Despite the fact the 2012 BMW M5 isn’t due to be unveiled in the flesh until this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show in September. The car has been fully revealed in photographic form, along with some of the more important details concerning its engineering. For the F10 generation M5, the high-revving V10 of the previous E60 M5 has been ditched in favor of a twin-turbocharged V8.
Despite loosing two cylinders, the 2012 M5 is faster and more powerful than its predecessor. The new V8 develops 552 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. In addition, the maximum power output is delivered at 6,000 rpm – 1,750 rpm lower than the old V10. Reflecting the increases in power, the 2012 BMW M5 gets from 0-62 mph (100km/h) in just 4.4 seconds, 0.3 seconds faster than the E60 M5. The electronically limited top speed of 155mph remains the same.
Two transmission options are available for the 2012 BMW M5. A seven-speed M-DCT dual clutch transmission, and a six speed manual. Other special equipment featured in the 2012 M5 include an Active M-Differential with torque vectoring between the rear wheels, and an optional M-Driver’s Package which, amongst other things, removes the 155mph limiter – letting the car run to 189 mph.
Stylewise, there aren’t any surprises. The 2012 BMW M5′s design is almost identical to that of the BMW Concept M5 which was revealed at the 2011 Shanghai Motor Show in April.
Source: Auto Zeitung via Motor Authority
