2012 BMW M5 with manual transmission Spied

[jnrdavo]

Not that we needed any visual confirmation, but the now long-time rumored 2012 BMWM5 with manual transmission has just been spotted on US soil. The fellows at InsideLine spied a F10 M5 prototype with a stick shift during the usual daily testing.

Between June 23 and 26th, 2011, BMW will host an M Festival to celebrate the 24hr race at the Nurburgring race track.

On this occasion, BMW invites fans around the world to have a look behind the scenes at the famous race and also visit the playground where every M car is developed and tested. The new 2012 BMW M5 will also be introduced at this event.



Full details around the powerplant remain unknown, but we learned in the past that the 2012 BMW M5 is powered by an updated version of the S63 engine found in the BMW X5 M and X6 M. The 4.4-liter V8 twin-scroll powerplant will peak at somewhere in the 570-horsepower range and 530 lb-ft of torque. The 0-62 mph dash should take about 4.4 seconds,

The updated unit 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.

The new engine is mated mated to a 7-speed M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic. The combination of the new engine with M Drivelogic is supplemented by an Auto Start Stop function. As seen in the spy photos above, manual option will be offered for US customers.

The super sporty sedan goes on sale in early 2012 and it is rumored to have a base price around $100,000 mark.



[source: bmwblog.com]

[chillibutton]

There's a bunch of pics in The Age's article this morning as well - http://theage.drive.com.au/motor-new...615-1g3f3.html

Drool! The M family is certainly upping the ante again, both upcoming twin turbo M3 and M5 look awesome.

[jnrdavo]

yeah, I love the turbo's, always much more fun in my mind!