automakers offered driver training courses in conjunction with their super sporty offerings, an elegant solution to accustom the buyers with their powerful vehicles. Even the BMW M5 E60 generation was ordered from the factory with 305 km/h, again in Germany only.
The game seems to be repeating again with the new F10 M5. For an additional cost into four figures, the top speed can be raised to 305 km/h and will be combined with a driver training program. In order to handle the increased top speed, the M5 will have to be equipped with tires having the speed index ZR (>240 kph). The usually tires used are marked Y and can handle up to 300 km/h.
Same German publication reports on the transmission choices for the new M5 which comes in two flavors: a 7-speed DCT gearbox and manual. Only for the US the manual gearbox will be available, same as with the E60. As with the E60 M5, the manual transmission will be available only for the U.S. market.
The dual-clutch gearbox will be available with shift paddles on the steering wheel.
More information will be unveiled by BMW on April 1st and BMWBLOG will report live from the event.
Author: Horatiu B.
Source: http://www.bmwblog.com/2011/03/25/bmw-m ... -u-s-only/